Alumni Spotlight Q&A: Meet Sarah Borchers ’04

Sarah Borchers graduated from Weinberg in 2004, studying political science and African American studies. Borchers went on to receive a Master’s of Arts in International Relations from St. John’s University and has had a fruitful career in the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the United Nations World Food Programme’s Staffing Coordinator in the Partnerships and Advocacy Department.

What inspired you to pursue a major or minor in the Department of African American Studies (AFAM)?
Professor Pamela Harkins. One or two courses with her, and I was hooked.

How did your studies in the AFAM department impact you personally or professionally?
Having grown up in a suburb of Cincinnati surrounded by people that looked like me, I was inspired by Professor Harkins and others to break out of my comfort zone and dig deep into a culture that was not my own. If I remember correctly, I was one of five AFAM majors to graduate back in 2004. This inspiration has stayed with me since graduation – to stay curious, challenge myself and every once in a while take the path that others least expect.

Is there a specific course, event, or memory associated with the AFAM department that sticks out to you from your time at Northwestern?+
One of my favorite assignments was taking the “L” from Evanston all the way to the end of the line in the South Side. We were asked to sit and observe – changes inside the train and outside in the community passing by. It was a simple yet powerful Saturday afternoon.

Sarah Borchers has worked at the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) the past 13 years.

What are you working on right now that excites you the most or are there any accomplishments you would like to share?
For the past 13 years, I’ve worked for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) – now serving as a Senior Partnerships Officer with the responsibility of deploying staff to our operations around the world. WFP won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which we all celebrated as recognition of both the tireless efforts of staff and the importance of our mission saving lives and changing lives. Later this year, I will take up a new role as WFP’s Head of Office in Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya – a two-year posting and exciting next challenge.

What’s a fun fact that you want to share with the Northwestern community?
Growing up and studying Latin throughout school, I was always enamored with Italy. A couple of years after graduating from Northwestern, I left my strategy consulting job in New York and moved to Rome – originally for three months. I stayed for a lot longer and live there today where WFP has its HQ. People often say to me “wow, I wish I could do that!”, and my response is always “what is stopping you?!”. I didn’t speak the language, didn’t know a soul – if you want something badly enough, make it happen. That singular decision certainly changed my life.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?
Between my job and two young kids, admittedly there isn’t always much free time to enjoy. But my daughter has recently taken up horseback riding, something I did as a child, so I’ve also decided to give it a go. Getting back in the saddle after 25+ years – and doing it with my own daughter – has been a lot of fun (though I can barely walk after my lessons!).