Meet Cortez Elliott

We were lucky to catch up with Cortez Elliott recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cortez , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I have always had a passion for bringing people together. Growing up in Baltimore, a city rich in history and culture, I saw the power of community in making positive change. As a millennial deeply connected to parts of the city, I initially decided to become a community advocate. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was determined to help the city thrive using my platform. My first efforts were small—organizing nightlife and cultural events in addition to local gatherings to discuss important issues with the Baltimore People’s Climate Movement. While turnout was often low at most of the meetings and gatherings, I quickly realized that making a difference required more than good intentions. I needed to understand what people in my hometown cared about and how to reach them. I than begin to refine my approach, learning the importance of truly listening to those apart of my sphere of influence and network. Baltimore’s communities were diverse, each with its own needs and challenges. I knew that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn’t work, so I started tailoring my efforts to address specific concerns. I organized rallies with community partners and organizations to bring attention to issues like affordable housing, access to transit, economic justice, and climate issues. I also co-founded two major events prior to the pandemic—the Baltimore Youth Festival and the Climate Jobs and Justice Festival—that became rallying points for the community. Despite these successes, organizing large events and keeping people engaged remained a struggle, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed. The thought of giving up crossed my mind more than once. But I wasn’t ready to walk away from this important mission.In July 2021, I launched the Monumental Mondays newsletter, a project close to my heart since I learned how important it is to tell your own stories. I envisioned it as a way to keep the community informed about local initiatives, upcoming events, and valuable resources. The newsletter became a vital tool in my advocacy, reaching more people and bringing them together around important causes. With each weekly digital edition, I highlighted stories of community resilience, offered practical advice, and connected residents to the resources they needed. Monumental Mondays quickly grew into a trusted source of information and a symbol of the unity I worked so hard to foster.Even with the success of Monumental Mondays, I knew that the fight for Baltimore city wasn’t over. I soon expanded my efforts by learning digital marketing, realizing that online platforms could help me reach an even wider audience. The transition wasn’t easy. I had to learn new skills and prove that online digital campaigns could make a difference in an increasingly digital world. But the same determination that drove my grassroots efforts pushed him forward. I used my new marketing skills to organize online campaigns that spread awareness, gathered support for rallies and festivals, and connected people in ways I hadn’t imagined before.Slowly but surely, my digital advocacy efforts began to pay off. My campaigns reached more people, and my business advocacy and community work gained new energy and support. The journey was far from easy, but each challenge taught me important lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of staying true to my vision. His story is one of transformation, from a grassroots community advocate to a leader who used both traditional and digital tools to bring people together for a common cause. My personal journey shows that even when the road is rough, the determination to keep going can lead to meaningful change.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m really passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow online. In the digital marketing space, I envision working with brands to make sure they reach the right people through social media, websites, and other online platforms. What I find most exciting is seeing how a small business can expand and reach new customers because of the work we do together. It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow into a strong tree.What’s also special to me is creating opportunities for the next generation of
entrepreneurs. I love sharing what I’ve
learned with others who are just starting out, helping them avoid some of the mistakes I made and giving them the tools
to succeed. I believe that by supporting young entrepreneurs, we can build a
brighter future for our communities.Right
now, I’m focusing on growing my digital marketing business and looking for new
ways to help others succeed online.
Whether it’s through new services,
workshops, or even partnerships, I’m
always looking for ways to expand and
make a bigger impact.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think three qualities were really important in my journey: perseverance, making connections, and becoming a lifelong learner.First, perseverance was key. There were many times when things didn’t go as planned, and it was easy to feel like giving up. But I learned that sticking with it, even when it’s tough, is what leads to success. My advice is to keep going, even when it’s hard. Challenges will come, but if you keep pushing through, you’ll grow stronger and get closer to your goals.Second, making connections with others helped me a lot. Building relationships with people who share your interests or can offer advice is so valuable. They can help you see things in a new way, give you support, or even open doors to new opportunities. For those just starting out, I recommend reaching out to others, whether through networking events, social media, or just by being friendly and helpful. You never know where a connection might lead.Lastly, being a lifelong learner has been really impactful. The world is always changing, especially in areas like digital marketing, so it’s important to keep learning new things. Whether it’s reading books, taking courses, or learning from others, staying curious and open to new ideas will help you keep growing. My advice is to never stop learning, no matter how much you think you know. There’s always something new to discover that can help you on your journey.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m definitely interested in partnering and collaborating with others, especially those who are just starting out in the field of marketing and entrepreneurship. If you’re new to the field and have a passion for learning and growing, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking to explore digital marketing, develop new business ideas, or just want to brainstorm and share experiences, there are many ways we can work together.Collaborating with beginners is exciting because it’s an opportunity for mutual learning and growth. I enjoy helping others get started, sharing insights, and supporting new ideas. If you’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and ready to take on new challenges, let’s connect!You can reach out to me through social media or email to start a conversation. Feel free to drop me a message with your ideas or questions, and we can explore how we might collaborate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amnglobal.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amnglobalbiz
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/askamnglobal
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/amnglobalbiz
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/amnglobal
• Other: https://Threads.net/amnglobalbiz

Image Credits

Credit @amn_films