Name
Sarah Snoeyink
Company/Organization
Market Van Buren
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
Market Van Buren supports economic and community development throughout Cass and Van Buren counties. We connect people, organizations, and communities with strategies and services that improve the quality of life and economic conditions in our region. We focus on developing strategies that will allow our communities to thrive by addressing needs related to workforce, community, and business development.
Age
26
Accomplishments
I was the second employee hired by Market Van Buren. In my role, I have added capacity to our organization and expanded the programs and services available to local municipalities and business owners. This has included serving as a resource to support organizations as they apply for and administer state and federal grants, supporting the administration of 12 COVID-19 job retention loans, and planning community events, like the inaugural Market Van Buren Recognition Awards.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I hope that I have supported the development of projects and programs that have made a meaningful impact on the lives of our community’s residents, leaders, and business owners.
Education
I graduated Western Michigan University in 2018 with a Bachelors degree. I majored in public relations and had minors in both nonprofit leadership and Spanish.
Residence
Kalamazoo, MI
Where were you born?
Kalamazoo, MI
What was your first job?
I had a few odd babysitting and cleaning jobs while growing up, but I had my first “real” job detasseling corn the summer after 8th grade.
Best advice you ever got?
Embrace discomfort – every instance of discomfort is an opportunity for growth.
Who inspires you most?
People who are generous in giving their time, talent, and treasure to others.
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I can recite all the Presidents of the United States. I cultivated this skill as part of a school assignment in third grade, and I’ve just added a new name to the list every couple of years.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
My favorite activities include working in my vegetable and cut flower garden, golfing, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
What book are you reading now?
I am rereading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I’ve made it a habit to read the book at least once a year.
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I love opportunities to support running events like 5ks and marathons. I especially enjoy supporting shorter races that are organized for kids. I fell in love with running as a child, and I enjoy helping to ignite that love in others.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
I subscribe to the belief that “to whom much is given, much will be required.” Growing up, I had a community of family, friends, and teachers who invested in me and empowered me to pursue my dreams. I want to invest back into the corner of the world that raised me by supporting the development of communities where all people have access to that same level of support and opportunity.
What Superpower would you most love to have? (for example, the ability to fly or to be invisible, or incredible strength, etc)
I would love to be able to teleport – no more time spent in traffic jams or missed flights!
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I would like for the residents of the communities I serve to be left with greater access to resources and opportunities that allow them to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
Receiving this award is entirely humbling – especially given the wide pool of candidates this year. I look forward to continuing to serve the community and working to inspire positive economic change one person, one business, one community at a time.
