Sabrina is one of today’s preeminent female tech CEOs, advocating for entrepreneurs and working mothers around the world. She is a graduate of Princeton University, and has served as the CEO of Palo Alto Software since 2007.
Sabrina and her husband, Noah Parsons, took over as CEO and COO in 2007. They set about building a new team that would help transition Palo Alto software from windows software, to online SaaS software, transitioning the company from a transactional business model to a subscription model, and from windows technology to online applications. Sabrina is committed to helping entrepreneurs start and run businesses, and providing high quality content and online tools that will make their businesses better.
Sabrina is an outspoken advocate for gender equality in the workplace, and dedicates much of her personal time to mentoring both working women and aspiring young professionals.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Sabrina and her husband Noah, moved to London in 2001 to start a software distribution business. They built the business, localized software products from the US, and deveoped retail relationships in the UK. Sabrina developed partnership and reseller relationships with companies like Barclays Bank, and eventually Palo Alto Software bought the UK company and it became Palo Alto Software Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.
Community
Sabrina is a staunch supporter of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial organizations. She values her role as Board President of the Princeton Entrepreneurs Network and has additionally chaired and sponsored both the Princeton Business Plan Competition and the Willamette Angel Conference in Eugene, Oregon, for several years. She is invited regularly to participate as a judge for other business plan competitions across the U.S., such as the University of Texas Venture Labs Championship, as well as to speak on business planning, leadership, and women in technology.
Community involvement is a high priority for Sabrina, and she is active in several initiatives to help further economic development and public education in the community. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and for Whole Earth Nature School, and has been nominated to both the Budget and Bond Review Committees for the 4J School District in Eugene, Oregon. Sabrina is also the technology adviser for the Fox Hollow Charlemagne Elementary School as well as the acting PTO Treasurer.
Sabrina leads Palo Alto Software in giving back to the community, and recently started a program with the Emerald Valley Boys and Girls Club, where Palo Alto Software employees (on company time) will teach teens about starting businesses and computer programming. Palo Alto Software is donating 7 computers to the Emerald Valley Boys and Girls Club in order to make these programs available.
Family
You can find Sabrina blogging and speaking about running a business while balancing her home life with her husband and three young sons. When Sabrina is not at work she is with her family, taking advantage of everything Oregon has to offer: biking, hiking, swimming, skiing, and anything outdoors that uses up a lot of little boys' energy.
Testimonials
Sabrina has collaborated with a variety of high-profile industry leaders. Here's a selection of recommendations from those who have worked with Sabrina in the past.
David Nilssen
Cofounder & CEO, Guidant Financial“Lean planning and innovation is a very important topic in business today. As a Keynote for EO Alchemy, Sabrina brought a wealth of financial knowledge that exceeded our conference attendees expectations. She brings a unique combination of entertainment, practical information and strategic ideas that inspire action.”
Rachel Bruce
President, University of Oregon Women in Business Club“We asked Sabrina to be our keynote speaker at the 2014 Women in Business Gala, and not only did she accept, she knocked it out of the park and went above and beyond to support the event's success. Her empowering message encouraged all 150+ attendees to take risks and to be extraordinary. Following the event, we heard nothing but positive feedback; not only were the female students and professionals in attendance inspired and motivated, but male attendees were impressed as well. One told us, “I was extremely impressed by the keynote speaker; I have a daughter who is 12, and the ideas and matters that are facing her are important to me.”
Cornelis de Kluyver
Dean and James and Shirley Rippey Distinguished Professor, University of Oregon“I've seen Sabrina deliver two talks. One to our honor students in the business school at the University of Oregon, and one at UO's Women in Business gala. Sabrina knows how to connect with her audience by delivering relevant topics. She's also good an engaging the audience by offering a nice mix of facts and humor. I definitely recommend Sabrina as a speaker.”
- © 2014
