Sara Pedersen is a creative problem solver with a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Cincinnati. She has almost 20 years of product design, brand development, retail strategy, store design, marketing, and team leadership experience. She excels at translating business objectives into creative strategies and expanding beyond to develop new product/service opportunities.

A key focus for Pedersen is empowering diversity in the design industry. She spends much of her extra time mentoring students and young professionals on the soft skills of design and career planning. She believes that all voices and stakeholders should be included in the design process.

Pedersen has designed furniture, home décor, sporting goods, pet products, and retail experiences during her time at Target. She is the vice chair for the Minneapolis Chapter of IDSA and teaches at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis College of Art & Design.