Alumna Spotlight: Sarah Conway

Since 1995, the Mission of American Heritage Girls has been to build women of integrity. While the AHG Program targets those in girlhood, the sincerity and faith-filled spirit that is nurtured and grown through AHG continues as girls develop and mature into women.

MEET SARAH CONWAY

Dedicated scientist. Outdoor enthusiast. Servant leader.

Together with her sister and the rest of the new Troop, Sarah grew in her natural leadership abilities, explored the outdoors, and discovered new passions. As a girl, Sarah loved earning the Geology Badge. Flash forward to today, Sarah is a Volcano Geophysicist in Hawaii. Thanks to American Heritage Girls, God revealed His great plan for Sarah through a handful of badge programs, countless outdoor adventures, and the steady encouragement of her Troop leaders.

When Sarah Conway (neé Moore) joined a little-known new program called American Heritage Girls in 1997, no one could have guessed the sort of impact it would have on the course of her future. Following in the footsteps of her older sister Amanda, Sarah joined OH0025 as a Tenderheart then called a “Tenderfoot”, the youngest Program Level at the start of AHG. The Cincinnati-area Troop was one of the first AHG Troops to charter in August of 1995.

So how exactly does an Ohio-raised American Heritage Girl become a volcano geophysicist in The Aloha State? After earning her Stars & Stripes Award and graduating high school, Sarah left Cincinnati for the University of Utah. Studying in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains, Sarah earned her Bachelors of Science in Geophysics and Seismology. Following her mountainside undergrad experience, Sarah became a Master of Science in Geological and Earth Sciences/ Geosciences by way of Penn State University. Upon graduation, Sarah took a once-in-a-lifetime dream job at the premier volcano observatory on the big island of Hawaii.

A day in the life of a Volcano Geophysicist requires a steady stream of focus, knowledge, care, and faith. Anyone who gets that close to an active volcano definitely needs a hefty dose of trust in God! In addition to discovering her passion for geology through AHG, Sarah learned some necessary skills for any volcano researcher: Emergency Preparedness. “As an adult, this comes up often with work trainings but as a child this was a rare and unique opportunity that has helped me and others greatly,” said Sarah.

Sarah’s career as a Volcano Geophysicist is classified as a role in civil service. As a civil servant, Sarah protects her island community against the threat of danger associated with active volcanoes by offering her incredible scientific knowledge and observation skills. This skill for compassionately serving others is something Sarah attributes directly to her time as an American Heritage Girl.

“I believe I truly enjoy helping others and my community thanks to the AHG Program guiding me through childhood,” said Sarah. There are a lot of different ways AHG prepared me for the life I live today. Leadership, public speaking, working well with others, outdoor activities, etc. But what AHG prepared me for the most was living a life of independence, kindness, and perseverance.”

AHG Alumnae often report back on how much the AHG Program has benefitted their lives. These young women are making a remarkable difference in the world around them. AHG is looking to connect with its alumnae and create some exciting opportunities for them to reconnect with old friends and learn how they can share their leadership abilities! Are you an AHG Alumna? Visit americanheritagegirls.org/alumnae to update your contact information and share what you’ve been up to!