Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Grossman.
Hi Sara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After spending the first half of my career working for small LGBTQ+ nonprofits, local politicians, and start-ups, I quickly realized that those three particular kinds of clients often don’t have the bandwidth or funds for a full-time marketing team. So, I launched CODE-mktg. and began to offer “fractional CMO/Communications Director” work for LGBTQ+ owned brands, nonprofits, and allied businesses.
My activism is also a big part of why I wanted to do this. After losing my close friend Drew at the Pulse Nightclub Shooting, I started a nonprofit in his honor — The Dru Project. I do the same kind of work for this organization as a board member that I do for my clients. And thanks to my marketing efforts and the combined efforts of the board of directors and our supporters, the organization is set to cross the $240,000 mark for scholarships and grants given to LGBTQ+ students in Drew’s honor.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am pretty lucky. Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been able to gain all of my clients through word of mouth or in-person networking. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of kindness and connectivity.
The only thing that gets in my way is myself and the power of imposter syndrome. I work every day against it, and know many people in my industry can relate to that struggle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In addition to marketing and activism, I am also a writer. I’ve had work published in various publications (SELF, Well & Good, The Advocate, CNN, Out, Logo, etc.) and esteemed literary journals (Blunderbuss, Narrative Magazine, The Florida Review, etc.) since receiving my MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in 2010.
Recently, I published my very first children’s book, “Schnauzer in a Sweater Vest.” The story is about my dog, Baxter, and his pack of different puppy pals going to the Pride parade for the first time. I find it so important to make sure we not only seek out–but create–intersectionality, diversity, and positivity in media. I am lucky to be able to have the platform to do that. Baxter and I are currently touring our book around Colorado and Florida and teaming up with local drag performers for story hours at local bookstores and libraries.
It’s my hope that the story of Baxter and his friends shines a little light on the possibility and encouragement of friendship through diversity.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up with two Labrador Retrievers and remember laughing every time they each jumped over the 4″ gate we had around the pool, growing up in Florida.
I would jump in with them and they’d pull me around the pool with their tails.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.code-mktg.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sosarasaw
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sosaralinked/
Image Credits
Kaitlin McMullen
