Saran Sailer believes growth often begins outside of your comfort zone. Her journey has taken her across seven states since 2014 and through significant personal and professional changes. She made the decision to return to school and graduated from Ivy Tech and earned a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certificate through a Dress for Success Indianapolis program.
These accomplishments have helped Saran build a new career path and work toward long-term stability and purpose. Today, she continues to learn, grow and challenge herself to take the next step.
Fast Facts
- Since 2014, I have lived in seven different states.
- I come from a musically inclined family and am self-taught in all woodwind concert band instruments, as well as trombone. My primary instrument is the bassoon.
- I organized a fundraising event that helped 15 students facing financial hardship and disabilities attend prom, securing sponsorships and coordinating raffles, bake sales and clothing drives to cover attire, transportation and tickets.
Q & A
“Elevate” is this year’s theme. What does elevate mean to you, and how are you living it out right now?
To me, elevate means choosing growth even when it is uncomfortable and stepping out of my comfort zone. Right now, I am living that by regaining independence, continuing my education and setting boundaries that protect my well-being while still working toward long-term stability and purpose.
Describe a moment when you stepped into a new level of confidence or growth?
A defining moment of growth for me has been choosing to prioritize my health and stability, even when it meant making difficult life changes. Walking away from environments that were not supportive, returning to school to learn a new career and not being afraid of the unknown required a level of confidence. It has allowed me to show up stronger, learn more about myself and work toward being the best version of myself—even if it means I “fail” from time to time.
What empowerment advice would you give a woman who’s ready to take her next step?
Trust yourself enough to move forward, even if you do not have everything figured out. You do not need to wait for the right time or have a fully laid-out plan. You just need to take the next step and adjust as you go.
What brings you the most joy or energy outside of your work?
Being surrounded by my animals, spending time with my friends or attending live music events brings me back to my center. It helps me feel at peace and recharged.
How and why do you support the Dress for Success Indianapolis purpose?
I support the mission of Dress for Success Indianapolis because I have seen how access to the right resources, support and confidence can change the direction of someone’s life. Empowering women with the tools to achieve stability creates a lasting impact—not only on their lives, but on the community as well.
