Sarah Burgess connected with Neighbors Abroad in 1975 as a high school exchange participant in Oaxaca, which cultivated her passion for Mexican culture and cross-cultural bridge-building. She rejoined the organization in 2018 on the Oaxaca Committee, advancing to VP and then President in 2023.

She holds degrees from UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law, and previously practiced as a partner in a litigation firm. Within Palo Alto, she has maintained strong community involvement, serving as Site Council Chair at Walter Hays Elementary and on the Palo Alto High School PTA board. She also sits on the Gamble Garden Center board, including a governance leadership role.

Burgess led key initiatives for Neighbors Abroad, notably spearheading a rainwater capture system in Yaxe, Oaxaca that benefited 50 families. This project earned a 2022 Innovation in Humanitarian Assistance Award from Sister Cities International.