Connecting with Sabrina Dupré

Sabrina Dupré , Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at OneTen , is a branding and social impact strategist with over 25 years of experience amplifying purpose-driven organizations. At OneTen , she has helped establish the organization’s brand as a leader in the skills-first movement and a champion of economic equity. From launching Christy Turlington’s Every Mother Counts  to repositioning Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation , Sabrina has translated visionary ideas into transformative, sustainable initiatives that address global social challenges.

How have relationships influenced your professional development and leadership style?

Wow, I mean, how have relationships not influenced my professional development and leadership style? I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some amazing people, and it’s through the proximity of working alongside them—up close and intimately—that I’ve become the leader and professional I am today.

What I’ve learned over the years is this: when it comes to professional development, choose your relationships because they nourish you, not because they advance you. The people we surround ourselves with shape us, and there’s mentorship to be found in so many unexpected places. I’ve been lucky to work with some extraordinary leaders, and each of them has placed an incredible amount of trust in me. That trust has meant everything because in addition to building my professional confidence, the strongest relationships—whether personal or professional—are built on trust.

Do you have any tips for maintaining and building strong relationships?

Honestly, I think the best and strongest relationships are the ones that grow organically, over time. For me, it’s about not having an agenda or rushing the process and just letting things unfold naturally. Living in New York City and working in certain circles, it’s inevitable to come across people who approach relationships first with a “what’s in it for me” mentality. It’s easy to spot when someone’s intentions aren’t authentic, and that kind of interaction rarely leads to anything meaningful.

For me, it’s all about being genuine—showing up as your authentic self without an agenda. In other words, be you. Whether in my personal life or at work, I tend to just be myself and not worry too much about what I might gain from someone else or how they’re perceiving me. Instead, I’ve found that when I approach relationships with openness and sincerity, they tend to grow in meaningful ways. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned that what you put into a relationship—whether it’s time, attention or effort—tends to come back to you in one way or another.

How have you intentionally built inclusiveness into your circles?

These days, my circles have collapsed into one main “inner circle”—my nuclear family, and more specifically, my two children. It’s so important to me that they grow up with a deep understanding that humanity not only becomes more beautiful when we include diversity, but it is beautiful because of it. Without it, the world would be a dark and lonely place. I want them to know that inclusivity is not just a core value that’s critical to cultivating a better world, but is also a pathway to creativity, innovation and true connection. My role as their mom is to nurture that in them so they can carry it forward throughout their lives. Those teachings must begin with me.

In my professional life, inclusivity is woven into everything I do as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at OneTen . Our mission is to create career opportunities for millions of Americans who don’t have a four-year degree. That focus on breaking down barriers allows me to think, breathe, and live inclusivity every single day. The work itself is a constant learning experience, and it reinforces how essential inclusivity is—not just as a principle, but as a practice that can reshape lives, businesses, and communities.

What community or communities are you proud to be a part of?

I’m proud to consider myself part of an impact-driven community—a group of people who are united by a shared commitment to making a difference. Whether it’s through my work at OneTen, which focuses on creating equitable career opportunities, or the connections I’ve made with others who are passionate about driving change, I feel deeply inspired by those I’ve had the opportunity to connect or work with.

This community isn’t defined by geography or a single organization—it’s a mindset. It’s made up of individuals who are determined to create a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative world. I’m proud to stand alongside people who care about leaving things better than we found them and who understand the power of working together to make that happen. Being a part of this kind of community gives me hope, fuels my drive, and reminds me that change is possible when we’re pulling in the same direction.

Who’s a Connector that's made a difference in your life?

My mom was the first and most impactful Connector in my life. She was a natural at it—outgoing, generous, and endlessly curious about people and the world around her. She came from incredibly humble beginnings, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, growing up in a small house in downtown San Antonio alongside her abuela, tia, parents, and three younger siblings. Despite those beginnings, or maybe because of them, she pushed herself to be curious and to learn at every opportunity. She had this incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and it felt like she knew everyone in our city—and everyone seemed to adore her.

What made her stand out as a Connector wasn’t just her friendliness; it was how genuine she was. She had so much to give to people without expecting anything in return, whether it was time, attention, or just a warm smile. She taught me the importance of gratitude in relationships, and she lived it out. My mom was a meticulous writer of thank-you notes—so much so that I had personalized stationery (very Texas, very '80s) before I even learned to write. That habit of expressing gratitude, paired with her innate desire to bring people together, made her an unparalleled Connector and influencer in my life. She showed me that connecting isn’t just about knowing people—it’s about staying curious, being intentional, and giving without asking.

It's an honor to feature inspiring change-makers across industries who share their stories and words of wisdom about how to build meaningful relationships. Catch up on #CONNECTED with our previous guests, including April Rinne , Beth Bengtson , Elaine Lin Hering and more!

Susan McPherson is a serial connector, seasoned communicator and founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships.

Follow Susan on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and order her new book, The Lost Art of Connecting, also available on Kindle and Audiobook.