I’m Not the “Typical” Grant Writer – And That’s the Point

This is only my second blog post, (read my first one here) and I’m already breaking one of my own rules: talking about myself. I know, I know! This is the part where I’m supposed to drop some polished professional insight or “5 Grant Tips You NEED to Know.” (Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll be cliché and do that eventually.)

But right now, we’re getting personal, and if that makes you want to hit the emergency exit button… same. Blame it on my marketing manager, who, to her credit, is trying to help me grow, although sometimes, it feels like she’s trying to sabotage my introvert lifestyle. (Love you regardless, Lexi). Frankly, she has been pushing me to show up more authentically – like actually show up as a person, with a face, and stories.

So, after racking my brain for far too long about what to write about, I landed on a topic that seems to be more important each day: what exactly is professional?

After taking one look at my pictures and reading a few posts, you’ll likely realize I don’t look, act, or exist like your average “professional.” And honestly? I think I did that on purpose, but I actually like it this way.

On the surface, I rock a half-shaved hairstyle (and have for about seven years), as well as more piercings and tattoos than my Nana will ever acknowledge. I came out of the closet at queer around six years ago, and since then, I’ve embraced my unapologetic, Type A, and down-to-Earth personality. To top it off, I’m married to a man I met on Tinder (before it was sketchy), and together we have a nearly four-year-old son who often temps me to pull out the other half of my hair, two dogs, like 20 fishies, a bird who is frequently on my last nerve, and a bearded dragon who lives in my office. Fun fact: her name changes depending on the minute and which family member is talking to her. Today, I’m calling her Pancake.

For a long time, I thought none of this belonged in my brand and that to be taken seriously, I had to keep things “corporate,” whatever that means. But here’s what I’ve realized over the last decade: truly professionalism isn’t just a hairstyle or a dress code. It’s also not about being buttoned up, and dare I say, boring. I think it’s actually about showing up and doing excellent work. It’s about proving you can talk the talk AND walk the walk.

Point blank: I’m not here to blend in. I’m here to show that being real is the brand.

Yes, I write (and win) million-dollar grants, and yes, I often do it in my jammies with a dragon running around my office. However, that doesn’t make me less qualified. If anything, it makes me more invested because I’ve built a life and a business that reflects ME.

So, there. Are you happy, Lexi!? I’ve cracked the curtains, and more importantly, I’m showing up authentically because I know someone out there needs to see a version of “professional” that actually looks like us.

Next time, maybe I’ll take a stab at sharing a little bit about grant strategy. But today, thanks for letting me be a little messy, a little real, and a whole lot human.