Meet: Cameron Stefanski
Team member of our LGBTQIA+ Task Force
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Job Role: Creative Director
Years in Industry: 7+
Hey Cameron! Tell us about yourself.
I’m Cameron, a creative professional with a background in non-profit development, social media marketing, and arts management. Building effective strategies and interpersonal relationships have really fueled my success, and I look forward to continuing that work with organizations that align with my humanitarian spirit!
I founded 989 Creative Group to nurture and grow socially conscious humans, brands, and nonprofits through creative and strategic digital marketing, business development, and consulting services.
My mission and vision is to leave people better than when I found them. I care about people and their stories. It is my everyday intention to use what I am good at and passionate about as a force for good and to create change. It is not lost on me that the importance of giving people the opportunity to make them feel like their most authentic self starts with creating acceptance affirming spaces and experiences that make folks safe, seen, and represented through community. I am a social media guru, website management professional, event creator, and creative business strategist here to walk alongside you to move your mission forward.
How did you get into marketing?
I got started in marketing in college through several marketing courses and internships with arts related nonprofits that I experienced while studying for my arts and business management degree. Through my tenure as Director of Development for the leading summer training program for the performing arts, French Woods Festival, I managed a team of specialists in marketing and development for the organization’s nonprofit arm that raised funds for artists to attend college that came from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Marketing is a tough industry, what keeps you in the field?It is so tough sometimes, especially being an independent business owner. However, I find freedom, creative expression, and living my truth keep me pushing onward. I also find solace in helping build community and encouraging folks/brands to make bold, informed and strategic marketing decisions to foster impact in their sector of business.
Where do you go for inspiration?
For inspiration, I usually head to Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok. A current brand that I gravitate toward and that truly inspires me is OLIPOP, dripdrop and Chamberlin Coffee. Some marketers and creators that inspire me are vznayres, Everywhere is Queer, Color Palette Studio, and Unfiltered Entrepreneurs, and Nicky.
Tell us about some of your work that has supported the LQBTQIA+ Community.
I founded The Rainbow Cloud Project, a community organization that works online and in-person to redefine creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, and their allies to feel seen, heard, and supported. I also founded a summit and movement called MKTG4PRIDE365 where marketers and creatives amplify LGBTQ+ inclusive digital marketing and business best practices all year around, not just in June!
Why do you think it’s important for brands to be inclusive?
It is pertinent for brands to be inclusive because attacks against the LGBTQ+ community have been growing at an exponential rate over the last couple of years. This year alone there have been over 600 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced across the country. We live in a time where hate and bigotry are on the rise. I wrote an article on the importance of how brands can show up for marginalized communities on 989’s blog. Check it out here.
What is a brand you think is doing a good job at being inclusive in their evergreen marketing?
Kohl’s. They have several marketing campaigns and employee led groups that advocate for the LGBTQ+ community all year round. They also have been at this for several years.
The brands that commit to being on the right side of history will reap the financial benefits. It is statistically proven that brands that focus on their marketing strategies to be more diverse and inclusive have seen a 33% increase in their profitability or EBITDA over time (source: Forbes)
What do you think brands have gotten wrong when it comes to marketing to the LGBTQ+ Community?
RAINBOW WASHING. Only doing a pride campaign in June. Exploiting LGBTQ+ and marginalized creators and activists to increase profit margins.
Pride campaigns and/or making a commitment as a brand to be a safe space all year, every year takes dedication and coming back to the drawing table over and over again. Allyship is a verb, not an adjective. Action speaks louder than words.
Want to work with Cameron? Check out our LGBTQIA+ Marketing Services.