SHA Storytelling
“The universe is made of stories, not atoms.” - Mariel Rukeyser
We make sense of the world, connect with each other, and find clarity through stories. Stories build trust, connection, and a sense of familiarity; they reveal what’s important to us, to our families, to our businesses. Allow me the opportunity to help you find your voice, write your story, and turn it into a treasured keepsake. Or let me tell the story of your organization in a way that enhances your message, builds your brand, garners publicity, raises funds, or whatever your goal may be.
Sharing personal stories builds connection. It helps colleagues and groups get to know each other better. It would be a pleasure to develop a storytelling experience for your organization.
My passion is to move and inspire people through stories. It would be an honor to give a keynote at your next event or retreat that will leave audiences feeling hopeful and motivated.
TELLING YOUR STORY
What aspect of your life story would you like to capture—immigrant experience, love story, family traditions and recipes, wisdoms for your children and future generations? How would you like to be remembered? Allow me to write a chapter (or a book) of your life’s story.
Are you giving a speech—a TED, talk, or toast—and want to make it personal, emotional, impactful so you can truly connect with your audience. Allow me to make your remarks moving, engaging, and unforgettable.
Do you want to hone your professional story or enhance your website, presentations, media presence. Allow me to write the origin or impact story of your organization/brand/business.
How would you like to communicate the value and impact of your organization so it inspires clients and customers—let’s brainstorm ideas. For example, recently I created a book and a podcast series for an NGO that has helped them raise funds, get media attention, inspire team members, and generate interest in their mission (take a look).
Client experiences:
Having worked in media for over 20 years, I can say with complete clarity that Salma is a dream storyteller and collaborator. She brings heart, integrity, commitment, authenticity, and joy at every turn.
Anonymous journal writers became friends as Salma poured over the thousands of entries written by people from across the country from which she led the curation to ultimately create the book BenchTalk. It turned out beyond our every expectation.
I couldn’t imagine a better partner to bring this sacred work to life. Salma was thoughtful, creative, and meticulous throughout the process from concept to execution. I am deeply grateful for her soul and gift, and very much hope to work with her again and again!
— Alden E. Stoner, CEO, Nature Sacred
Salma is a master of listening. She truly captured the essence of my personal and professional story. I felt completely safe to dream out loud and reveal the vulnerable parts of my life. She is respectful, curious, sensitive, and patient. She truly dedicated her heart and pen to ensure she captured the truth with an element of surprise in her word choice and impeccable writing. When she read me the finished product it brought tears to my eyes. She is gifted and made me feel that my life mattered. I look forward to sharing many more creative engagements with Salma. She is the best investment you can make in yourself.
— Ami Aronson, Executive Director Bernstein Family Foundation
You’re not only a storyteller but an exceptionally soulful storyteller. You tell stories but also listen to the stories and hear what they have to say to you— and in turn the reader. Your professional and creative lives seem to have unfolded in much the same way: one step leading organically to the other, thanks to your open mind, eyes, and heart. I’m very impressed with your growing body of work. Good luck with your very rich calling!
— Bill O’Sullivan, Srenior Managing Editor, Washingtonian
STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS
My storytelling workshops allow participants a moment to pause, reflect on an aspect of their personal story, and share it in a space that I’ve cultivated for safety, warmth, and kindness. In one of my most sought after workshops, I invite people in small groups to share an aspect of their life story in just six words; then each of us shares our words and the story behind them. The impact is transformational, for both the individual and the group (read more about it here “It Took Only Six Words”).
It would be an honor to conduct a storytelling workshop for your organization, retreat, reunion, or any occasion that you hope to make more meaningful, where you want to go beyond small talk and feel deeply connected with each other.
It would also be a pleasure to conduct a workshop to help you tell your own personal stories by providing practical ideas, useful tips, and writing prompts to get you and your group started.
Here’s feedback on my workshops:
Salma Hasan Ali's storytelling workshop helped our team tremendously to deepen our understanding of one another in a meaningful way that everyone felt comfortable with. It was essential to help us learn from each other and build trust, especially as we began to come back to the office more frequently for the first time in three years. I strongly recommend this workshop for any executive focused on team building and elevating their organization’s work culture.
— Katherine Brown, President and CEO, Global Ties US
My company turned to Salma and her storytelling workshop to try a new type of communication exercise for our employees. When Salma arrived, her warmth put us immediately at ease and her own personal story struck a cord with everyone. She made us feel comfortable opening up and sharing with each other. As we took turns speaking in response to the prompt Salma gave us, I could feel our connections deepening. People listened intently as each of our unique and memorable stories unfolded. By the end of the hour, we felt closer to each other, having shared stories that make us human, not just employees. In turn, we boosted company morale, an unexpected result of this workshop. I wholeheartedly recommend Salma and her storytelling workshops to any business or organization looking to deepen bonds among its employees, nurture a stronger sense of community, and strengthen company culture.
— Amy Kwak, Assistant General Counsel, BECO Management
SPEAKING/KEYNOTES
My talks explore themes of community and connection, gratitude and kindness, service and volunteerism, and more. I bring audiences into the heart of what connects us as human beings through moving personal narratives. My style and tone is warm, reflective, personal, and meditative. Audiences leave feeling inspired to look more closely at their own relationships, communities, and capacity for kindness.
I’ve spoken at large corporate events, conferences, school assemblies, and community gatherings alike—wherever an audiences is ready to be reminded of what it means to be fully human.
Here’s what audiences are saying:
Salma has a gift that is hard to describe and impossible to fake. We worked together on the Nature Sacred BenchStories podlet, where the journal entries themselves carried real emotion and depth. What Salma did - and what she does - is take what is held on the page and move it into a new dimension where it can be heard and felt. Her voice is soothing without being passive, immersive without being overwhelming, and grounded in genuine empathy. Whether she is guiding a five-minute audio piece or commanding a room as a keynote speaker, she brings the same captivating precision. I would recommend her without reservation for any stage, retreat, or conference where the goal is to move people, not just inform them.
—Angela Walseng, Founder, Matter + Dash