Sarah Jane Ocker joined the operations team at The Skillman Foundation as the front desk concierge in 2025. In this role, she supports the Foundation in managing its front office logistics and meeting spaces, ensuring a welcoming space for our grant partners, community partners, and staff who reserve our conference rooms for meetings and events.

With over 15 years in hospitality, retail, and project coordination, she’s passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued—working to foster trust, connection, and meaningful experiences wherever she goes. Grounded in empathy, equality, and open communication, Sarah Jane brings a well-rounded and strategic approach to her work, having devoted time to multiple different industries throughout her career, including floral design, hospitality management, and estate transition services. 

She received her associate degree in liberal arts, with a special focus on psychology and social work, and she believes in the importance of equal access to education and resources. 

Areas of expertise:
Hospitality, communication, operations, project planning/management

Some of my favorite things:
Movies, music and live shows, good food, making jewelry, and connecting with others

How I reenergize:
Yoga, listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks, visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts

A quote that describes my outlook:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou