For some reason, a lot of human resources professionals say they fell into the field after training for something else initially.

Sara Schuler aimed for HR directly.

“Initially, it was helping people” that drew her to the field, said Schuler, who studied human resources and management in college. 

“I love it so much because it balances the business aspect and the people. I love to be able to see employees grow and develop and how people can really have an impact on business.”

Schuler is very involved with St. Francis of Assisi Parish, helping with art and decorations and other volunteer efforts. 

She served on the Urbandale Civil Service Commission for several years and was active in the Junior League of Des Moines. 

At Hawthorn Hill, which helps homeless families with children, she created an annual “Art for Shelter” program that has raised nearly $65,000 in three years.

Why so much service?

“I had a high school teacher who had a quote on the wall that said, ‘Time is the one thing you can waste that will never be replaced.’ For me I apply that at work and outside of work. Not that I don’t have my down time. We all need to recharge. But time is precious, and I want to make the most of that.”

She spends a lot of time away from work with her 6-year-old daughter, Grace, reading, playing, and (carefully) doing crafts (see below). 

The human resources manuals can wait. 

“It’s being a wife and mother,” Schuler said. “I really don’t have much free time.”

Reasons she’s a forty:

• She was nominated for Nationwide’s 2014 CEO Awards for exemplary accomplishments.
• She helped hire 1,000 associates at Nationwide.
• She served as board vice president for Hawthorn Hill, a nonprofit that houses and helps homeless families with children.
• She helped revamp the parish employee handbook at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and School.