Sadie polen
she/her
Director of Leadership Development Programs
As the Director of Leadership Development Programs, Sadie is responsible for implementing, executing, and scaling programs that help prepare the next generation of leaders to strengthen American democracy. Sadie loves community - she studies them, lives in them, and works to build them, and she is a firm believer in the idea that two pervasive forces - community and education - are most effective when they work together. With over ten years in higher education, she has extensive experience directing public service programs where she creates and facilitates learning experiences, programs, and spaces that are dynamic, inclusive, and accessible.
Sadie grew up down a long dirt road in Alaska (and spent her first summer in DC right after graduating from high school), Arnold Schwarzenegger signed her college diploma, she’s had mailing addresses on six continents, and she loves being outside and making birthday cakes. She has a BS from UC Davis and an MEd from Harvard.