By Donna Heiderstadt

If you get Sara Krupa talking about water, music, or the powerful role that our homes plays in our lives, she’ll wax poetic about all three because they are among her leading passions. As Category Manager — Water Quality for North Olmstead, OH-based Moen Inc., 25-year-old Sara oversaw the launch of the brand’s new water filtration category. “This project was exciting, challenging, and ambitious, which allowed me to thrive and set precedent where no precedent existed,” she says. “I was able to dive into a new area of the industry and solve a critical problem — which is the need for clean water.” Around 45% of faucets in the U.S. are contaminated with at least one PFAS, synthetic and stubborn “forever chemicals,” she explains. “With this staggering statistic, I find myself motivated to continually find experiences and solutions to make clean water accessible and stylish.”

Sara, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in Marketing and Finance from Cleveland State University, felt drawn to a career in the kitchen-and-bath industry by her deep reverence for interior design’s role in family life. “Growing up, my childhood home was filled with cherished memories — family dinners in the kitchen, laughter echoing off the walls — and these moments shaped my understanding of how a well-designed space can enhance our experiences and foster connections,” she says. “The opportunity to innovate and contribute to such an intimate part of people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling.”

Describing herself as “resilient,” Sara says that two of her proudest moments “reflect my journey of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of my goals.” In addition to launching Moen’s water-filtration category, she is proud that she completed her bachelor’s degree while working full-time. “Through it all, I learned to push through the challenges and prioritize my time effectively,” she says. “Each obstacle I overcame reinforced my belief in my capabilities and instilled a powerful takeaway: I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, no matter how daunting it may seem.”

Anything these days also includes playing harmonica and tambourine and singing with her band, RCD, alongside Conrad and Ray, both fellow Moen employees, an endeavor she says has deepened her lifelong appreciation of music. “It’s rare to find me at my desk without my headphones, especially during downtime between meetings,” she reveals. “I truly believe that music enriches my day and fuels my creativity.” Much of her free time is spent with her boyfriend, Hudson, their shelter cat, Bones, and friends. “We love exploring new restaurants around Cleveland, grabbing drinks, and watching documentaries together,” she says. On her to-do list: Traveling to every continent. “Exploring new cultures, landscapes, and histories of different regions fascinates me,” she says. “By fulfilling this goal, I hope to create lasting memories and new perspectives.”

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