Sarah Fowlkes did not follow a direct path into the architecture and engineering (A/E) industry. Instead, she built her career step by step, learning different skills along the way. Today she is a client account manager, serving Army and Air Force customers. Her work lies at the intersection of strategy, relationships and mission accomplishment.
“I have always been drawn to roles where I can connect people and make everything run better,” says Sarah. “That’s what concerns me every day.”
Her story is not about quick success. It’s about constant growth, adaptability and long-term commitment.
Early life and strong foundations
Sarah grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, in what she describes as a “normal white picket fence childhood.” Her father worked as an arborist and her mother ran her own environmental consulting firm. Entrepreneurship and hard work were part of her daily life.
“My parents showed me what it means to build something from the ground up,” she explains.
Sarah was busy at school. She participated in band, cheerleading, choir, theater and several clubs. She was active in both cheer and choir. These early experiences helped her build confidence and discipline.
“I liked being involved in everything,” she says. “It taught me how to manage my time and work with different types of people.”
Education and early work experience
Sarah graduated with flying colors from Dripping Springs High School. She then attended St. Edward’s University on an academic scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Medicine.
While in college, she worked as a pharmacy technician at local pharmacies, including Walgreens. As a result, she learned about responsible and detail-oriented work at an early age.
“Working in a pharmacy taught me precision and responsibility,” she says. “In this environment you can’t afford to make mistakes.”
After graduating, Sarah explored various career paths. Each role added a new layer to her skills. She learned to communicate clearly, stay organized and handle pressure.
Transition into business development
A crucial turning point came when Sarah joined her mother’s company, AmaTerra. She worked there as a business development coordinator for seven years. This role introduced her to the business side of projects and client relationships.
“This experience changed the way I think,” says Sarah. “I began to see the bigger picture – how relationships, strategy and execution are connected.”
At AmaTerra, she focused on building partnerships and supporting growth efforts. She learned to navigate complex environments and support long-term business goals.
This time laid the foundation for her entry into the A/E industry.
Working with military customers
In 2024, Sarah Fowlkes was a Client Account Manager and now supports Army and Air Force clients, working in a highly structured and mission-focused environment.
Your role requires strong communication, organization and trust building. It helps align project goals with customer needs while managing expectations across teams.
“In this area, relationships are important,” she explains. “You have to understand the mission and support it in a real way.”
Sarah’s background in business development helps her approach challenges with a strategic mindset. It focuses on long-term values rather than short-term successes.
Leadership in the Society of American Military Engineers
One of the most formative parts of Sarah’s career is her involvement with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). She has been a member for nine years and has served on the San Antonio Post Board of Directors for eight years.
Her roles included secretary, small business chair and vice president. In 2026, she will serve as president of the San Antonio Post.
“SAME has been a big part of my life,” says Sarah. “This is where I grew the most as a leader.”
Through SAME, she works to bring together industry experts, support small businesses, and advance collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“It’s all done by volunteers,” she adds. “People come because it’s important to them.”
Awards and industry recognition
Sarah’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the SAME Regional Vice President Medal for her service to the San Antonio Post. She also received the National SAME Small Business Liaison Officer Award.
These awards recognize their efforts to support federal small business programs and strengthen industry relationships.
“For me it’s not about the awards,” she says. “It’s about knowing that the work makes a difference.”
Their focus continues to be on impact rather than recognition.
A leadership style focused on the community
Sarah’s leadership style is based on service and consistency. She invests her time in building connections and supporting others in the industry.
“All of my extra time goes to SAME,” she says. “Here I can give something back and help others grow.”
She believes that leadership is not about titles. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and helping others succeed.
“You don’t have to have all the answers,” she explains. “You just have to be willing to step in and contribute.”
Looking to the future in the A/E industry
As Sarah continues her work at SAME, she remains focused on growth and impact. She is particularly interested in strengthening the role of small businesses in federal programs.
“There are lots of ways to get more people talking,” she says. “This is something that is close to my heart.”
Her journey shows that leadership is often built over time through consistent effort and meaningful engagement.
For Sarah Fowlkes, success is not defined by a single moment. It is characterized by years of continuous work, strong relationships and a clear sense of purpose.
