Sara Peña has two decades of experience initiating and delivering sustained results across a wide range of industries including healthcare, private entities, and government. She currently serves as the Director of External Affairs at PSEG. In her current role she develops and implements strategic outreach in support of critical organizational priorities and directs the activities of Senior and Regional Public Affairs managers.

 ROI-NJ, a media company, recognized her in 2023 and 2024 as one of the most influential People of Color for her work at Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) and her nonprofit, Boys to Leaders Foundation.

Prior to her role at PSEG, Ms. Peña served as the Director in the New Jersey Department of State’s Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development under Governor Murphy’s administration. She was twice named NJ’s Insider 100: Policy-Makers Power List for her work leading the Center. During her tenure, at the NJ Department of State she was widely lauded for expanding its statewide footprint and national presence in advocacy for Hispanics and Latinx.

Ms. Peña received her bachelor’s degree in management science from Kean University and her master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University in Newark. Sara was born, raised, and educated in the City of Newark, NJ. She is the proud daughter to an Ecuadorian mother and Dominican father.

Sara is a proud mother to Anthony, who inspired her to start her own non-profit, Boys to Leaders Foundation in 2013. In response to her commitment to her community and most importantly her son, she decided to create an organization that will benefit young men, giving them a strong sense of direction to enhance their achievement and demonstrate her commitment to them and her community.  

A prominent leader, advocate and trailblazer Sara’s story has been highlighted in two books, “Uncolonized Latinas-Transforming our Mindset and Rising Together”, by Valeria Aloe. This book takes you on a journey where along the way you meet immigrant Latinas and daughters of immigrants who through trials and tribulations, have uncolonized their limiting mindsets.

Her story was one of the “Hispanic Rising Stars” Volume III of which showcases stories of U.S. Hispanics with diverse backgrounds, experiences, challenges, and ongoing contributions being made by this strong and resilient community. In addition, Ms. Peña has been featured in magazines and media platforms for her work throughout the State. Sara interviewed on shows such as Que PasaNJ, SOS Network with Marleny Cruz, Univision, Cablevision, Tiempo with Joe Torres, and others.

Ms. Peña served on the Executive Board of LUPE (Latinas United for Political Empowerment) Fund, Inc., an organization dedicated to the empowerment of all Latinas in New Jersey (2008-2023). Sara served in the capacity of President for three (3) years, Treasurer; Co-Chair of the Young Latina Leadership Conference; Co-Founder & Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Mentorship Program. She transformed the organization and became the champion and inspiration for women, families, and young people across New Jersey.

Early in her career she decided to volunteer in the Immigration Department at La Casa De Don Pedro, a non-profit, whose immigration program is to serve those who have been victims of serious crimes by ensuring those individuals are provided with the right legal services and to educate them on the applicability of various Immigration Laws.

She is a proud fellow graduate of the Leadership Newark Program, which focuses on public policy and issues that affect the city as well as various community engagement projects (2009)