Advancement Officer: Events and Donor Engagement

Gulfshore Playhouse

Sarah Owen originally aspired to be a psychologist. Though she completed her psychology degree, Owen ultimately found her passion in helping people, building relationships and making a difference as a nonprofit fundraiser and event planner.

“I’ve come to realize that true motivation for me lies in happiness. A conversation with my husband made me see that my focus on future achievements was causing unnecessary stress and preventing me from appreciating my current accomplishments,” Owen says. “My favorite quote, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”’ by Martin Luther King Jr., sits in a frame on my desk, reminding me that true fulfillment comes not just from personal success, but from contributing to something larger and making a meaningful difference.”

As part of her work with the Gulfshore Playhouse, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Owen has helped raise more than $70 million in the last 12 years. While at JDRF, she was honored with the National Mission Award, recognizing “an individual who made the most significant contribution of the organization overall to the JDRF mission inclusive of fundraising.”