Sarah Stephens has been at Opportunity Village since 2014 and has served as the vice president of business development since 2022. Before transitioning to this role, Stephens spent two years as an account executive, earning herself a leadership position in two years. As the leader of the document management division, Stephens continued with her sales responsibilities but also oversaw the daily operations of her division. Stephens facilitated significant growth in this position. Between fiscal years 2015 and 2019, sales revenue generation in the division increased by 155%. In the same period, the division’s income increased by more than 330%.
One of the challenges that Stephens faces in her role is navigating the way technology influences employment of the people that Opportunity Village serves. Automation has negatively affected many jobs and tasks available to people that have disability. However, Stephens appreciates the level of autonomy she experiences working for a nonprofit and exercises creative license in finding and developing business opportunities.
In the coming years, Stephens looks forward to expanding Opportunity Village to provide disability support outside of Nevada. “Working at Opportunity Village has truly made me a better person, inspiring me to be more patient, grateful, and compassionate,” said Stephens. “I’m proud to be part of their 70-year history of empowering, employing and serving people with disabilities.”