Sara Vaas came to Colorado Springs 12 years ago. Then in her late 20s, she was immediately entranced by Old Colorado City and the Westside. It didn’t take her long to build a community-centered career around her new city and new neighborhood.
She first worked as an executive assistant at Pikes Peak United Way, with side gigs as a yoga instructor at the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region and Cambio Yoga. In 2015, she left United Way to become the chief operating officer of the Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO), and took on the additional responsibility of VP of the Organization of Westside Neighbors (OWN) in 2016.
Since 2018, she’s been the president of the Old Colorado City Business Improvement District, and has been CONO’s executive director since 2021. She somehow managed to fit in a stint as a director of the Pueblo West Metropolitan District, as well as a year and half as OWN’s vice president.
To most of us, that would feel like a full plate, but for Vaas it’s just a few of her many enterprises. Take Dizzy Charlie’s, a “live jazz popup,” presenting shows in multiple venues.
Her role:
“I’m Sara Vaas, the bouncer, the money collector, the promoter, the booker, the hustler and the one wearing yellow and black each week at the jazz shows. I believe that at the heart of live music is COMMUNITY where Everybody is Welcome. (thanks Fannie Mae Duncan).
“Dizzy Charlie’s is named after my grandpa, who was a big band arranger (David Charles) and came out to play at the Broadmoor in 1949! He was a conductor, wind musician and had perfect pitch!
“My dream is to open a jazz club on the westside of COS and for it to be approachable, gritty and grungy and inclusive and a hangout spot for everyone to enjoy jazz from locals and traveling bands alike. A place to hang, feel seen and known and to hi-lite our amazing talent here in COS!
I have really good people around me. – Sara Vaas
“Come on out to a show. Tell me what you like. Connect me to other venues and possible partners! Share a hug, pay the cover, a story, a hi-five, hang a poster and just support entrepreneur life!”
As Vaas told the Bulletin, “This is my home and my community,”
Not surprisingly, she has many plans and ideas to bolster and improve OCC and the Westside. She noted that many neighborhood and OCC entities rely upon volunteers, and that such reliance becomes more problematic in the long run.
“We all know our skills,” Vaas said, “and I have really good people around me.
“We need a strategic plan or goal for the next 25 years. We’re also working on safety, security, leadership and advocacy.”
Interestingly, she participated in Thrive workshops and events before founder Yemi Mobolade was elected Colorado Springs mayor. At 40 and 44, both are part of a new wave of young leaders who may determine the future of the city and its diverse neighborhoods. Vaas is ready for the challenge.
“Sara has been a catalyzing influence in creating a more robust retail, tourism and community corridor in Old Colorado City,” said Karole Campbell, a major player in the business community.
“She is the primary driver behind the initiative to create a BID (business improvement district) in OCC. She has a passion for creating spaces and venues for developing strong community connections throughout our region. Sara is a force of nature.”