Trailblazer Diversity and Inclusion Award
The Trailblazer Diversity and Equity Award recognizes alumni striving to light a path for others to follow. Selected jointly by the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the Alumni Association, this award recognizes alumni whose work exemplifies inclusion, promotes equity, and values and reflects the diversity of our world.
2025 Trail Blazer Diversity and Inclusion Award Winner, Sarah Deming ’10
Sarah Deming ’10 has made advancing racial equity a priority throughout her successful career in corporate America. As an executive at Progressive Insurance, she not only oversees a $1B+ portfolio in the personal auto business but also champions inclusive practices and diverse teams. Her commitment to diversity began at Whitman College, where she served as president of the Black Student Union, and continued at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, where she led the Black Management Association to build allyship and equity in business.
At Penumbra, Sarah was an integral part of the Executive Committee, spearheading efforts to combat bias and enhance diversity in hiring and retention. She played a key role in producing the company’s first-ever Diversity & Inclusion training. Beyond her formal roles, Sarah actively engages in informal mentorship, guiding Whitman students and colleagues to foster inclusive environments.
For the past six years, Sarah has been a dedicated Career Prep Coach with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), where she has helped over 150 students from underrepresented backgrounds secure prestigious positions at companies like Google, Goldman Sachs, and Bain. Her coaching empowers these students to navigate and excel in industries still shaped by systemic bias, making a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders.
On a personal note, Sarah resides in Alameda, CA with her husband Philip and their two children. She enjoys hosting dinner parties, exploring new restaurants, wine tasting, and traveling (having visited 30 countries and worked on three continents). Sarah is also actively involved in her community, regularly cooking for a women’s shelter, founding the Alameda Black Families group, and running a local freecycle group.