“On A Mission” showcases leaders who are going the extra mile each and every day. Each of the people we interview is on a mission to serve, inspire and educate. Our hosts highlight their impact and explore what motivates, engages and fulfills individuals and teams to be more productive, more effective, better at what they do, and happier to do it. Today, our host, James Fenimore, spoke with Sara Tinger.
Sara Tinger
General Manager and Nonprofit Leader of the Santa Cruz Hostel
Website Address: https://santacruzhostel.org/
Short company description:
Santa Cruz Hostel is a small nonprofit hostel located in historic cottages near the beach in Santa Cruz, California. Operated by the Santa Cruz Hostel Society, our mission is to connect people from around the world through affordable lodging, shared experiences, and community programming. By creating a welcoming space where travelers and locals interact, we promote cultural understanding, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for the world through the spirit of hosteling.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned over your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned over my career is that we often think we’re more indispensable than we really are. Early on, it’s easy to believe everything depends on you, but over time I’ve learned that organizations keep moving, and that realization can actually be freeing. It’s a reminder to take your vacation time, make career changes when you feel ready, and prioritize being happy in the work you do. When you focus on meaningful work and a balanced life, you show up better for the people and communities you care about.
What nonprofit do you have a heart for and how do you support it?
I have a deep heart for the Santa Cruz Hostel Society, the nonprofit behind the Santa Cruz Hostel, where I serve and support the mission of creating affordable lodging while fostering cultural exchange and community connection. The hostel brings travelers from around the world together with locals through shared spaces, events, and volunteer opportunities, and I’m passionate about helping it thrive as a welcoming place where people can connect and learn from one another. Beyond the hostel, I also volunteer with Save Our Shores as a Sanctuary Steward and support Santa Cruz Sister Cities. I contribute my time, experience, and knowledge, but just as importantly I help amplify their work by talking with others about their missions and encouraging people in the community to get involved. I believe that supporting nonprofits isn’t just about volunteering, it’s about building awareness and inviting others to be part of the impact.
What’s your favorite way to get involved in the community?
My favorite ways to get involved is to be present, make reconnections and see where my skills can make an impact.
If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
I’d like to be remembered simply for being myself—open, welcoming, and relaxed. I try to create spaces where people feel comfortable being who they are, whether that’s travelers meeting for the first time, neighbors gathering, or friends sharing a meal. If people remember that they felt accepted and at ease around me, that would mean a lot.
