Hi everyone!

Some of the best moments in my career have started the same way: over coffee, in conversation, with people willing to share honestly.

So, as I introduce myself to this community, it feels fitting that I’m sitting here in a rainy Charleston, S.C., with a full coffee cup.

My name is Sarah, and I’ve recently joined the Women in Retail Leadership Circle team as content and event strategist. My new role is simple: I get to help bring women like you together to connect to the best events, people, and ideas in the industry.

Over the past decade, I’ve worked across a variety of industries, but the heart of my work has remained the same: bringing people and ideas together in ways that help individuals, teams, and organizations grow.

I’ve always been genuinely curious about people — how they got where they are, what they’re working on, and the experiences that have shaped their careers. Those conversations are often the ones I remember most, and one of the reasons I was so excited to join the team.

What I value most isn’t just events themselves, but what happens because of them: the connections that follow. A new idea. A meaningful introduction. A fresh perspective on a challenge. Those moments remind us that we’re not navigating leadership alone.

As I begin this role, I’m approaching it with a great deal of curiosity. I want to learn from you. I want to hear about the challenges you’re solving, the teams you’re leading, the opportunities you’re pursuing, and the lessons you’ve gathered throughout your career.

I’ll be part of the team at the Women in Retail Pavilion at CommerceNext in New York City on June 23-24.  You can register to attend here (use the referral code “WIRLC” in the registration form). After that, I’ll be at our On the Road events in Chicago, Boston, New York, Seattle, and San Francisco. If you’ll be at one of these events, I’d love for you to introduce yourself. You can RSVP the upcoming On the Road events here.

And if we’re not crossing paths at an event anytime soon, I’d still love to connect. You can connect with me on LinkedIn or reach me directly at shendrickson@napco.com.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me with a good book, in a beach chair on Sullivan’s Island, or on a sailboat somewhere along the coast.

I’m grateful to be here and excited for the opportunity to get to know all of you. I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead.