Difference Makers
UM-Dearborn Difference Makers are at the forefront of their fields. They’re improving the lives of others and making an impact on campus and in our local communities.
Sarah Elhelou is many things, but a strong leader is one of her top qualities.
“Sarah will sneak up on you,” said Amy Karaban, adviser to UM-Dearborn’s Student Government. “When you first meet her, you may think she’s kind, thoughtful and intelligent. But what you don’t know is that she is a powerhouse leader with amazing talent and creativity.”
Sarah is not sneaking up on anyone anymore. Sarah has a proven track record of leadership with Student Government, where she has served in a variety of different roles. Her most recent post as inclusion director has allowed her to use skills she has cultivated during her time at UM-Dearborn to help create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
“I am a difference maker because my one goal is to make this campus a better place for all students,” Sarah said. “I love being the voice for students at UM-Dearborn, and being the director of inclusion has helped me reach out to students and advocate for their wants and needs.”
Sarah was instrumental in helping to create UM-Dearborn’s first Inclusion Week, which highlighted the university’s commitment to celebrating diversity.
“My most defining moment at UM-Dearborn was when I was escorting one of the Higher Learning Commission interviewers during their visit for our campus reaccreditation,” Sarah said. “I explained what my position of director of inclusion consists of doing and she went on to tell me that most universities are diverse, but UM-Dearborn is not just diverse. We are the most inclusive campus she has came across. This truly motivated and inspired me to work harder to spread inclusion throughout our campus and local community.”
Sarah hopes that someday she can hold a position of authority that ensures equality and justice for all people. She dreams of becoming a lawyer and eventually a judge to help people who are in need and promote justice and equality for all.
“My long-term life goal is to make my community around me a better place and to always stand up for what is right,” Sarah said. “I feel as though these two goals are obligations to me and I hope to achieve them not only during my time at UM-Dearborn, but also during my professional career and beyond, as well.”
