TASBO connected with Connecting Our Stories to create a strategy and deliverables for their first-ever “SBO Day.”  

There is something about jazz that requires a certain attention to the present moment that my mind, heart, and body respond to. It made me think about the improvisational nature of storytelling and how being present – really tuned in – is essential to making compelling content.

To celebrate the next phase of AJW’s work and people, Connecting Our Stories (COS) was entrusted with creating a fundraising video that would showcase the organization’s mission and vision. To create compelling content, we embedded ourselves in AJW’s community. 

I recently felt a tug at my heart. It was for something quite unexpected. Advocacy nonprofits work so hard to connect their members and supporters with policymakers and staff to improve lives and communities. I wanted to honor that passion and help where I could.

“The data from this survey transformed our strategy for communicating with legislative offices. We’re going to focus our efforts on building community and sharing stories from the people we represent.”

In an effort to keep learning and growing (and not repeating 2024 mistakes), I’m sharing ten reflections about doing work and life in the past year. Do you relate with one or two?

As we wrap up the year, we want to share a few quotes that deeply inspired us and fueled our work in 2024. May these words bring you insight, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose as you step into the new year.

Happy Holidays from Connecting Our Stories! Reflecting on our first full year as COS, we are deeply grateful for the opportunities to help bring stories to life while fostering connection, trust, and meaningful impact. As we embrace the season, we celebrate the unique ways we all show up, knowing we are exactly who we need to be.

Designed for the entryway of our Connecting Our Stories office, a painting symbolizes unity, inspiration, and the boundless possibilities that emerge when stories intertwine.

In Victoria’s family, food has always been a love language. Now living thousands of miles away, Victoria recreates her favorite childhood dishes to stay connected, letting the familiar aromas transport her back to cherished memories.

Through Andrea’s window, autumn whispers its golden hues, a fleeting reminder of calm before the holiday chaos. The season's ribbon-wrapped whirlwind pulls us in every direction—tasks pile high, and we forget ourselves in the bustle.

Other days, we’re too worried, stressed, angry, or tired for all that pressure. So for those in this space, perhaps we can spend late October (and November and December . . .) hovering around appreciation? 

At Connecting Our Stories, we find ourselves moved by the words of Lyanda Lynn Haupt, a naturalist writer, who beautifully captures the essence of this gift.

We may do things to take care of ourselves, but what do we do to be ourselves?

While there aren’t enough inspo quotes in the world to keep us from doubtful moments and days (weeks?), these have helped us move forward in faith.

Only one year into grad school, I already feel more confident in my abilities and my knowledge. I am more assured of who I am. I trust the process now more than ever. My confusion led me to be at one of my life's most curious, exciting, and growth-oriented points.

Connecting Our Stories team members recognize the profound impact women have made throughout history and on our lives.

At first, I worried it may be too reputationally risky to frame my newly-founded company as an act of love. What would potential clients think? What would LinkedIn colleagues who don’t know me very well think? Does “love” sound too soft? Not productive or innovative enough? Not thought-leader material?

. . . ‘story’ is a powerful tool. In many cases where logic or data or facts can’t pierce a set resolve, story can. Because it is within story where even the most disparate people — or even, say, a human and an alien — might find common understanding.

As I reflect on the new year, I’m wondering about the backdrop where I will do my best work in 2024. Where will I reflect, dream, collaborate, and celebrate?