New Office Specialist: Sarah Saucedo

The Department of English welcomes a familiar face in one of its newest staff members. Sarah Saucedo rejoined the department as Office Specialist Sr. in the main office after a brief time away post-graduation this past May. A “gatekeeper” for the department, Saucedo’s job includes helping incoming visitors and keeping the main office running smoothly by supervising the student workers.

Starting as a student worker herself in the Department of English four years ago, Saucedo knows the ins and outs: “The familiarity with department policies, staff, and faculty means that I can jump right into more advanced projects. I can’t think of a more seamless transition for a job and I am happy to be here.”

Born in Santa Cruz, CA, and moving to Tempe at five years old, Saucedo considers herself both a California and Arizona girl. Graduating summa cum laude, she earned her BS in Sociology with a concentration in Social Welfare. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in either Social Work or Public Policy.

Saucedo’s education goes hand-in-hand with her interests outside of work. “Activism is my chief interest and hobby,” she says. “During my time as an undergrad, I was a member and president of the ASU chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy. I found within me a deep passion for social and political activism that creates real change.”

Not only did Saucedo help pass laws in Arizona, but in her leadership role she also had rewarding opportunities traveling to Washington, D.C. and New York City to attend international drug policy reform conferences. “The highlight of 2016 was when I travelled to New York City to protest the global war on drugs at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World’s Drug Problem,” Saucedo says. “Manhattan is a magical, incredible city whose infrastructure and architecture were as awe-inspiring as they were grandiose.”

In her free time, Saucedo enjoys cooking and planning meals with her beautiful cat, Lilly. “The sharing of food is a universal practice among all cultures signifying love and connectedness, which is why I love cooking and sharing meals with my loved ones!”

The Department of English is happy to have Saucedo working with us again. “What I love most about this position actually has nothing to do with the job,” she says, “but rather with the amazing people I get to work with. The English department has become like family to me and I am thrilled to be back.” 

Kira Assad

Photo courtesy of Sarah Saucedo