Sara Martin (’99)
This interview was conducted in the summer of 2020.
Grants Manager, Nashville CARES
Nashville, Tennessee
WFU Class of 1999
Major: Communications
DeacLink: Please walk us through your path from graduation day to your current job.
Sara Martin: My major in Communications, along with my theatre experience, led me to a few different jobs in different fields, as it made me a versatile candidate for a wide range of positions. In my early twenties, I met Natalie Chanin, a sustainable fashion designer, and have worked with her for almost 20 years as a writer, editor, instructor, publishing four books with her company, Alabama Chanin.
In addition to this, I worked until 2020 in higher education as the Director of Financial Aid at O’More College of Design. It was a very small art school in Tennessee and my arts experience allowed me to form lasting relationships with students. This school was acquired by a larger institution, which left me with a wide open path. I sought out a community-based organization and now work as a grants manager at Nashville CARES, which provides services to those with HIV and AIDS in the Middle Tennessee area.
DL: How much did your studies and general experience at Wake inform or drive your career path?
SM: I think having a liberal arts education that encouraged me to explore a number of subjects helped me see that there was not just one path to success and not just one career to focus on with laser intensity. I am proud to have work experience that ranges from fashion to design to writing to community organization.
DL: How did you find and apply to the various positions you’ve held?
SM: My experience has been a mixture of online searches and referrals/networking opportunities from others in my field and friends in similar positions. I recommend not limiting yourself to one specific approach. And don’t be afraid to reach out to people in companies that you are interested in, or those in organizations in your field of interest. You would be surprised at how many are willing to sit down for a cup of coffee and a conversation – and, as a result, you have made another contact that you can turn to for advice or that might remember you when positions come open.
At Wake Forest, I loved having the opportunity to build relationships with professors and instructors (many of whom I am still in touch with). It was more difficult to build relationships with people outside of my area of study and with those who lived off campus – as I lived on campus. Living on campus was one of the keys to building relationships, so many of which I still have. I am regularly in contact with 10-20 people I lived, worked, or studied with at Wake.
DL: What is your favorite part of living and working in Nashville? What is the most interesting thing going on in the art scene there at the moment, in your opinion?
SM: Nashville has a quickly growing art scene. Obviously, there are so many opportunities to work in or around the music business. But, there are an increasing number of museums and galleries popping up all over the city. There is an incredible performing arts scene, plus the Southern Books Festival, the Nashville Film Festival, and a growing Fashion Week.
DL: What is your favorite part about working for Nashville CARES ?
SM: By far, the best thing about working for Nashville CARES is seeing the immediate impact of your work on the community. We are able to do so many things, from helping with long-term housing, to medical care, food, transportation, and therapeutic groups. Our staff is the most diverse I have ever worked with and individuality is encouraged. Though the work may be difficult emotionally at times, I have never felt so much joy coming to work each day with a group of people who are so committed to helping our community thrive.
DL: Any kernel of advice you’d like to impart to the readers?
SM: Don’t be too hard on yourself. It is okay to explore. It is okay if your path is not what you initially thought it would be. Be open to what the world has to offer you.