The Gathering’s Guiding Idea

At frank 2022, we explored the role of lived experience in driving lasting social change. Science tells us that stories are the most powerful tool changemakers have, and that the most affected are the most effective storytellers for changing hearts and minds. And when we experience a powerful story, it can feel as though we have experienced those events for ourselves. As the social change sector has increasingly embraced storytelling as a strategy for change, significant ethical issues have emerged. Those who share their lived experience might feel that their stories have been commodified, they “banked” and used to advance organizational agendas. Those who lived the stories may have lost control of how and where their stories are told, or feel as though that single story defines them for the world.

How can the social change sector uplift peoples’ lived experiences, ensuring that these individuals are at the center of decisions about how their stories are told and the contexts in which they are shared without retraumatizing or exhausting them? And how can people who live their cause care for themselves and manage the daily responsibility of that experience?

How do we protect ourselves and others from being defined by stories others tell about our experiences?  What can we learn from our field, communities and scholarship that can help us tell stories and build the world we wish existed?

Watch frank 2022

Meet the frank 2022 speakers

  • Chara Bohan is a strategic communications leader and growth catalyst with deep experience in media, marketing and storytelling. She drives culture-forward initiatives, translating mission into action across sectors. Her collaborative leadership and creative mindset empower teams to amplify purpose, elevate brand impact and make change real.
    Chara Bohan
    Professor at Georgia State University
  • Mkawasi Mcharo Hall is a researcher, analyst and performing artist with over 20 years in academia and diplomacy. Expert on African affairs, war and global strategy. Advises the U.S. State Department and USSOCOM while creating thought-provoking art and scholarship linking culture, power and peace.
    Mkawasi Mcharo Hall
    Language and Culture Consultant, U.S. Department of Defense
  • Jylana Sheats is a behavioral scientist and public health leader advancing solutions for wellbeing. As Tulane Associate Professor and Aspen Institute Associate Director, Dr. Sheats bridges research, innovation and policy to build trust, drive behavior change and strengthen communities.
    Jylana Sheats
    Clinical Associate Professor, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
  • The Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis is Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival with the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. She is the Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary. She is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and teaches at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
    Liz Theoharis
    Co-Chair, Poor People’s Campaign
  • Adrián Escárte is a driven and self-motivated professional with a strong work ethic and passion for growth. Known for persistence, teamwork and exceptional communication skills. Thrives on challenges, supports peers and approaches every task with diligence, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.
    Adrián Escárte
    Senior Strategist, Media & Messaging at Strategic Communications, National Immigration Law Center
  • Sarah E. Lowe (she/her) is the Director of Research + Impact at Define American and a Ph.D. candidate in Health Promotion and Policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
    Sarah Lowe
    Director of Research and Impact at Define American
  • Christian Donaldson is a seasoned communications strategist leading media and messaging for the National Immigration Law Center. With expertise in strategic media relations and storytelling, she drives impactful narratives that elevate voices, influence public discourse and advance organizational goals across platforms.
    Christian Donaldson
    Public Interest Communications Inter at National League of Cities
  • Julia Minson is a behavioral scientist and Harvard Kennedy School professor exploring the psychology of disagreement. Through research, teaching and global workshops, he studies how conflict shapes relationships and decision-making. Author of How to Disagree Better, uncovering the science of constructive debate.
    Julia Minson
    Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
  • Chandra Harris-McCray is an award-winning storyteller and communications leader with nearly 20 years of experience. Blends strategy, data and creativity to craft impactful multichannel campaigns. Known for building partnerships, driving engagement and leading fundraising initiatives that inspire action.s
    Chandra Harris-McCray
    Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing and Communications at University of Illinois Chicago
