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Sarah Oaks was set on becoming an architect, but the 2009 recession had other ideas. She instead started her career with Portland Public Schools supporting their capital projects and sustainability initiatives as an AmeriCorps volunteer.

鈥淭his experience gave me inside knowledge of not only acting on behalf of my client, but also being part of the client,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was my first true foray into project management and I was hooked. Better than being the architect, I had an opportunity to direct the architect and ensure continuity of the result with the contractor.鈥�

She found her perfect fit in owner鈥檚 representation with DAY CPM, a division of Otak, as it gives her an opportunity to work with nearly every member of the organization and clear barriers that prevent them from doing their best work.

Oaks鈥� portfolio includes the Creekside Community High School Net Zero Addition, formerly known as Durham Education Center. She said Tigard-Tualatin Schools set out to create an amazing facility for its alternative education programs and was committed to sustainability. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pioneering facility in the state. BORA Architects were wonderful collaborators,鈥� she said.

Roosevelt High School is another standout for Oaks. While it was a very challenging project, it was a true education in the necessity and implementation of strong stakeholder engagement. She called Bassetti Architects and Lease Crutcher Lewis 鈥渟tandout partners.鈥�

鈥淚nternally, the mentorship program we are developing has been hugely gratifying. I鈥檓 so excited for the opportunities it will afford the growth and development of our staff at every level in the organization,鈥� Oaks said.

Colleague Shawn Klinkner described Oaks as 鈥渁 sharp and inspiring leader鈥� who 鈥渟eeks out examples of excellence and implements good examples into her own style and yet she is humble and servant hearted.

鈥淭his year I have seen her step into motherhood and a complete role shift in our company and she has done it gracefully,鈥� Klinkner said. 鈥淪he has and continues to express thoughtful leadership, shouldering new demands and leveraging her strengths in coaching, business planning, strategy and communication alongside of her peers in a way that is respectful and wise beyond her years.鈥