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SL

Sara LeWinter

Startup ecosystem strategist specializing in growth, partnerships, and community engagement

United StatesActively looking

I am a startup ecosystem strategist with more than 15 years of experience advising startups, early-stage technology companies, nonprofits, and community initiatives on go-to-market strategy, customer development, partnerships, positioning, and growth. I build relationships across startup, corporate, nonprofit, and government ecosystems and create presentations, workshops, and resources that help communities and organizations move forward. My experience includes developing market strategies for energy, cleantech, advertising technology, publishing, and sustainable technology companies, as well as leading strategic planning and relationship management for enterprise clients including Mars, Chewy, PetSmart, Bose, and the Pedigree Foundation. I have also managed community technology initiatives, supported local business growth, mentored team members, and organized startup and networking events. I bring a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to complex programs and enjoy connecting entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, and community stakeholders around meaningful opportunities.

Experience

IC

Consultant – Startup Growth & Strategic Partnerships

Independent Consultant

Feb 2008 – Present

Freelance

I advise startups, early-stage technology companies, and nonprofits on go-to-market strategy, customer development, partnerships, and growth opportunities. I build relationships across startup, corporate, nonprofit, and government ecosystems and develop community presentations, workshops, and resources. Selected work includes go-to-market strategy for Variable, Inc. and Mediageeks, plus developing and managing a community technology center for the City of Seattle.

Go-to-market strategyCustomer developmentStrategic partnershipsBusiness developmentCommunity engagementWorkshop developmentMarket positioningGrowth strategy
W/

Associate Media Director

WorkReduce / Nimble Talent

Mar 2022 – Dec 2022

Full time

I led strategic planning and relationship management for enterprise clients including Mars, Pedigree Foundation, Chewy, PetSmart, and Bose. I managed complex marketing programs involving cross-functional teams, external partners, and multiple stakeholders, while mentoring team members and supporting collaborative, high-performing teams.

Strategic planningRelationship managementMarketing program managementCross-functional leadershipStakeholder managementTeam mentoring
AG

Associate Media Director

Assembly Global

Nov 2021 – Mar 2022

Full time

I led strategic planning and relationship management for enterprise clients, managed complex marketing programs involving cross-functional teams and external partners, and coordinated multiple stakeholders. I also mentored team members and supported collaborative, high-performing teams.

Strategic planningRelationship managementMarketing program managementCross-functional leadershipStakeholder managementTeam mentoring
Y

Community Ambassador, Chattanooga

Yelp

Nov 2019 – Apr 2020

Chattanooga, USPart time

I built relationships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. I developed community engagement strategies, supported local business growth, and organized events and networking opportunities connecting businesses.

Community engagementRelationship buildingEvent planningNetworkingLocal business developmentCommunity strategy
TC

Startup Week Volunteer

The Company Lab (CO.LAB)

Oct 2015 – Oct 2015

I supported startup ecosystem programming that connected entrepreneurs, investors, and community stakeholders.

Startup ecosystem developmentEvent supportCommunity engagementStakeholder engagement
TF

Pro Bono Brand Strategist

Taproot Foundation

Aug 2010 – Aug 2012

I provided strategic brand consulting to nonprofit organizations on a pro bono basis.

Brand strategyStrategic consultingNonprofit consulting
S

Senior Account Executive

SustainLane

Sep 2008 – Feb 2009

Full time

I represented the company in the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) market and developed go-to-market strategies for early-stage cleantech companies across energy, food and land use, transportation, carbon, and sustainable technology sectors. I supported cleantech startups with positioning and community engagement strategies.

Go-to-market strategyCleantechMarket positioningCommunity engagementSustainable technologyStrategic planning
A

Marketing Manager

Amazon

Aug 2003 – Aug 2004

Full time

I developed the go-to-market strategy for a publishing company later acquired by Amazon. I built strategic partnerships, managed client relationships, and created market strategies supporting company growth and acquisition readiness.

Go-to-market strategyStrategic partnershipsClient relationship managementMarket strategyBusiness growth

Education

UO
University of San Francisco

MA

AS
Appalachian State University

BS

Skills

Startup ecosystem strategyGo-to-market strategyStrategic partnershipsCustomer developmentBusiness developmentCommunity engagementStakeholder relationship managementStrategic planningMarketing strategyBrand strategyMarket positioningGrowth strategyClient relationship managementCross-functional team leadershipEvent planningWorkshop facilitationPublic speakingMentoringNonprofit consultingEntrepreneurship

Languages

English
Native or bilingual proficiency