Chat and Chew, is Tokiwa T. Smith Consulting's quarterly virtual workshop series, in which Ms. Smith and a leader in education, nonprofit or philanthropy engage in a discussion that highlights an issue of racial inequities and/or systemic racism in education, nonprofit or philanthropy.
At this quarter’s workshop, Ms. Tokiwa T. Smith and Ms. Cierra Shelby, MPA—Marketing and Communications Strategist—will engage in an insightful conversation titled, “Turning Stories into Strategies that Move People.”
Great leaders are both strategic thinkers and compelling storytellers. Yet for many Black nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, storytelling remains an underdeveloped and underutilized skill. When used effectively, storytelling allows leaders to craft authentic, high-impact narratives that foster connection and inspire action.
It is especially important for Black leaders to share their own stories. The truth is, people support organizations because they feel connected to the people driving the work. By sharing personal experiences, Black leaders not only deepen relationships with funders, collaborators, clients/program participants, and the community, but also shift the broader narratives about Black leadership and the transformational work happening in Black-led organizations.
This conversation will also address how nonprofit and philanthropic leaders—especially those who are non-Black —tell stories about the Black communities they serve. We’ll examine how these narratives can either reinforce stereotypes or uplift communities with dignity and respect.
Join us for a thought-provoking and actionable discussion that will empower leaders to tap into storytelling to lead with authenticity and impact.
