Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Fossen
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a connector, strategist, and advocate who thrives at the intersection of creativity, community, and impact. My career has taken me across government, retail, private sector, nonprofit, higher education, and entrepreneurship—giving me the ability to see challenges from multiple angles and craft innovative solutions.
As Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, I’ve worked to expand engagement across the state, modernize advocacy efforts, and champion major policy initiatives. I also play a key role in protecting Minnesota’s historic Legacy Amendment funding, ensuring dedicated support for the arts for years to come.
Before MCA, I led transformative marketing and engagement initiatives as Director of Marketing and Experience at Rosedale Center/JLL, Marketing Director at the City of St. Paul and Capital City Partnership (now Greater MSP), and Assistant Vice President at Augsburg University. I also ran my own marketing communications firm, Agency NORD, where I combined my entrepreneurial drive with a deep passion for storytelling and strategy.
I’m a proud Norwegian (who speaks five languages—poorly, but with enthusiasm!) and hold dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in PR/Advertising and Art from Concordia College-Moorhead. I also completed a strategic leadership executive certificate from Harvard University, a Mini Master in real estate development from the University of St. Thomas, and studied Art History at the International School at the University of Oslo.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I thrive in times of transformation. Throughout my career, I’ve been called upon to drive change—whether it’s implementing new systems, engaging new audiences, or helping organizations evolve beyond long-standing ways of doing business.
Change is never easy, and I’m not always everyone’s favorite person in the middle of the process. Most people resist change at some point—whether it feels too unknown, too much work, like it’s breaking something that already mostly works, or simply out of fear of failure. My strength lies in navigating this tension—guiding teams, boards, and stakeholders through the discomfort while keeping an eye on future success. I believe that true innovation comes from an entrepreneurial mindset, but meaningful progress is only possible when rooted in a deep understanding of the past.
Across government, retail, private, nonprofit, and higher education sectors, I’ve helped organizations push boundaries, embrace new technologies, and expand their impact. Whether leading advocacy efforts, modernizing marketing strategies, or building new partnerships, I balance vision with practicality—ensuring that change doesn’t just happen, but that it lasts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is my ability to apply a different lens to the same problem and reimagine how we approach it. I’m known as a change maker—someone who shakes up an industry or sector by applying best practices from a wide variety of sectors and decades of experience. I don’t just accept the way things have always been done; I challenge assumptions and find new ways to solve problems that others might overlook.
With a career spanning multiple industries—I bring a diverse perspective to every challenge. I’ve learned that the best solutions often come from adapting successful strategies from one sector to another, and by applying fresh thinking to what might feel like a long-standing problem.
Ultimately, it’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about using the right tools and lessons learned from a variety of places to hit the goal. That’s how I drive real, lasting change.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The advocacy sector is undergoing some significant shifts, driven by changing technology, demographics, and political landscapes. Here are a few key trends:
Grassroots-Led Movements
Digital platforms allow advocates to self-organize, meaning organizations will need to focus less on controlling the message and more on amplifying and supporting community-driven efforts.
The Rise of Short-Form & Interactive Storytelling
With shrinking attention spans, successful advocacy will rely on short-form video, interactive content, and immersive storytelling. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and AI-powered interactive tools will play a bigger role.
More Demand for Authentic, Relatable Leadership
As trust in institutions declines, people are looking for leaders who are accessible, transparent, and relatable. Organizations that rely on rigid hierarchy and traditional lobbying tactics will struggle, while those that embrace direct, personal engagement will thrive.
New Forms of Engagement & Participation
Younger generations (Gen Z and beyond) are redefining engagement. They are less likely to participate in traditional advocacy methods like letter-writing campaigns and more inclined toward direct action, digital activism, and micro-volunteering (short, impactful actions). Organizations will need to adapt how they involve supporters.
Policy & Funding Battles Will Get More Intense
The competition for public funding is only going to increase. Advocacy groups will need to sharpen their messaging, demonstrate clear ROI, and engage more diverse stakeholders to protect and expand funding streams, especially for areas like arts and culture.
More Emphasis on Intersectionality & Coalition Building
Advocacy efforts are becoming more intersectional, recognizing that issues like healthcare, veteran care, rural vitality, and the arts are deeply connected. Organizations that build broad coalitions across multiple causes will be more effective than those working in silos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Artsmn.org
- Instagram: Mncitizens4thearts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DtPHhLPaP/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
