For Sarah Crete ’04, success has never been defined by a single career title or accomplishment. Instead, it’s been shaped by growth, resilience, community and family — the same values she said took root during her time at Colby-Sawyer College. 

Today, Crete works as a long-term disability claims manager, overseeing complex claims and helping individuals navigate some of the most difficult periods of their lives. While the field was not necessarily where she imagined herself ending up when she was a college student, she has found both fulfillment and success in the work. 

“To be honest, this is not where I would have pictured myself,” Crete said. “But I believe life puts you where you need to be.” 

When Windy Pham ’15 arrived in the United States from Vietnam at age 17, she carried with her a mix of excitement, uncertainty and a deep sense of displacement. 

“I remember feeling so out of place,” she said. “My accent, my name, my identity — it all felt like something I had to hide, something that made me different in ways that weren’t celebrated.” 

Today, Pham’s work is dedicated to changing that narrative for the next generation. 

When Jeremiah Boobar ’98 decided to leave a 25-year career with bicycle industry giants Cannondale and SRAM/RockShox, it wasn’t a midlife pivot — it was a deliberate leap toward something deeply personal. 

Carly Baker ’16 didn’t just find a career through sports; she found a calling rooted in mentorship, resilience and leadership. Today, she serves as assistant director of sport leadership and head coach of women’s rugby at Endicott College, where she leads nationally competitive teams while mentoring the next generation of sport professionals. Her journey, shaped by meaningful relationships and hands-on experiences at Colby-Sawyer College, is a testament to the power of community and confidence-building education. 

Josh Fonner ’03 has built a career guided less by a straight line and more by passion, curiosity and a deep love for the outdoors. Today, he serves as vice president of sales for Airstream, Inc., helping lead one of the most iconic American brands as it approaches its 100th anniversary. But the path that brought him there winds through ski mountains, bike trails, summer admissions tours and a lifetime of meaningful connections — many of which began at Colby-Sawyer College. 

“My father loved this region,” said Nancy Childress. “Supporting Colby-Sawyer students through his art feels like the perfect way to honor that connection.” 

Jill Rivers ’95 is the founder and owner of Enjoy the Photo Moments, a photo organizing business that helps people preserve their most treasured memories. From scanning and organizing photos to converting home movies and slides, Jill’s work allows families to hold onto their legacies and share their stories with loved ones through custom photo books and digital albums. 

Q&A with Nishchal Banskota ’15, Founder of Nepal Tea and Creator of the North East Tea Festival