51Ç鱨վ

By: Tiffany Whitfield

Alumna Sarah Hall is the founder and CEO of two chemical companies in Virginia Beach. Her journey in science began at 51Ç鱨վ as a young married woman.

"When I got my first "C" grade ever, in my life, on my first Chemistry 101 test, I created and accepted my own personal challenge to major in Chemistry." "I have never regretted it." Hall graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

After graduation, Hall worked at a local chemical company. It was then that the power of an idea would begin to formulate into a new career choice. "I started Tamaya Chemical Corporation because the market had a need for supply," said Hall. "Someone that I worked with previously at my first job had gone back to Chile and made me aware of the new mines being developed," said Hall. "We started to produce and market products and and it took off," said Hall. is a wholesale company based out of Virginia Beach and sells fine chemicals.

"Then I ended up starting a second company selling nitrogen chemicals called ," said Hall. Having a technical background has given Hall an added advantage. "I'm on the commercial side of things, but when issues come up about what chemicals are purchased, I am aware that there are other derivatives of those chemicals," said Hall.

Running two companies proves Hall is still up to challenges in the science field. "At the beginning of my career, there were less than five percent women present for example at industry meetings," said Hall. "However, today I see 30-40 percent, so that's a huge change in 30 years." She thinks more women are choosing science careers and hopes more females capitalize on their unique approach to challenges. "I think men and women have different problem-solving skills and different ways of approaching things, and I think both men and women adds a lot of value in the work-force," said Hall. Her advice to the next generation of female scientists is this, "if you take the time to find yourself a mentor, there are plenty of women to help pull you up." Most of the industry associations have a women's breakfast, women's cocktails and there are formal networking events to help facilitate mentorship. st of the industry associations have a women's breakfast, women's cocktails and there are formal networking events to help facilitate that.

Hall credits 51Ç鱨վ for her success. "I love 51Ç鱨վ, and I use my education every day," said Hall. "The programs at 51Ç鱨վ are solid, and I think that if students decide where to go based on the program they decide to enter, I think they'll choose 51Ç鱨վ."

Hall finds the time to give back to her alma mater. She serves on the College of Sciences Advisory Board and has purchased two elements on the "Elements of Giving" periodic table located on the first floor of the New Chemistry Building. Each element purchased will help build up an endowment for student success in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "I have always felt thankful that 51Ç鱨վ was my destiny school and helping up and coming Monarchs reach their destiny is my way of giving back," said Hall.