After graduating, he began his career working with youth, serving non-profit organizations in Winnipeg's West Broadway community, and would later go on to leadership roles with community programs serving underhoused and gang-involved youth in the West Broadway neighbourhood.
During his time managing a community jobs program supporting underhoused youth, he returned to the University of Manitoba, where he completed a Master's of Science (MSc) degree focused on examining the ways homeless and underhoused youth were using information communication technologies to access the resources and supports they needed.
Prior to running for office, Adrien also served as a board member with the John Howard Society of Manitoba, as well as with the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development.
Sala is also a songwriter who released two solo albums, High Water Everywhere (2006) and Diamond in the Mind (2009) on the Dollartone Records label.
Sala later recorded two albums with Winnipeg folk group Jackpine, Brand New Good Old Days (2009) and Cabbage (2010).