Sara Vandepeute

Sara Vandepeute is responsible for Vital Voices’ fiscal operations and performance. This includes providing budget, financial report, and financial trend analysis to the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer as well as strategic input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the organization. Sara also oversees the implementation of strong financial controls across the organization and liaises with the external auditors on the execution of the annual financial and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) compliance audits as well as leads the preparation of the federal Form 990 in collaboration with Vital Voices’ tax accountants. Sara also overseas procurement, contract, and sub-award management and works directly with program staff to ensure award compliance. Sara joined Vital Voices is 2004.

Before Vital Voices, Sara worked AFS Intercultural Programs, an internationally focused non-profit that facilitates international high school student exchange programs. She is also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer and served as high school science and math teacher in Namibia. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Willamette University in Salem, OR. She majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and French.

What do you see as one of the greatest challenges facing women leaders?

Changing deeply rooted cultural beliefs and perspectives that are unfavorable to girls’ and women’s progress.