Welcome to CortSand Collective
Independent Strategy. Collective Impact.
Our approach
CortSand Collective is the consulting practice of Cortney Sanders — a strategist, advisor, and leadership guide committed to reimagining systems, organizational growth, and transformative leadership.
Strong, forward-thinking, outcome-focused advisement
Through direct partnerships with mission-driven organizations, foundations, and public leaders, we offer tailored consulting focused on strategy development, organizational advising, and leadership transformation.
Partnerships That Drive Change
Alongside her consulting work, Cortney curates The Collective — a community of thought leaders and changemakers dedicated to advancing bold ideas to shape the future of public policy, philanthropy, and organizational change.
Independent leadership. Collective insight. Lasting impact.
Our services
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Policy & Research
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Strategy & Convening
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Speaking Engagements
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Development Coaching
Meet Cortney
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Cortney Sanders | Founder and Principal, CortSand Collective
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Cortney Sanders is a nationally recognized policy leader, strategist, and advisor with over a decade of experience advancing equity, expanding philanthropic impact, and building high-performing organizations.
A former Senior Advisor at the U.S. Social Security Administration and an accomplished nonprofit executive, Cortney has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, advised government leaders at the highest levels, and cultivated strong cross-sector partnerships. Her work sits at the intersection of public policy, organizational transformation, and equity-centered leadership development.
Cortney holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, fostering collective action, and helping organizations achieve lasting, equitable change.