Meet Kate Marple
she/her
Principal Consultant, Who Tells the Story?
Boston, Massachusetts
Email: Kate@WhoTellstheStory.org
I help organizations do 3 things:
Develop practices to ensure that the stories they tell are shaped by and benefit people directly impacted by the issue(s) those stories are about;
Craft powerful, engaging resources and trainings that communicate complex topics simply and passionately; and
Build skills to talk more effectively and strategically about their work.
I’d love to hear from you!
Book a free 30-minute new client consultation and explore ways we can work together.
About me
My life is split between my communications work with organizations and my work as a documentary playwright, interviewing people and turning their verbatim words into audio and stage dramas. I love telling true stories about real people and communicating about important topics.
Today, my mission is to change how people and organizations approach communications and storytelling—from who is at the table shaping communications values and goals to how people are asked to share their personal stories. From how interviews are conducted to what informed consent in storytelling looks like. From what stories are being told to whose perspective those narratives truly reflect. I believe that communicating for social change can lead to both short- and long-term good and be empowering for communities at the same time if we prioritize partnership and ceding power.
For nearly a decade, I directed communications, events, and trainings for the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership, where I helped create a national movement to reduce health disparities by making access to legal services a standard part of quality health care. I was also previously a communications officer with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign. I have particular expertise working with health care and legal services organizations and with cross-sector partnerships.
I’m a lecturer in the Department of Human Services at Northeastern University where I developed and teach an undergraduate course in nonprofit communications. I am a documentary playwright and the co-founder and former co-director of The Perpetual Visitors Theatre Company.