Sarah Castor-Johnson

Sarah Castor-Johnson brings over a decade of international community development experience to her role as Director of Arts and Education at Patchwork Indy, guided by deep curiosity about human potential and profound respect for the wisdom within every community.

Her approach was shaped through transformative work with the Malembe Rise team in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where collaborative youth empowerment and community development initiatives revealed a fundamental truth: sustainable change emerges from within communities, not from external interventions. This experience ignited her passion for community-driven solutions and relationship-centered development.

Working with the Patchwork team and guided by newcomer voices, Sarah designs educational initiatives that honor newcomers' extraordinary potential and their power to define their own journey. Her work moves beyond traditional integration models to create authentic pathways for economic equality and community empowerment and belonging.

Sarah's philosophy centers on a simple idea: the best solutions emerge when communities have the tools, support, and space to address their own challenges. Through the Belong HERE Academy, Patchwork weaves together a future where community agency drives change, relationships fuel innovation, and diverse voices enhance Indiana's social and economic fabric for all Hoosiers.