Intern Sabrina Barro Jumps into Marketing and Branding with GO LOCAL
By Rebecca Hampton
For Communications major Sabrina Barro, a single email turned out to be more than just another opportunity. It became the beginning of a career trajectory she never expected.
After receiving an internship opportunity from the Communication and Media Studies department, Sabrina jumped at the chance to gain real-world experience. Within days of applying, she secured a role with GO LOCAL, a Sonoma County organization dedicated to strengthening the community economy through support of small businesses.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, her time was structured to give the best possible product for GO LOCAL. One moment, she was managing a Salesforce application, updating business profiles, and categorizing members into “new” or “prospective.” Next, she was crafting Facebook posts, taking photos of local electronic billboards, and helping shape the organization’s brand through visual storytelling. Her tasks also include preparing membership renewal, new member packets, as well as organizational support. But for Sabrina, the most valuable lessons weren’t about checking off a to-do list—they came through discovery.
“I really noticed how much I loved the creative side of things,” she reflected. “From designing posts to thinking about what would look good visually, it pushed me to explore my own aesthetic.”
That spark of creativity soon evolved into something deeper. Originally aiming for a career in public relations, she found herself increasingly drawn to branding and marketing fields that let her express ideas visually and connect with audiences in hands-on, collaborative ways.
While the internship was remote, Barro thrived in the environment, receiving direct feedback and praise for her eye for detail and strong organizational skills. This recognition helped solidify her confidence.
“It made me realize my potential because I was feeling really confused about where I was at,” she shared. “And I feel like it definitely showed me I can do these things that I never thought that I could do.”
From a simple email to a vision for her future, Sabrina’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the right opportunity shows up exactly when you’re ready to grow and it might just change everything.