My name is Sara Patterson, and I am excited to be joining Empower Missouri as Development Manager! I have lived in the Springfield, Missouri area for the majority of my life and have over 20 years of non-profit experience. Starting at the age of 18, I co-founded a humanitarian aid organization focused on international poverty relief efforts. From that point on, I have served in a variety of non-profit roles such as program staff, administration, board member and even executive director. I currently provide freelance and volunteer support to small start up non-profit organizations in my spare time.
I understand that the impacts of poverty on everyday life are far reaching, and look forward to using my knowledge and skills to help create lasting change for my fellow Missourians. I have been following the work of Empower Missouri closely since attending Advocacy Day 2022 and have enjoyed participating in the Affordable Housing, Food Security and Community Justice Coalitions when I was able to. I look forward to being able to partake in more advocacy activities going forward. I believe that the only way to create long term solutions to poverty in our state is through the legislative process.