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Telling stories with purpose

I’ve spent the past two decades working at the intersection of social change and storytelling, beginning as an investigative journalist working in network news and public television. I started by telling the stories of people often overlooked by the system, but after a decade of reporting, I wanted to move from highlighting problems to helping shape solutions.

That led me to Mastercard and the Center for Inclusive Growth, where I’ve combined storytelling with social innovation to drive change. There, I used my expertise to lead teams and collaborate with thought leaders across sectors—policymakers, researchers, and nonprofits—to craft narratives that brought big ideas to life and translated them into meaningful change.

Whether its through video, thought leadership perspectives, social media campaigns, or immersive data viz, I’ve guided teams and partners to create stories that connect, engage, and mobilize. Scroll below for a selection of purpose-driven stories I’ve helped bring to life.

Impact Storytelling

Mastercard News •

In Solidarity in action: Supporting Birmingham's Black-owned businesses

Avrie and Phillip Powell, the owners of Aww Shucks gourmet corn, are among the millions of American entrepreneurs who turned the pandemic into an opportunity to start a thriving business. Nearly two years in, they were weathering inflation and challenges in accessing the resources and the know-how they need to grow.

Learn more about their story and how Mastercard’s In Solidarity initiative is working with local organizations and to support businesses like Aww Shucks in their growth journey—and help the city of Birmingham realize its vision of becoming a hub for minority-owned businesses.
Mastercard News •

Modernizing mom-and-pop stores: Meet Geeta

Geeta Patel owns a small convenience store in Ahmedabad, India. Mom-and-pop shops like Geeta’s cater to the everyday needs of people in neighborhoods around the world. Yet, they face increasing competition from larger retailers and e-Commerce. The Center for Inclusive Growth is working with local partners to help Geeta and thousands of other shopkeepers adopt digital tools and payments and build business skills so they can stay competitive.

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Sign up and join us on the front lines of inclusive growth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-mastercard-center-for-inclusive-growth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CNTR4growth
Website: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/

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About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth: https://bit.ly/2Z6QTq3
Mastercard News •

Unleashing the power of women entrepreneurs: Meet Marlita

Marlita Tenorio Gonzales runs a sportswear business in the Peruvian capital of Lima. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed her business to the brink, but she was able to pivot and rebound, with support from CARE’s Ignite program, a partnership with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Through the Ignite program, Marlita has gained access to tools and training to build her financial resilience and bring her closer to her dream of expanding her business internationally.

Learn more about our partnership with CARE:
https://www.mastercardcenter.org/insights/give-her-credit-expanding-womens-access-to-finance
Mastercard News •

Growing cybersecurity talent: Meet Robbi

Muhammed Robbi Sukarno is an 18-year-old network engineering student in Bandung, Indonesia.

He enrolled in Mastercard Academy 2.0 to gain the skills he needs to reach his dream of becoming a technology expert. He’s now the first vocational student in Southeast Asia to receive a leading global cybersecurity analyst certification.

Mastercard has helped more than 3,600 vocational students, like Robbi, get trained to become cybersecurity analysts, in partnership with InfraDigital Foundation.

Learn more about how Mastercard Academy 2.0 is working to empower 100,000 Indonesians with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/

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Make sure not to miss a single video from Mastercard News! Click here to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/3B48FqC

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-mastercard-center-for-inclusive-growth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CNTR4growth
Website: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/

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About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth: https://bit.ly/2Z6QTq3
Mastercard News •

Empowering small business owners in Indonesia: Meet Rangga

Rangga Septiana is a 30-year-old factory owner in rural Indonesia. His factory processes cotton used to create countless medical supplies.

When Rangga saw his business growth plateau, he knew it was time to take his business online to reach more customers. But like many entrepreneurs, he struggled to find the right guidance, tools and resources to take his business to the next level.

Learn how Mastercard Academy 2.0 is working to empower 100,000 Indonesians, like Rangaa, with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/

=============================
Make sure not to miss a single video from Mastercard News! Click here to Subscribe: https://bit.ly/3B48FqC

=====================================
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-mastercard-center-for-inclusive-growth
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CNTR4growth
Website: https://www.mastercardcenter.org/

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About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth: https://bit.ly/2Z6QTq3

Thought leadership

I collaborate with thought leaders to merge human stories with expert insights and data-driven perspectives.

Award-winning journalism