Sarah Brock relocated to Northwest Florida from Wellington, Florida nearly a decade ago and quickly found herself drawn to both the natural beauty of the area and the opportunity to build a career in storytelling and nonprofit work.

• Today, she serves as Director of Marketing for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC), helping share the stories of an organization that serves every reported case of child abuse and neglect in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Her days begin early with coffee, prayer, and time with her rescue pup Phoenix before a commute filled with music or a podcast. At work, no two days look the same, as Sarah might be a videographer, photographer, designer, or writer depending on the project. Outside of work, she values time with friends and family, her faith, and a deep curiosity about the world, while staying connected to the local business community through organizations like the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Are you a life-long local? If not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I consider myself a local now after nearly 10 years of living and exploring the Emerald Coast. The more I travel and see the world, the more grateful I am to call this place home. Every time I return from an adventure, I’m struck all over again by the natural beauty of our area.

Originally, I’m from Wellington, Florida, near West Palm Beach. It’s known as one of the equestrian capitals of the world, so seeing wide-open fields and beautiful (very expensive!) horses was just part of daily life. As beautiful as my hometown is, though, the beaches down south can’t hold a candle to the crystal-clear water and sugar-white sand we have here.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

I have the honor and joy of serving as director of marketing for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC). At ECCAC’s three centers, we serve every reported case of child abuse and neglect in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Working alongside our partner agencies – including law enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, Child Protection Team, and the Florida Department of Children and Families – we help ensure children can access advocacy, forensic services, therapy, and support in one safe, child-focused location.

Our team provides free mental health services to affected children, mental health advocacy, and prevention education that reaches more than 17,000 students each year. It’s incredibly meaningful work, and I’m grateful to help tell the stories of the people making a difference every day.

What’s your morning routine?

My morning starts around 6 a.m. with letting out, feeding, and cuddling my sweet rescue pup, Phoenix, a 4-year-old husky mix from Saving With a Soul.

A cup of coffee is mandatory, but a few moments of prayer and meditation are what truly begin my day. It’s my time to practice gratitude, set my intentions, and ask for guidance in whatever the day may bring.

My 20- to 30-minute commute usually involves music – I’ve been on a major Jack Johnson kick lately – or a podcast on business, politics, or spirituality.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

One of my favorite things about working in marketing is the variety and unpredictability of each day. On any given day, I might be a videographer, photographer, graphic designer, PR specialist, interviewer, writer, branding strategist, social media creative, or all of the above!

The order of my tasks is constantly changing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Getting to creatively showcase the work of our incredible ECCAC team and agency partners is a privilege.

My favorite predictable part of the day, though, is a visit from one of Dog Harmony’s therapy dogs. They’re primarily here for the children we serve, but they always seem to find their way upstairs for a sneaky treat and a few extra cuddles.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

My trusty Canon EOS 6D Mark II, DJI gimbal and lavalier mics, and iPhone are the tools I reach for most often. As for apps, I rely heavily on the Adobe Creative Suite for larger projects and Canva for day-to-day content creation and social media needs.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

After work, nothing is better than an afternoon affogato from Pink Coyote – a double shot of espresso over some salted caramel ice cream: pure pick-me-up perfection. In the morning, I love a protein coffee, so that I can justify my caffeine dependency by telling myself it’s building muscle!

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received came when I was working as an environmental reporter for NPR WUWF and had the opportunity to interview renowned Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher.

He told me something I’ll never forget: “When you reach a certain age, people call you an expert, but often the biggest difference between you and everyone else is that you simply didn’t give up. You kept showing up, kept learning, and kept pursuing the dream long after others stopped.”

I’ve held many roles throughout my career, made my share of mistakes, and certainly had moments of self-doubt. Showing up, in your career and for yourself, is key. Keep showing up for your dream. Over time, that commitment builds confidence, experience, and expertise.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Keep choosing the opportunities that make your world bigger. Travel farther, ask more questions, take more chances, and don’t be afraid of starting over. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have a huge array of interests. I’m very passionate about this life and everything it has to offer! When I love a subject, I don’t forget a thing about it. I love studying everything: world religions, politics, metaphysics, art and fashion history, biblical teachings, world history, herbal and alternative medicine, foraging, medical science, neuroscience, and so much more. I love going down a rabbit hole of information and expanding my worldview.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Thursday girls’ night is my own local tradition that I can’t live without. My friends and I always come in with the intention to do a little craft or watch a movie, but we inevitably spend the majority of the night talking and laughing with one another. It heals my soul.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

Right now, my inspiration for my work comes from our incredible ECCAC team and the children we serve every day. Their resilience is a constant reminder of both the challenges people can overcome and the difference compassionate support can make.

Outside of work, I’m inspired by my faith, my family, my friends, and the endless curiosities this world has to offer. I love learning something new every day that expands my perspective and helps me better understand the world and the people in it.

Music while working – yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Yes! Usually either in a foreign language or non-lyrical. I love some jazz, some classical on piano, or some French or Italian oldies. If I listen to English lyrics, some wire crosses in my brain. I will accidentally start writing the words of the song instead of whatever I’m working on!

Favorite motivational quote?

“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between work and his play, labor and his leisure, mind and his body, information and his recreation, love and God. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” – James A. Michener

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Nonprofit marketing is a competitive field, but it is also one of the most rewarding. If you’re a creative person with a desire to make a difference, your future may very well be in the nonprofit world.

My advice would be to keep volunteering, connect with causes that genuinely resonate with you, and never stop building your portfolio. The best nonprofit marketers aren’t just skilled storytellers – they care deeply about the missions they represent. When you combine creativity with purpose, your work can have a real impact on people’s lives.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

Yes I am! So many of ECCAC’s incredible agency and community partners are also members, and I love the chance to be able to connect with them and our local business and nonprofit community.