Our FOUNDING TEAM

 Sarah is the co-founder and CEO of Co-Stellar, a social purpose corporation that connects creative entrepreneurs and arts organizations to capital for next-level growth. 

As a creative economy consultant and cultural systems specialist, she has provided leadership and strategic counsel to mission-driven organizations for more than twenty years.  An advocate for the power of music and art to lift up communities, Sarah is committed to helping organizations and individuals thrive in the creative economy. 

She is skilled in leading capital projects and has helped raise more than $750 million for projects around the world.   

Building on her deep experience in the nonprofit world - founding board member of the Development Leadership Consortium, COOP Image Group (both in Chicago) and Freakout Festival (Seattle) - and supporting clients of all budget sizes, Sarah is interested in finding new ways to sustain the creative sector.   

Sarah has written essays and presented on subjects including nonprofit governance and finance, music and arts policy, philanthropy and capital fundraising. Sarah is a member of the Association for Cultural Economics International, Opportunity Finance Network, International Downtown Association, Sonic Guild, Washington Women’s Foundation, and Women in Planning and Development.   

As a strategic advisor at Public Sphere Projects, Sarah helps clients bring their communities together to develop novel – and sometimes radical – solutions to systemic challenges. 

As sole principal of Clark & May, Sarah lends her capital campaign expertise to nonprofit clients.  

Forthcoming book: “I’m The Mom: Meditations on Modern Motherhood”  

Side projects: Madame Merch / Music Discovery and Mo’ Jangles. 

With over 20 years in the music industry under his belt; Abe Claiborne is a premiere leader in the entertainment business working with top-tier companies such as Universal and Harley Davidson. Spending the last 6 years as an entrepreneur helping tech businesses integrate music strategy into their portfolios, he brought successful outcomes to dozens of startups and media companies. 

He is constantly working cross-collaboratively across entire organizations to help build the products and promotions that resonate with the audience. His responsibilities have ranged from artist relations, to music programming, and groundbreaking licensing contracts.

He has developed music strategy and licensing partnerships for major household brands such as Harley Davidson and American Eagle. He has worked with hundreds of labels and artists, building and cultivating innovative solutions.

Abe has a lifelong passion for music and has worn nearly every hat in the industry from booking tours to artist management, to licensing, marketing, and sales. Always one to wear a smile and share a good laugh, Abe is a consummate professional whose positive reputation opens doors.