Get ready to be inspired! We’re thrilled to announce the incredible lineup of speakers for the Nonprofit Storytelling Summit on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EDT) at Bridgewater Place in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee. Hosted by the Tennessee Nonprofit Network, this summit is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the power of narrative to drive change. Join us as we learn from leading experts in the field, explore innovative storytelling techniques, and connect with fellow changemakers dedicated to making a difference. Keep reading to discover the dynamic individuals who will be sharing their insights and expertise at this year’s summit!
Early Bird Member Rate – $75 (thru March 1)
Regular Member Rate – $100
Non-Member Rate – $199
KEYNOTE – 9:00 am – 9:45 am
Amber Parker
President & CEO, Ijams Nature Center
The Stories We Tell: Crafting a Narrative for Nonprofit Success
Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do in the nonprofit world. From media and marketing to donor engagement and program delivery, the way we tell our organization’s story shapes how others see us—and, ultimately–how successful we are. But just as important as the external stories we share are the internal ones we tell ourselves. Too often, we operate from a place of scarcity, questioning our worth and fearing there will never be enough—enough funding, enough support, and enough time.
Let’s explore how to craft and share powerful stories that inspire action and connection while we take a hard look at the narratives we carry within us. Because when we rewrite our internal story to one of abundance, confidence, and possibility, we don’t just transform ourselves—we transform our organizations and the communities we serve.
Keynote Address Sponsored by University of Tennessee Knoxville, College of Social Work
MORNING SESSIONS 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Transformative Art and Power of Storytelling
Kiran Singh Sirah, Storytellling: A Gift of Hope
Storytelling has tremendous power to transform the way we see ourselves and each other. Kiran Singh Sirah discusses the power and artistry of storytelling as an ancient art and as the world’s oldest form of communication, and how it can help institutions, large and small, build stronger, healthier, more cohesive communities. Sirah discusses storytelling’s unparalleled ability to change the way we interact with one another—how it links us, not just despite our differences, but because of them. Learning objectives: 1.. Participants will learn about the ethical use of storytelling to develop trust and build stronger relationships. 2. Participants will learn how to build stories with others, to foster dialogue in their own communities, and their work to empower others. 3. Participants will understand the art of resilience, as a value, and not just a tool, and how it’s integral to collective and communal storytelling, for social change.
Transforming Data into Impact: Leveraging Storytelling for Effective Evaluation
Hannah Wohltjen & Jessica Gibbons, Elevate Consulting
In this presentation, participants will explore essential strategies for effectively communicating evaluation findings through compelling storytelling. A significant focus of the session will be on the key elements of the storytelling process that can transform data into engaging narratives. Attendees will gain hands-on experience strategically linking narrative goals with supportive data to communicate impact to diverse audiences. Data visualization best practices will be discussed highlighting how to create clear visuals that enhance understanding. Participants will receive resources to practice these techniques and transform raw data into visually appealing and insightful graphics. Finally, the session will delve into key considerations for equitable storytelling and how well-crafted reports can facilitate learning. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical skills and knowledge to intentionally leverage data in communicating their impact.
Lessons From My Third Grade Journal on Storytelling and Advocacy
Tyrus B. Sturgis, Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN
This presentation merges the musings of a 9-year-old, captured in his third grade journal, with the best practices, experiences, and perspective of a 20+ year communications professional and licensed attorney. The interactive presentation will include a journal workbook for participants to complete to map out strategies to enhance strategic communications efforts. Examples will include the unique challenges of storytelling on behalf of an organization with 4 distinct divisions which include the historic Franklin Theatre, a History & Culture Center, historic preservation and advocacy work, and a $40M capital campaign for Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens which is currently underway. All done with a balance of instruction, humor, interaction, and collaboration.
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MORNING SESSIONS 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Maximizing Storytelling through Employee Engagement
Beth Koffman and Haley Fortune, Community Foundation of West Tennessee
In today’s climate, telling your story successfully as a nonprofit can mean the difference in reaching your organization’s goals and objectives. One key area some agencies forget to harness in storytelling is their employees. With their unique perspective of your organization, employees can be a great resource for catching trends, sharing workplace culture, and boosting content interactions. When your staff is more engaged and invested in the values of your organization, you are able to provide better service to stakeholders in your community. This presentation dives into how to build a thriving organizational culture and translate it into content to tell your organization’s story. Key Takeaways: Employee Engagement, Storytelling, and Office Culture
Advocacy Amplified: Using Digital Tools to Drive Nonprofit Impact
Naomi Oriol, Points North Studio
Advocacy and digital storytelling are powerful tools for nonprofits to inspire action and drive change. This session will explore how to craft advocacy-focused narratives that resonate with decision-makers and mobilize communities while leveraging digital platforms and tools to amplify your message. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for using social media, video, and other digital innovations to elevate their storytelling efforts…the session includes interactive discussions and a mini-workshop to help participants begin crafting advocacy-driven, digitally enhanced narratives that deepen engagement and drive measurable results.
Transforming Your Numbers and Words Into Impactful Stories
Cayci Banks & Melissa Strompolis,1000 Feathers
Data can be powerful—but only when it’s transformed into meaningful stories. Nonprofits collect countless metrics that are turned into evaluation reports, research papers, data dashboards, profiles, and even lengthy data reviews. But too often, these data outputs and products sit unused or fail to resonate with intended audiences. In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore how to combine context, data, and design to craft compelling narratives that build trust and connect data to action. Nonprofit professionals at this session will begin by defining data broadly, recognizing that data is more than just an organizational survey or an evaluation report. Using a structured framework, we’ll discuss how to connect the “why” behind your data with the needs of your key audiences. From crafting the story to selecting the right storytelling outlets, we’ll guide attendees in developing strategies that amplify their organization’s mission and inspire action. Nonprofit professionals at this session will begin by defining data broadly, recognizing that data is more than just an organizational survey or an evaluation report. Using a structured framework, we’ll discuss how to connect the “why” behind your data with the needs of your key audiences. From crafting the story to selecting the right storytelling outlets, we’ll guide attendees in developing strategies that amplify their organization’s mission and inspire action.
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AFTERNOON SESSIONS 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
Turning Stories into Action: Mobilizing Volunteers & Engaging Supporters
Debra Michaels & Grace Litzau, Taproot Foundation
At Taproot Foundation, we’ve seen how the right story doesn’t just inspire—it mobilizes action, builds movements, and drives lasting change. This interactive workshop will explore real-world insights and lessons learned from mobilizing volunteers, providing practical strategies for nonprofit leaders to strengthen engagement through storytelling. Together, we’ll explore how to:
• Create shared purpose and partnership
• Make space for others to contribute to impact
• Showcase the long-term value of engagement
Transmedia-Storytelling: Engaging Communities for Social Impact and Sustainable Revenue
Haydn Corrodus, H.C. Consultancy
This presentation explores how nonprofits can use transmedia storytelling across digital channels to engage audiences & drive revenue. By placing storytelling at the centre of communications & maintaining a consistent, value-driven narrative, nonprofits can foster strong communities that support sustained growth. Key themes include: The Power of Your Story: Actionable steps to craft compelling narratives. Building an Engaged Community: Strategies for consistent digital presence, regardless of team size. Always-On Donation Campaigns: Reframing fundraising to build trust & long-term support. Through case studies and interactive activities, this workshop will provide attendees with a practical framework for enhancing their digital strategy and driving results.
TBA – Another great session will be announced soon!