“The combination of love, grief, and gratitude led to the creation of StoryFest”
— Maryanne Elliott, Founder
Our Origin Story
Maryanne Elliott found herself in a room full of strangers listening to stories. And something shifted. Not because the stories were polished. Because they were true. Because hearing other people speak honestly about their lives made her feel, for the first time in a long time, like a human being among human beings.
She wanted to build something from that feeling
StoryFest Louisville is a program of the Tommy Elliott Fund, created in memory of a beloved cornerstone of this community. The Fund carries his name. StoryFest carries his belief that investing in people is how a city grows.
The program brings nonprofit leaders together over several months to develop something most leadership trainings never touch: their own story. Not to perform, but to lead. To find the story beneath the mission and learn to tell it in a way that moves people.
Stories build trust. They mobilize supporters. They help organizations grow.
Louisville has always had stories worth telling. This is the stage.
Want to be part of this story?
Support Our Work →
Our Process
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Shape the Story
Leaders uncover a mission-rooted story and, with coaching and peer support, craft it into a narrative that inspires hearts and minds.
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Share the Stage
Each leader steps into the spotlight at a live event before hundreds, with one top storyteller recognized and all receive grant funding.
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Extend the Impact
Leaders carry their story forward—using it with funders, boards, and communities to drive lasting influence and growth.
What story has shaped your life’s work? Who helped you find it?
Our People
Maryanne Elliott
Maryanne Elliott is the founder of the Tommy Elliott Fund and StoryFest Louisville. Guided by a deep commitment to resilience and connection, and inspired by Tommy’s enduring investment in community, she works to bring light and meaning to the stories that shape our lives. She believes our stories are always evolving and can help move communities forward.
Mera Kathryn Corlett
Mera Kathryn Corlett is a community-builder and storytelling practitioner rooted in Louisville’s nonprofit and civic landscape. As Program Lead and Strategist for StoryFest Louisville, she helps bring the program to life through its structure, coaching, and cohort experience. She believes stories help translate values into action and build the trust that makes change possible.
Founding Board of Directors
This group brings diverse experience across public service, philanthropy, storytelling, and community leadership:
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Dr. Muhammad Babar
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Ceci Conway Boden
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John Y. Brown, III
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Mayor Greg Fischer
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Leslie Geoghegan
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Graham Shelby
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Nicole Yates
Storyteller Spotlight:
Michelle Black White
Executive Director, Brightside Foundation
“Participating in StoryFest opened my eyes to the power of personal storytelling to increase the impact of the work I do in the community.”
On the StoryFest stage, Michelle shared how, even in the face of tragedy, she discovered the power of looking for the bright side. Her story reminded the audience that resilience and optimism can fuel change.
Since StoryFest, Michelle has leaned into storytelling as a leadership tool. By framing Brightside’s mission through story, Michelle has been able to engage new funding sources and volunteers— tangible support that is helping make Louisville’s neighborhoods cleaner, greener, and more beautiful.
Want to see how storytelling drives change?
Read Our 2025 Recap →
Ready to help amplify Louisville’s changemakers?
Whether you’re a funder, a nonprofit leader, or a neighbor who believes in the power of story—we invite you to join us.
