For Sara Sankowski ’17, creating order has always been more than tidying up a room—it’s been a source of resilience.

A recent graduate of Nazareth University, Sara is now pursuing a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling. Alongside her studies, she also started her own venture, Sarene, a reflection of her lifelong connection to organizing.

“Organizing was very therapeutic for me growing up and into adulthood,” Sara shares. “It was the one thing I always felt I had control over. While at Harley, in subjects like FST, Biology, and Math, I noticed that after organizing my binders or color-coding my planner by subject, I felt more able to start my homework. If I could control how I treat and use my environment, it gave me strength to get papers done, especially assignments from Dr. Bill Schara, History 1997-2021, 22-23 and Dr. Pat Malone P ‘20, English, 2009-2022, 2024-present (currently on leave)! It gave me purpose and was my niche when life was difficult.”

That sense of empowerment has become central to both her academic path and entrepreneurial spirit. Through Sarene, Sara works to help others find that peace and purpose in their spaces—turning rooms once filled with stress or clutter into places where memories are made.

“If the environment is chaotic, the mind is too,” she says. “I want to bring peace to people’s lives in any way I can. The home is such a special place—where late-night movie marathons with pets, family game nights, and quiet moments of self-care happen. Our spaces hold our stories, and I want them to inspire more joy and creativity.”

Whether in the classroom or in her business, Sara brings the same determination: to help others feel stronger, more grounded, and more connected to what matters most.