Meet a Mom: December, Sara Sanchez of FOX61
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Sara Sanchez, award-winning journalist, FOX61 anchor, West Hartford mom of two, and the kind of woman whose honesty and humor make you feel instantly at ease.
Sara has spent her career telling some of the most meaningful human stories on air, but off camera, she’s navigating the same mental load, mom life chaos, and “how do we do it all?” moments as the rest of us.
Grab a cup of coffee (or, in Sara’s world, a long romantic walk through HomeGoods), and get to know our December Meet a Mom.
Personal & Background
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to a career in journalism?
I knew I wanted to work in broadcast journalism since I was a freshman in high school. I cared about the national, global, and political response immediately following 9/11 — more than my peers did. Journalists are at the front of historic events, and that really appealed to me. My job is exciting. It’s never the same thing every day.
Was there a moment or story in your career that really stayed with you?
There are a ton. The ones that stay with me most are the moments when people are vulnerable enough to share their stories. Early in my career, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I interviewed a teen girl in remission for brain cancer. She was so sweet and soft-spoken, and when the cancer returned and she passed away years later, I never forgot her.
Another was in 2020, when the daughter of the first person to die from COVID-19 in our area called the newsroom. Hearing her sob as she explained that she never got to say goodbye, it was heartbreaking. A nurse held up a phone for a final FaceTime. When people trust me with their most tender moments, I’m forever grateful. Their faces stay with me.
What does a typical day look like for you, both on and off camera?
Chaotic! My mornings are for my toddler, Chelsea, parks, the library, classes, cooking, anything to keep her busy. Then I run into the newsroom and it’s GO GO GO. I have two hours to prep before my 5pm show: emails, scripts, hair, makeup (yes, we do it ourselves, that’s the #1 question I get!).
I co-anchor the 5pm and 6pm news, tuck my girls into bed if I can, then return for the 10pm and 11pm shows. I get home at midnight and exhale. My days are long.
Motherhood & Balance
How has becoming a mom shaped your perspective personally and professionally?
There are so many issues affecting moms that go under-reported, childcare costs, parental leave, access to care. Since many of my coworkers aren’t parents, I try to bring that perspective into our coverage.
What surprised you most about motherhood?
Breastfeeding. It’s the hardest part (so far). No matter how easy or difficult it is for you, it requires so much of yourself. It’s a privilege, but it’s taxing. I also had DMERs which felt debilitating at the time (IYKYK).
How do you find balance between a demanding career and family life?
Complete honesty: I don’t. Something is always out of balance. Something has to give. I often wish I had Hermione’s Time Turner so I could be in two places at once. My house is a disaster, laundry is piled high, and don’t ask about the car.
But I have an incredibly supportive husband, Mike, and a part-time nanny, Maddy. To be a successful working mom, you need support. I owe everything to them.
What does self-care look like for you these days?
Self-care?! Who is she?
Honestly, sleep. Because I get home so late, my husband handles mornings. I get to sleep in, and it’s everything. I’m a BIG sleeper. I love those epic naps where you wake up and don’t know where you are.
Also: long, romantic walks down the aisles of HomeGoods without children.
Hartford & Community
What do you love most about raising a family in Greater Hartford?
So much. In my industry, families move often. I’m grateful to feel settled. When we moved, we prioritized finding a family-friendly community, and Hartford is bursting with kid programs. West Hartford has been incredibly welcoming, and we’ve met such amazing families.
We also have access to great doctors, libraries, parks, and schools. My girls are thriving here. And my husband (a suburban Chicago native) is thrilled to have seasons again.
Any local spots you love?
We live for sunshine and summer, so Fernridge Park splash pad is a favorite.
As a true Californian, good Mexican food is essential for my mental health, and Taqueria La Grande on Park is the best. The salsa verde is INSANE.
The girls love Flamig Farm and Tulmeadow Farm for ice cream (their vegan/lactose-free ice cream is the best anywhere).
My 6-year-old is obsessed with It’s Playtime in Avon, and my 2-year-old thinks she runs The Book Club in West Hartford. In our house, “book club” are trigger words — she’ll demand we go immediately.
Inspiration & Advice
What advice would you give to moms pursuing big career goals?
It’s going to be hard. Really hard. You have to take inventory of what matters most to you. Not your spouse, in-laws, boss, or Instagram.
Let your priorities be your guiding light. Example: my daughter hasn’t lost teeth when I’m home, and I’m 100% okay with that. Not every milestone needs me physically present.
What would you tell your pre-mom self?
You can’t stop the Elsa thing. The Elsa phase will happen.
Who inspires you right now?
I’m really into #cleantok creators. I need to get a handle on home organization before Christmas. I love Shannon Leyko’s content and her “Paring Down” podcast.
