Stories Leading Louisville Forward.

StoryFest Louisville blends the power of storytelling with the depth of leadership development - designed specifically for Louisville’s change makers.

It’s infrastructure: essential, strategic, and built to move people.

Storytelling as strategy means using narrative power intentionally—to build trust, rally support, and lead effectively.

At StoryFest Louisville, storytelling is built into how leaders engage, connect, and create lasting impact. It’s more than messaging—it’s capacity building. 

Leaders aren’t lacking passion - they’re lacking the tools to be heard.

  • “Now that I know how to shape a story, I can’t wait to use this in every part of my work.”

    Michelle Black White, Brightside Foundation

  • “Getting advice from so many mentors helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.”

    Joy Beth DeWitt-Riley, Louisville Orchestra

  • “Storytelling was outside my comfort zone—but now I understand what makes it impactful.”

    Molly Jones, The Pete Foundation

  • “I’ll carry what I learned about tone and presence into every story I share.”

    Prasanthi Persad, Wilderness Louisville

Three months. One powerful story.


StoryFest Louisville is a leadership development program that equips nonprofit leaders with the tools to craft and share their mission in unforgettable ways. Through group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and independent work, participants build a story that connects, inspires, and drives change.

The program culminates in a live storytelling event—with grant awards for all participants and long-term support to keep their stories in motion. 

How StoryFest Nonprofit Leaders Training Works.

  • About StoryFest →

    Where it started. How it works. Who’s behind it. Learn about the mission, the people, and the process behind StoryFest Louisville.

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  • See the 2025 Outcomes →

    Our First Chapter: StoryFest 2025. A look back at the people, partnerships, and power that came together to launch StoryFest Louisville.

    Click Here

  • Sponsor StoryFest →

    Stand beside the voices driving Louisville forward. Support a platform that invests in leadership development and grows community power.

    Click Here

  • Apply for 2026 Cohort →

    Your work matters. So does how you tell it. Applications are open—join a cohort of nonprofit leaders using story as a force for good.

    Click Here

Storyteller Spotlight: Rose Smith 

“StoryFest reminded me that sharing my story isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with purpose. It gave me the confidence to lead with more clarity and heart.”

When Rose came to StoryFest, she already carried a powerful story—the transformation of the place where her son was murdered into a safe space for healing. Through the program, she discovered that this story could do more than honor the past—it could shape the future of her work.

Since StoryFest, Rose has led with her story more confidently and noticed that others are listening differently. This shift has sparked new connections, deeper community engagement, and fresh opportunities for support—reinforcing her belief that the story is the strategy.

Founder, The ACE Project