Beyond the Title is a series of Q&As with some of Wisconsin’s Most Influential leaders.
Sara Alvarado works in real estate, storytelling, and community education. She co-founded Own It to support Black homeownership and financial agency in Madison. Through writing and speaking, she invites conversations about identity, family history, and structural barriers. Alvarado supports change through direct resource sharing, relationship-building, and continuous reflection.
What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?
What if my value and my worthiness aren’t attached to my productivity? I can perform in a networking room and on stage, but when I do the work, the real work, my energy, my presence, is what matters. I trust in the process and when I feel too much pressure, I zoom out and I can see that most of that pressure is from me, so I let it go and get back to work.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
It’s not about what happens, but how you handle it that matters.
Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?
My courage comes when I ask myself the question, what’s the worst that could happen? And most importantly, what if it works? I also get a lot of courage knowing I have a huge support system in my corner. I have the best cheerleaders.
What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?
Who is in my corner? Do I have a great therapist? lol.
Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?
Invest time and energy in that circle. Keep it small and mighty. And be willing to move people in and out of that circle. Discernment is key. Listen to your intuition. There are a couple of outer circles that are also important. We need to be able to lean on different people for different things. Vulnerability is a strength. It is the greatest strength.
Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?
I know my energy better than anyone does. A lot of times people think we (leaders) do too much but the truth is, I like how much I do and I have the energy for it. Yes, I get tired and sometimes I crash and need to rest…but it’s my choice and I’m not here to prove anything to anyone. I study boundaries, I work with a therapist, and a coach. That helps me know my worth and stay focused on my why. But that takes work, hard work. All of that helps me avoid burnout and helps me keep perspective on what matters and stay true to my purpose. I could write a long list of all the practices I have in place. Water, good food, great workouts, inappropriate memes, saying no, saying maybe, changing my mind, my calendar, sunshine, my dog, writing, spiritual practices, my chosen family.
Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?
Recognition is helpful. But not all recognition is the same. Being recognized for having impact is where I want to be. And knowing the work I do has impact is what really matters. I stay anchored in that because I am motivated to challenge the status quo. I am inspired by systems change and culture shifts. That is more exciting to me than the popularity contests.
What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when its inconvenient?
My integrity. Probably a common answer but it’s where it’s at for me. A close second is my authenticity. I gotta be me.
What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?
All About Love, by bell hooks
When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?
the dance floor. loud music and good friends. A beach in Mexico.
Who is your favorite sports team?
Whichever team my son, Alex, is coaching. Currently Madison College Men’s Soccer. Go WolfPack!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My birthday. I love being alive. I’m grateful for every year I make it to the next year. I’m grateful for this life. I’m grateful for my mom who gave me life and taught me so much about life. I’m grateful for my husband for being on this journey of life with me. I love celebrating my birthday with the people I love most in the world.
