Sarah Alexander: Batten Alumna Takes Charge

Sarah Alexander (BA ’19) is the incoming president of the Batten Alumni Advisory Board (BAAB). A native of New Orleans, La., Alexander grew up understanding how offshore energy development and coastal environmental restoration are intertwined and mutually beneficial. She carried that understanding forward through her decision to attend the Batten School, and in subsequently choosing a career that advances the balance between energy and the environment.

After graduating from Batten, Alexander joined Mindset, a bipartisan public policy firm in Washington, D.C., where she rose from associate to director, contributing to a wide range of client work across the environmental, energy, infrastructure, transportation, trade, and agricultural sectors. She then shifted to government, becoming a staff member on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and later working for Senator Bill Cassidy, of Louisiana, as an energy and coastal policy advisor. While there, she wrote and helped advance the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Boundary Modification Act, one of the few standalone bills signed into law during the 118th Congress.

Her career came full circle this spring when she rejoined Mindset as a senior director.

Q: Why did you originally decide to get involved with BAAB?  Why did you run for BAAB Chair, and what do you aim to accomplish during your tenure? 
A: I joined BAAB at the height of the COVID pandemic as I was looking for innovative ways to serve. After leading the Careers Task Force and the Philanthropy Task Force, I ran for chair of the BAAB to continue giving back to the Batten School. As chair, I hope to help advance the careers of Batten alumni and current students alike, host new and marquee events to engage with Batten alumni, and break our philanthropic record to support even more unpaid and underpaid internships for Batten students.

Q: How did your time at the Batten School inspire and prepare you for this role?
A: Batten teaches you to “lead from anywhere,” which I took to heart at UVA. My fourth year, I served as head program director for Cavs in the Classroom, president of Rhapsody Ballet Ensemble, and editor-in-chief of Corks & Curls — all while dancing professionally as a trainee with the Charlottesville Ballet. Batten gave me the flexibility to pursue my passions at UVA and the skills to lead after graduation. Experiencing the joys and challenges of group projects, learning policy tools to evaluate key options, and developing friendships over my two years in the bachelor’s program prepared me exceptionally well for the BAAB.

Q: Tell us about a particularly memorable, maybe unexpected experience here at Batten that helped you grow as a person? 
A: I always knew that challenges energized me, and Batten proved that to me repeatedly. Math is far from my strong suit, and learning Stata in professor Dan Player’s Research Methods and Data Analysis class pushed me to think differently and tackle my weaknesses head-on. Similarly, I had never traveled outside the United States prior to taking professor Paul Martin’s capstone, Policies for Conflict and Peace in Northern Ireland, so I was eager to take advantage of the opportunity. Exploring Ireland and Northern Ireland strengthened my independence and inspired my curiosity to connect with people across different cultures.

Q: Was there anyone at Batten — faculty, staff, or peer — who stands out for their impact on your experience at the school?
A: While I did not know him at UVA, my boyfriend, Alex Gregorio, is a proud Batten graduate (MPP ’16). We actually met while both serving on the BAAB! We had two completely different experiences with Batten, but we share a love for the school and desire to give back.

Q: What would be your one or two pieces of advice for current or prospective Batten students?
A: For prospective students, apply to join Batten! For current Batten students, remain open to new ideas and new experiences. Whether you are choosing your next Batten class or determining how to take the first step in your policy career, keeping an open mind is essential. While I always loved energy policy, I would not be where I am today without exploring different opportunities. Policy is everywhere, so be confident that Batten has given you the tools to thrive in any environment.

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