Name: Sarah Frey
Age: 43
Title: Owner of FM Strategic Communications and Volunteer with Phoenix Women’s Board of the Steele Children’s Research Center (PANDA)
Married/Single: Married to Brian Frey
Kids: two, a ten-year-old girl and seven-year-old boy
City you live in: Arcadia…that counts as a city around here, right?
A typical day in my life includes…
like any other working mom, I am going in all directions. With two kids, I am driving to school and sports practices, managing the Girl Scouts cookie sales, and making my best attempt at being a “theater mom.” As the owner of a PR firm, I am developing and executing strategic communication plans for trade associations, government affairs offices, think tanks, and non-profit organizations all across the country. Each day brings a new challenge.
I also love to volunteer in the Phoenix community. I have been on the Phoenix Women’s Board of the Steele Children’s Research Center – known as PANDA – for four years. It is the most rewarding volunteer work I have ever done. This year I am chairing PANDA”s annual event, the 2020 “Children Helping Children” Fashion Show and Luncheon on March 28 at the Phoenician.
I was born…
in Escalon, California. It’s a 3,000-person, one stoplight, farming town in Northern California. My standard line is, “It’s on the way to Yosemite.”
My favorite thing about Arizona…
the people! Living on the east coast for 11 years made me really appreciate the west-coast attitude I found in Phoenix when we moved here in 2011. Everyone is so warm and friendly…and just happy to be here!
I’m listening to…
yet another murder mystery podcast. One of my favorites was Bear Brook which combined a murder mystery with a discussion of the rapid expansion of at-home DNA testing, and how those worlds collide. I am looking forward to starting Dolly Parton’s America soon.
One thing I cannot live without…
The Just Try It blog (@justtryit.jti) I rely on this foursome of Phoenix women to tell me what to wear, what to buy, what eat…what to TRY!
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a nurse or a writer. I spend my days writing now, but I always wonder what the other side would have been like.
I’m inspired by…
the team at the Steele Children’s Research Center. Their dedication to searching for answers is changing lives every day.
The perfect day would be…
sleeping in, and a whine-free, piggy-back-free hike with the kids, followed by an afternoon on the patio in the sunshine at Lou’s Bar and Grill at Papago.
My first job was…
working in my family’s almond orchard. My tractor-driving skills are still impressive.
My favorite escape…
San Diego. That first smell of the ocean air when I step out of the car is the best.
My life…
is getting better every year!
I’m currently working on…
the raffle, live, and silent auction packages for PANDA’s 2020 event. We have some amazing packages to offers and can’t wait to share them.
Always…
try to check your expectations at the door.
Never…
be afraid to ask for a donation to a cause close to your heart. When you believe passionately in something, people and businesses want to support you. PANDA is so thankful for our generous donors and sponsors.
Favorite Quote…
It has to be from Dr. Fayez Ghishan, Director of the Steele Children’s Research Center, “If I spend an hour with one child, I help one child. If I spend an hour in the lab, I help 1,000 children.” This quote so concisely explains everything we do at PANDA. We believe that research holds the answers to better treatments and cures. To us, it’s all about the research.
Biggest Dream…
more travel with the kids. We took the kids sailing in the French West Indies this summer and now our family is seeking more adventure.