For Sierra Sturt ’14, the journey from the hallways of St. Ursula Academy, all the way to Colorado, was built on a foundation of strategy, core values, and perseverance. Today, as a wedding, proposal, couples and family photographer in Vail, Colorado, Sierra is doing more than just taking pictures—she is allowing for imagery that reflects genuine, lived experiences.

After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2018, she spent six years in the corporate world, honing her skills in global marketing."Without my knowledge in marketing, I could not be doing what I’m doing today. It doesn’t matter if you have talent if no one can find you," Sierra remarks. Beyond this, Sierra credits SUA with shaping her character. The halls at SUA provided a sanctuary of joy and a lesson in empathy that she carries into every photoshoot. 

Sierra’s ability to capture real stories and emotion recently caught the national spotlight. Her work was featured in the March 20, 2026, issue of People magazine, where she photographed a couple who overcame immense adversity to celebrate their wedding day. This milestone is a testament to the "try and try again" mentality she encourages in others. "I believe in myself because of all the people who have loved me into being and believed in me," she says.

To the current students walking those same halls today, Sierra offers this advice:

• Be Strategic: "Test the waters and see what you do and don’t like."
• Be Perseverant: "Try and try again until you become good at whatever you want to be good at. Yes, it really is hard work."
• Be Brave: "Fortune favors the bold."

Sierra was in multiple musicals at SUA and remarks, "The community you build at SUA is everything and more." By combining her values learned in high school, with her successful photography business, she is a shining example of an Arrow Making an Impact.