Sara Mccown Email & Phone Number

• Developed tailored curricula for four students, allowing them to achieve their goals, improve their grades, and stay on track with tasks• Specialized in instructing academically at-risk middle and high school students, meaning three or more of their grades were failing • Improved student organizational skills and grades from failing grades to A’s after one month

Lake Lure, North Carolina, United States

- Analyzed monthly and seasonal profits and losses and implemented a plan to optimize productivity and maximize profits- Researched new and current market products to curate an inventory reflective of the business’ core values and mission- Revised, organized, and produced employee handbook, business procedures, marketing strategy, and business development plan- Streamlined product purchasing, inventory, and procedures- Directed the management and organization of scheduling special events, including coordinating with various vendors and donors- Assisted and coordinated schedules for the owner and CEO

Asheville, North Carolina, United States

- Produced a Final Report, an Executive Summary, and a Final Presentation to outline Supportive Housing findings and organizational recommendations, which were circulated to the entire organization and Board of Directors- Conducted in-depth quantitative and qualitative research on racial equity, best practices, critical supportive services, gaps, barriers, challenges, funding opportunities, case studies, federal and state housing policy, and regional data on Supportive Housing- Targeted research on five subset populations for Supportive Housing: formerly incarcerated individuals, persons with substance use disorder, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals experiencing domestic violence, and seniors- Presented comprehensive findings, recommendations, and suggested next steps, in the form of a two-hour hybrid presentation, to the entire organizational team, including the CEO and VPs from each priority area- Directed formal and informal interviews with community members, strategically aligned partners, and other organizations working in the Supportive Housing space to develop a more robust understanding of team development and strategic priorities - presented findings and recommendations to the Housing Team- Assisted in the development of strategic planning for the 2023-2024 year for the Housing team, including team development opportunities, applying best practices pertaining to Supportive Housing, and budget adjustment recommendations- Attended weekly Impact Investing team meetings, participated in conversations concerning potential and current investments, and discussed metrics establishment- Shadowed a colleague through the grantmaking process from start to finish - including partner relationship development, initial conversations, pre-applications, full applications, office hour memos, and grant agreements, and became proficient in navigating Blackbaud

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

• Conducted research and analysis for public issues relevant to the social determinants of health, focusing on socioeconomic topics in distressed communities • Created a research memo concerning county health and educational information to present to primary funders and supporters of the initiative to renovate sick school buildings• Communicated with public, private, and philanthropic stakeholders in communities, the university, and funders with respect to the initiative• Produced written collateral for publication to external sources and university publications

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

• Collaborated with a team of five fellow Public Policy seniors for our Capstone course to create a team memorandum of understanding (MOU) and established a work plan with four deliverables and various interim deliverables to present to our client: Whole Community Health• Reviewed existing literature on equity-related policies, identified gaps and areas of need for policy change about early childcare access and quality in focus counties (Edgecombe and Robeson)• Identified and interviewed relevant stakeholder groups, analyzed interviews to determine effective policy changes from quantitative and qualitative perspectives • Assessed alternatives and best methods for promoting outcomes, created policy brief and memo to present recommendations to client and the NC General Assembly

• Supervised employees and instructors, providing feedback and suggestions for developmental improvements• Managed a team of 15-20 lifeguards and 5-10 swim instructors to ensure proper functioning of the pool community, our policies, and our success

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

• Oversaw the Campus Fundraising committee and advised and assisted three sub-chairs of the committee; drafted weekly agendas and outlines for events and conducted weekly committee meetings • Chaired the continuation of establishing relationships and communicating with Carolina Athletics, dancers, and supporters of the organization through volunteering opportunities and fundraising campaigns • Served as an Executive Bord member to foster collaboration among other committees of CFTK, represent the organization, and assist with strategic planning and organizational development initiatives; raised over $130,000 for the 2020-2021 year • Successfully organized one 72-hour fundraising campaign (One Weekend), raising over $6,000, and one 24-hour fundraising campaign (One Day), raising over $10,000 • Directed a committee of 30 members that raised the most of any committee for the year to plan fundraising events, help each member reach their fundraising goal, communicate with supporters and members of the organization, promote outreach, and incorporate cause-centric themes and events throughout our fundraising campaigns

Columbus, North Carolina, United States

• Improved public trust in elections in an incredibly wary community by informing community members of the process of elections and the specific processes of ballot counting, including the non-partisan and bi-partisan reviewing• Facilitated the organization of a team to ensure smooth operation during Early Voting and on Election Day by serving as a registration/check-in official, as well as an observer and assistant for those with logistical questions before and after voting at the precinct • Informed voters on the election ballot-counting process and provided additional resources to explore to ensure the validity and actualities of the election process

Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States

• Led the organization and planning of an annual alumnus fundraising event with virtual, in-person, and hybrid options• Incorporated pertinent social and political matters to increase awareness and overall knowledge of the organization to the public• Identified various virtual fundraising platforms and action plans for online fundraising opportunities to utilize for future event planning• Initiated a cost-benefit analysis for various fundraising strategies and approaches to identify potential areas of growth and success for the organization

• Supervised employees and instructors, providing feedback and suggestions for developmental improvements• Managed a team of 15-20 lifeguards and 5-10 swim instructors to ensure proper functioning of the pool community, our policies, and our success• Initiated and oversaw initiatives to update and restructure the pool and aquatics division at large• Led and organized in-service trainings for staff members to promote bonding and readiness for water safety

Master Of Science - Ms, Sustainable Development

Research focus on public policies that further advance sustainable development, with a particular focus on sustainable architecture.

Spanish Language

Received a C1 Spanish Certification

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Public Policy & Global Studies

Activities and Societies: Carolina For The Kids Foundation, Carolina for Amani, Carolina International Relations Association, Phi Alpha.

High School Diploma

Education record