Nothing builds resilience like adversity — a truth Sara Schneider knows well. Graduating into a recession, she entered the workforce during one of the most uncertain economic periods in recent history, yet she went on to build a career as a top-billing executive recruiter and business owner at Xplora Search. “My story is one of turning challenges into milestones,” says Schneider (née Babitt). A two-time Drexel alumna with degrees in legal studies and finance and an MBA in organizational behavior, she has consistently delivered record-breaking results while helping others navigate pivotal career moments. Launching her career amid market volatility required adaptability, persistence and calculated risk-taking. When traditional paths weren’t available, Schneider chose to make bold, informed moves. Early in her recruiting career, she was engaged in a complex leadership search — the market was tight, the expectations were high, and the timeline was aggressive. “I believed the right leader was out there,” she says. The placement ultimately transformed the client’s business and remains one of her proudest professional achievements. Schneider’s connection to Drexel extends far beyond the classroom. She served as an adjunct professor at LeBow for a decade and continues to mentor students and speak on career development. She and her husband, Jordan — also a two-time Drexel alumnus — also contribute annually to the LeBow Operation Graduation Scholarship Fund, supporting juniors and seniors facing unexpected challenges that could prevent them from completing their degree.

That same grit now fuels her commitment to helping others rise, guiding candidates to their next chapter, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring Drexel students cross the graduation stage despite life’s obstacles. “Drexel gave me the tools to build my future,” Schneider says. “I’m committed to using them to help others build theirs.”