At Buffalo Jewish Federation, a talented team works with dedication and compassion to connect our community — though not everyone is seen out and about. Today, we’re delighted to cast a spotlight on team member Sara O’Brien, who is a parttime copyeditor for Federation’s Jewish Journal. Get to know Sara in Q&A style!
Q: What’s your professional background, and how does it fit your copyediting role?
A: My background is in marketing, media, communications, and storytelling. I spent nearly 10 years in radio, working up to Marketing and Promotions Director for WEDG-FM 103.3 The Edge and WHTT-FM Classic Hits, and I was a news producer for WIVB-TV Channel 4 and WKBW-TV Channel 7, winning a NYS Emmy with my team. More recently, I spent six years as Marketing Director for a local credit union. Writing and communication have been consistent threads throughout my career, so copyediting for the Federation feels natural — news taught me to be concise and accurate, while marketing taught me tone, audience, and voice. I enjoy helping polish stories without losing each writer’s unique voice.
Q: Share a little about you personally.
A: I’ve worked across radio, TV news, financial services, and now travel marketing as a Travel Marketing Specialist with AAA Western and Central New York. Besides the Federation, I also work in the cafe at Moriarty Meats, a local butcher shop. Outside of work, I love traveling internationally, biking, snowboarding, the gym, watercolor painting, trying new restaurants, and time with friends and family. I’m always up for a concert, karaoke, or exploring somewhere new.
Q: You’re not Jewish — what have you enjoyed learning about the Jewish community?
A: I’ve loved learning the meaning behind traditions, holidays, and customs I’d heard of but didn’t understand deeply — working on the Journal gave me real appreciation for their history and significance. I’ve also loved seeing how strong the sense of community is, with such an emphasis on staying connected, supporting one another, and giving back.
Q: How have your Jewish friends influenced or helped you in this role?
A: Having Jewish friends made the experience feel more personal — I wasn’t coming in totally unfamiliar, and I’ve always felt comfortable asking questions. Still, this role has taught me far more than casual conversation ever could. My friends have been a great resource and occasional fact-checkers, and it’s been fun connecting what I learn through the Journal to things I’ve already seen in their lives.
Q: What’s your take on the Jewish Journal so far?
A: What I like most is how personal it feels — you really get to know the people, families, and traditions behind the community. I also love the variety: one minute I’m reading about an event, the next I’m editing a personal story or a piece on Jewish history. It keeps things interesting, and I always learn something.
Q: What are you looking forward to as part of the Buffalo Jewish community?
A: Becoming more familiar with the people behind the stories I edit — recognizing names, attending events, and seeing how it all connects. I came in focused on the writing and editing, but it’s become a meaningful way to learn about a community I hadn’t experienced this closely before. I feel lucky to have been welcomed in.
