For Southern Nevada Senior Law Program (SLP) Board Member, Sarah Guindy, Women’s History Month isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s personal. Her path to becoming a leader in banking and an advocate for access to justice was paved by her mother’s example. “My biggest inspiration has always been my mother,” Sarah says. “She pushed me to do my best and celebrated every success along the way.”

Early in her banking career, while balancing a demanding job and raising a family during her husband’s frequent work travel, Sarah received crucial help from her mother. “She understood how much my career meant to me. That kind of unwavering support changed everything.” Now a grandmother herself, Sarah hopes to someday pass on the legacy of sacrifice and strength to her own daughter and granddaughter.

A Foundation Built on Mentorship

That early lesson shaped Sarah’s career. Now a Senior Director of Juris Banking at Western Alliance Bank, Sarah credits another pivotal woman: Diane Fearon, the Executive Director of Senior Law Program, who also spent most of her career in banking. “Diane took a chance on me early in my career and hired me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her,”    Sarah states.

When Diane invited her to join the SLP Board, the timing was right. “If I take something on, I give it everything,” she explains. “Being part of SLP’s mission is an honor.”

A Deep Commitment to Access to Justice

Sarah’s deep commitment to access to justice was ignited about a decade ago through being a board member of the State Bar of Nevada’s Access to Justice Commission. There, she helped evaluate grants for the Nevada Bar Foundation, which distributed funds from Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) to organizations such as SLP, the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, and Nevada Legal Services.

“Whether it’s helping a woman in an abusive relationship obtain a restraining order, supporting a child with nowhere to turn, or standing up for someone facing an illegal eviction, these are deeply human issues,” Sarah recalls. “I’m fortunate to have the resources and platform that I do, and that makes it feel even more important to keep fighting for those who don’t.”

Leadership, Legacy, and Lifting Others

As a woman in leadership, Sarah finds profound joy in lifting others. “Watching other women excel in their careers is one of the most rewarding things I experience,” she says, noting her participation in Western Alliance Bank’s mentoring program.  Her advice to the next generation is both practical and powerful: “Don’t be afraid to sit at the head of the table. Sometimes, as women, we’re nervous to take bold steps, and we hold ourselves back. But I’ve learned in my career that people will respect you more for that.”

To Sarah, Women’s History Month is a dedicated time to honor that journey. “Invest in your education, it’s the foundation everything else is built on. Seek out mentors and be open to their guidance. Give back to your community and own your mistakes when they happen.”

Grounded in Family and Ritual

Outside of the boardroom and community meetings, Sarah’s world revolves around family. Every Sunday evening, her home fills with loved ones for a weekly dinner. “And now that I’m a grandmother, my kids are the ones calling me to ask when it’s time to come over. That shift never gets old.” An annual three-week family trip is another cherished tradition. “At the end of the day, a career is only as meaningful as the life you’re living alongside it.”

To stay grounded amidst her responsibilities, she swears by a non-negotiable ritual: working out. “My job involves a lot of pressure and responsibility, and exercise is how I clear my head and reset. I put my music on, tune everything else out, and move.”

A Lasting Measure of Success

After two decades in banking, Sarah has learned that true success isn’t measured by a title. “Professional success gives you a platform,” she reflects. “But it’s what you do with that platform that defines you. Anyone can have a title behind their name, but being able to go to sleep at night with a clear conscience is the real measure of success.”

She leaves the next generation of women leaders with a final, hard-worn truth: “I’ve seen people climb ladders only to realize they were leaning against the wrong wall. Choose your ladder wisely. And never underestimate the power of having great partners and a strong team around you.”

Ultimately, these values guide Sarah’s life: a life where professional achievement and meaningful community involvement are two sides of the same coin, forged by the women who came before her, and dedicated to lifting those who follow.

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Join us in celebrating Sarah Guindy this Women’s History Month and her contributions and vital work as a board member of Southern Nevada Senior Law Program. Inspired by Sarah’s journey? Discover how you can contribute your skills, time, or support to empower seniors in our community. Click here to find out how!