SHA Storytelling
“The universe is made of stories, not atoms.” - Muriel Rukeyser
Stories help us make sense of the world, build trust with one another, and remind us of what truly matters. I’m a storyteller and “storyseeker”, and I help people and organizations find their stories and share them with heart.
Work with Salma
SPEAKING and KEYNOTES
I speak about community and connection, gratitude and kindness, service and volunteerism, and bring audiences into the heart of what connects us as human beings through moving personal narratives. My style and tone is warm, reflective, and meditative. Audiences leave feeling inspired to look more closely at their own relationships, communities, and capacity for kindness. I’ve spoken at corporate events, conferences, school assemblies, and community gatherings alike.
Topics include:
—The power of personal stories, and how to tell your own
—How one person can make a difference
—Kindness and volunteerism
—Gathering and cherishing family stories and wisdoms from our elders
Salma speaks from the heart and inspires audiences with stories about people, places, and cultures that awaken the mind, heighten the senses, and help us to better understand humanity. I invited Salma to be a keynote speaker at Accenture’s International Women’s Day event in Washington DC to a group of 300 executives. She shared stories about acts of kindness that brought the audience to tears and in so doing taught us all about the power of human connection and how each one of us has the capacity to make a difference. She breaks down walls and helps us understand people who perhaps we only know as stereotypes. Her powerful message of seeing someone through their story has stayed with me. I highly recommend Salma as a speaker to inspire your audience. (Lisa Mitnick, Managing Director, Accenture)
Salma has a gift that is hard to describe and impossible to fake. Salma takes what is held on the page and moves 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 highly recommend her for any stage, retreat, or conference where the goal is to move people. (Angela Walseng, Founder, Matter + Dash)
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 my most requested workshop, small groups share an aspect of their life story in just six words, then 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”). Ideal for teams, retreats, and reunions, or any gathering where you want to go beyond small talk.
I also lead workshops that help you write your own stories, by providing practical ideas and writing prompts to get you started.
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)
When Salma arrived, her warmth put us immediately at ease and her own personal story struck a chord 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)
TELLING YOUR STORY
I help individuals and organizations uncover their stories, shape them, write them, and share them with care.
—Life stories: 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.
—Speeches and toasts: Make a TED talk, speech, or toast personal and unforgettable.
—Professional and brand stories: Hone your professional story, enhance your website or presentation, or tell a compelling story for the media.
—Organization stories: How would you like to communicate the value and impact of your organization so it inspires clients and customers. 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).
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. (Bill O’Sullivan, Senior Managing Editor, Washingtonian)
Fees
Every talk and workshop is shaped around your audience and needs, so fees vary based on event type, format, and travel. As a general guide:
— Keynote (45-60 minutes): $2,500-$4,000
— Storytelling workshop: $3,000 (60 -75 minutes). $5,000-$7,000 (half-day)
— Public school/community group honorarium: available on request