  • Hub Brown is a dedicated journalism and mass communications leader with over 30 years of academic experience, including a decade in leadership roles. Committed to advancing education, research and service while guiding institutions to meet modern challenges and provide meaningful, forward-thinking leadership.
    Hub Brown
    Dean and Professor at University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications
  • Dr. Aya M. Waller-Bey is a sociologist and research collaborator at Brown University’s Annenberg Institute. A nationally recognized scholar and storyteller, her work examines “performances,” trauma and equity in higher education. A Gates Cambridge Scholar and Ford Fellow, she advances inclusive, justice-centered academic spaces.
    Aya Waller-Bey
    Research Collaborator, Annenberg Institute at Brown University
  • Qing Yu Chen is a first-generation graduate of Columbia University and The Juilliard School through the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange. Now serving in antitrust, she brings discipline, curiosity and gratitude to her work. Outside of law, she enjoys experimenting with recipes and building mechanical keyboards.
    Qing Yu Chen
    Honors Paralegal Specialist, Federal Trade Commission
  • Farrah Nazir is a social impact and learning strategist working at the intersection of accessibility, systems change and organizational effectiveness. With 17 years of experience spanning the Wellcome Trust and British Science Association, she helps funders and changemakers embed inclusion, reflection and learning to create lasting social impact.
    Farrah Nazir
    Learning, Impact and Inclusive Practice Consultant (Freelance)
  • Daren Ginete is an equity-driven philanthropic advisor and microbiologist bridging science and philanthropy. At the Science Philanthropy Alliance, he guides funders on grantmaking and strategy while leading programs that connect science and society. He holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
    Daren Ginete
    Associate Advisor, Science Philanthropy Alliance
  • Valerie Goode is the Chief Marketing Officer at the San Francisco Foundation, where she leads communications, community outreach and marketing strategies that advance accessibility and opportunity. With over five years on the executive team, she builds partnerships, drives engagement and fosters collaboration to create lasting social impact.
    Valerie Goode
    Chief Marketing Officer at the San Francisco Foundation
  • Jessica Clark is a trade marketing professional at Penguin Random House and a proud UCF alumna. Passionate about uplifting others, she promotes inclusivity and creativity in publishing. With experience in marketing and libraries, she brings curiosity, innovation and heart to every campaign.
    Jessica Clark
    Senior Marketing Associate at Penguin Random House
  • Kamal Sinclair is the Senior Director of Digital Innovation at The Music Center in Los Angeles, where she supports artists and institutions at the crossroads of art, media and technology. Formerly at Sundance Institute, she champions accessibility, emerging media and creative innovation while advising leading arts, tech and social impact organizations.
    Kamal Sinclair
    Senior Director, Digital Innovation, The Music Center
  • Paul Redman is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and social impact communicator dedicated to environmental justice and indigenous storytelling. As Founder and Executive Director of If Not Us Then Who, he amplifies frontline voices through films, campaigns and global events that drive awareness and action for a sustainable planet.
    Paul Redman
    Founder & Executive Director at If Not Us Then Who? | Multi Award Winning Documentary Director | Social Impact Strategic Communicator
  • Angela Bradbery is a University of Florida professor specializing in public interest communications. Before joining UF in 2020, she served as Communications Director at Public Citizen in Washington, D.C. and previously worked as a newspaper reporter for a decade. Her career reflects a lifelong passion for meaningful, purpose-driven storytelling.
    Angela Bradbery
    Frank Karel Endowed Chair in Public Interest Communications at University of Florida
  • Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show and Air America Radio, is a leading political satirist. A former correspondent and co-host of Unfiltered, she’s been recognized by major media and named one of EW’s “100 Most Creative People.” She now leads Abortion Access Front, using humor to defend reproductive rights.
    Lizz Winstead
    Founder/Chief Creative Officer at Abortion Access Front
Read Speaker Bios

To our frank 2022 sponsors

We appreciate the following foundations, organizations and individuals for their financial support of this year’s gathering to help lower the costs for you, the participants.

  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Rita Allen Foundation
  • Participant
  • Jesse Ball duPont Fund
  • Commonwealth Fund
  • UF CJC Online
  • Neimand Collaborative 
  • David Morse