Narrative Strategy Consulting
I work with organizations to strengthen their narrative capabilities so that they can:
tell the stories that advance their mission, in ways that are rooted in org values and are ethically sustainable
Narrative change is essential to social change.
I help my clients—grassroots, philanthropic, and community-based organizations—tell the stories that advance their work, rooted in the wisdom and struggles of the communities they do this work for and with. Collectively, these stories build narrative power—creating powerful narratives that counter harmful, dominant ones, promote a more just, equitable future, and reveal new ways the world can and should work.
Capacity Building
Narrative strategy offerings range from introductory workshops and trainings to more in-depth, tailored inquiry engagements. See below for more information.
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I work with organizations to co-create tailored resources that equip their teams with the tools, skills, and resources needed for effective, ethical storytelling. This includes:
templates and guidelines rooted in core organizational values and a non-extractive, equity-based approach that honors the wisdom and agency of stakeholder communities
navigating power dynamics (grantee & funder orgs; community orgs & community; storyteller and listener, etc)
practices for external and internal uses e.g. resource mobilization, community research project, advocacy campaign, institutional memory, teambuilding, etc.
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I work with key stakeholders within an organization, and stakeholder communities, to foster alignment around values, purpose, and narrative goals and strategies.
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I help organizations strengthen their strategic planning process by developing a strategic narrative framework together. This framework outlines the key messages and stories that support the organization's mission, and serves as a roadmap for communicating org values and objectives consistently.
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Narrative change is an ongoing process. I provide continuous support through check-ins, feedback, and updates on best practices in the field, ensuring an organization remains adaptive, values-aligned, and effective in its storytelling efforts.
Story Gathering
I conduct and edit interviews with individuals within an organization and/or its stakeholder communities. These stories are then used by staff members for various purposes, e.g. research project, advocacy campaigns, development communications, institutional memory work,, etc.
My Approach //
I bring a collaborative, heart-centered approach to consulting partnerships. I take the time to understand the values, aspirations, and concerns of your organization, and work with you toward sustainable solutions that honor these.
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For organizations that are working intentionally towards a liberatory practice, here is a resource on ethical storytelling (developed with my former colleagues at VOW) to give a sense of what our work together might look like.
Who I’ve Partnered With (partial list)
ClimateWorks Foundation
Communities as One
Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
Harmony House Shelter for Women & Children
Hemera Foundation
Magnum Foundation
Stanford School of Medicine
The Isabel Allende Foundation
The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation
The Whitman Institute
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
UCSF Memory and Aging Center
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“I’ve witnessed Mimi create indelible partnerships and collaborations centering the voices and experiences of communities most impacted by structural inequities globally. I’ve always appreciated Mimi’s style of inquiry—reflective and incisive—able to get to the heart of the matter and encourage the dawn of new awareness and perspective. ”
“Over the years I have consulted with Mimi for her guidance in all things related to social justice, equity, and authentic leadership. Mimi leads with a clear mind, a big heart, courage, and grace, and is one of the most creative, out of the box thinkers I know. I would follow her anywhere.”
“Mimi has a unique talent for crystallizing project objectives holistically, balancing logistical necessities with human development. Her passion for giving shape and form to experiences through narrative, whether as a praxis for self- or community development, is paramount. This sensitivity was invaluable as she assisted in clarifying my positionality and establishing best practices for leading a project designed to capture and analyze experiences and narratives from individuals of varied racial, socio-economic, organizational, and cultural backgrounds. I am confident that her passion, expertise, and insights will be an unparalleled asset to any individual or organization fortunate enough to work with her.”
