Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Storelli
What is your current position? Why were you drawn to this line of work?
Sarah Storelli
I am an executive leader of social impact initiatives driving partnerships & programs that impact business, government, & society. I currently lead global program marketing for Amazon Web Services Worldwide Public Sector. I am driven by my purpose of helping make the world a better place through the power of technology and public-private partnerships.
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career/life?
While there are many professionally and personally, a handful come to mind: 1/ Building and maintaining global friendships and family relationships; 2/ Serving (currently) as a Trustee of the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, which is a public, national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® who hosts CES, the largest Consumer Electronics Show, in the world; 3/ Served as the first and only (but not the last!) English major who was the Associated Students, Inc. President (ASI President) of Cal Poly--aka student body president; and 4/ Served as IBM's first Chief Marketing Officer of Call for Code, the largest tech for good initiative of its kind in the world.
How has your English degree from Cal Poly impacted your career/life?
Having an English degree from Cal Poly has made me a better and more empathetic person, leader, and teammate. From learning how to write and communicate effectively, simplify complex topics, analyze situations to identify the core problem, and understand people on a deeper level, my English degree helped me become a more well-rounded person who views the world in many shades of colors and a million ways to reach one's dreams.
Do you have any advice for current English majors at Cal Poly?
Live your dreams. Don't let anyone, or anything, put you in a box. The world needs more passionate people who follow their purpose, and in turn, make others come alive.
Favorite author/book and why? (or if you can't choose, favorite genre?)
My favorite book is Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed because of the raw and relatable humanity that is displayed in every entry. The book captures the essence of all of us, and will make you a more empathetic person.