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When Sarah Hughes was young, she imagined herself surrounded by animals in her own sanctuary or being an interior designer. But over time she realized she had so many different interests, it was difficult to land on one thing. 

“I thrive on learning and exploring new skills and paths,” she said recently. 

The 31-year-old Bloomer native who now lives in Eau Claire, began working at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce four years ago and started as an administrative assistant.  

“My role has evolved quite a bit since I first started at the Chamber,” she said. “After about two years in that position, I had the opportunity to take on a new role as the events director … and now I am the education and program director.” 

Although Hughes has an associate degree in art and science from UW-Barron County, she decided to go back to school for marketing, digital marketing and grant writing at Chippewa Valley Technical College. 

When she first started her studies at CVTC, she had her sights set on marketing. That evolved into digital marketing and grant writing.  

“CVTC is so flexible,” she said. “I can work full time while taking the number of classes that work for me each semester.” 

Hughes is using what she is learning in her marketing classes to help in her role at the Chamber. 

“I am confident that the skills I am learning and continue to learn will be beneficial to me throughout my working career,” she said. “My passion is to do something meaningful and purposeful. I love working at the Chamber because we are helping the business community and our investors.” 

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