Preparing for the Future
11 April 2025 4 minute read
Motivated by an unfaltering passion for social change and a dedication to curating policies that help marginalized communities, Sarah Lokenauth, C'2027, is a rising star at Spelman College. Double majoring in Economics and Women’s Studies, Lokenauth’s journey at Spelman is not just about academic excellence but also about making a remarkable impact on the world. Her story is one of growth, commitment and the relentless pursuit of an improved world.
Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Lokenauth knew for a fact she wanted to attend an HBCU, but Spelman College’s close-knit environment was what truly allured her.
"Spelman felt like the right fit," she shared. "I wanted to be part of a community that values not only academic achievement but also personal growth and empowerment."
The sisterhood and the opportunities for leadership and growth made an impression on her, and it wasn't too long until she realized that Spelman would be the place to nurture both her academic goals and personal aspirations.
Initially unsure of what her path would be, Lokenauth explored various majors, but economics remained a constant through it all. “I’ve changed my major a few times but economics has always been a part of it because it’s applicable to real-world problems,” she reflected. Her interest in the field expanded as she came to the realization that economics can contribute to the social issues she’s passionate about — issues like income inequality and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.
Economics is not just numbers,” Lokenauth explained. “It’s the social science behind the systems that impact people’s daily lives.”
Adding Women’s Studies to her academic concentration enabled Lokenauth to connect these systems to issues of gender, race and class. “It’s the perfect pairing for me because it allows me to understand the intersections between economic policies and gendered and racialized experiences,” she said. This combination is central to her desire to bring about change in the world.
Throughout her time at Spelman, Lokenauth has been motivated by a powerful vision: to help transform the systems that excluded marginalized communities. Whether through her studies, internships, or dedication to social justice work, she continues to work toward creating better opportunities for those often left behind.
“I want to help build a world where communities that have been underserved can thrive,” she said. This vision is grounded in her belief that the current systems — whether economic, political or social — need to be transformed to serve everyone equally. “I want to be part of that change, to help create policies and systems that are more equitable.”
A pivotal moment that shaped Lokenauth’s journey was her involvement with the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) through the FOSSI Scholarship. “I was looking for scholarships my senior year, and I came across the FOSSI Scholarship,” she said. Through this program, she was connected with ACD, an experience that offered her invaluable mentorship, insight and hands-on exposure to the intersection of policy, business and government.
Lokenauth has greatly benefited from the mentorship of Lucinda Schofer and Tracey Pierce who have provided both guidance and practical advice as she navigates her college experience and prepares for her career.
“They’ve helped keep me motivated and focused on my goals,” she said. Their mentorship was especially vital during her opportunity to shadow ACD’s CEO, Eric Byer, and attend meetings with congressional representatives. “It was fascinating to see how policy and business intersect. “As an economist, I enjoyed diving into the specifics of different laws and understanding how businesses work with the government to create real-world impact," she said.
One of the most memorable moments came during the Washington Fly-In, where Lokenauth gained exposure to a diverse perspectives on policy-making. “The biggest takeaway for me was to stay open-minded,” she said. “To truly understand a problem, you have to explore all the factors that contribute to it; and you have to be willing to work with others to solve it."
As she looks ahead, Lokenauth is laser-focused on how to maximize her time at Spelman and her upcoming professional opportunities. Her current role with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity as a construction operations intern reflects her interest in real-world impact, and she values the hands-on experience it provides in advancing equitable community development.
“I’m really excited to be part of Spelman’s VLab, an economics lab run by Professor Viceisza. It’s a great way to engage with real-world economic issues,” said Lokenauth. Looking toward the summer of 2025, she has already secured a second internship with Deloitte as a financial risk and cyber analyst. It is clear Lokenauth is intentionally shaping a future that bridges her academic interests with a desire to drive meaningful change in both the private and public sectors.
At Spelman, Lokenauth has grown not just academically but also as a leader and changemaker. She’s thankful for the chances she has had to grow and to learn from remarkable mentors and peers.
“Spelman has pushed me to think about my career in terms of the kind of impact I want to have,” she said. It has inspired her to look beyond job titles and salaries and focus on the lasting contributions she can make to society.
As she looks ahead, Lokenauth hopes to leave a legacy of open-mindedness and a readiness to embrace opportunities. “I want people to see that it’s important to be open to all opportunities and to be excited to learn and grow,” she said. “Taking risks, being open to new experiences, and challenging yourself is how we really make progress.”
As Lokenauth advances in her studies at Spelman and her internships, she remains enthusiastic about the future. Whether collaborating with Habitat for Humanity, engaging with Spelman’s VLab, or preparing for her role at Deloitte, she is focused on finding ways to contribute to creating a more just world. Driven by a passion to help marginalized communities and a mind committed to policy and economic systems, Lokenauth is poised to leave a lasting mark on both Spelman College and the world beyond.