Stefanie Stevens’ Post

At Ground Media, we harness the power of data-driven storytelling to foster understanding and drive meaningful change. Our proprietary #StoryHeat platform combines comprehensive research with strategic narrative development, enabling us to craft campaigns that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. This approach was instrumental in the success of #HereWeAre, our national storytelling campaign in partnership with GLAAD. By amplifying the voices of transgender individuals, we addressed the significant gap in personal connections—considering that 71% of Americans report never having met a transgender person. A poignant example is Nadya's story: a young transgender woman, artist, and performer. Her journey, marked by resilience and the transformative power of love, underscores the importance of authenticity and visibility. As she eloquently states, "At the end of it all, I'm just a girl who wants to make sure everyone shines as bright as they can." Through StoryHeat, we delve into the nuances of such narratives, ensuring they inform and inspire action. Our research-centered approach allows us to identify and overcome barriers to connection, amplifying unheard voices and fostering empathy. We invite you to experience the impact of strategic storytelling firsthand. Book a demo with us to discover how StoryHeat can elevate your campaigns and drive societal change. Let's create a more connected and understanding world—one story at a time. Watch our Here We Are campaign video below to see the impact first-han. DM us to book a demo! https://lnkd.in/d_cX6dWw

Yes, "the nerve" of Madonna to do it again, to continue to inspire and provide awe, and to serve as a role model to changing the norms and narratives that have constricted so many for way to long. We can complain about the sheep (er men) in red ties showing up in a court room in NY or we can be illuminated by the action of a human who defines Individuality, courage and action. I needed this opinion piece today. It's a reminder of so many things, but also a strong reminder of the bias against us all as we age, particularly for women. For me, beyond my love of Madonna and the fact that she is a true humanitarian, this piece and attending the "Celebration Tour," should be a reminder to how we conduct and live our days. 1. At the Brooklyn concert Joey and I attended, we saw people of all ages, united by her music, her moves and the tour theatrics. While we may have all come to her at different parts of her career, we were brought together not as different generations, but as an intergenerational audience. Lesson: there's too much talk about in business about "senior" and "junior." The way we'll solve problems and create opportunities is through intergenerational work (and play). 2. Madonna has never once abandoned the #LGBTQ population who she has played for through the decades. In an era where there is a lack of courage and roll-back of support for us from allies such as Target, Madonna symbolizes what an ally is and does. Her "Live to Tell" montage will be hard to ever forget, nor should it. Lesson: Again, for businesses and for anyone who considers themselves an ally, your actions speak louder than the term you use. We need your support now more than you want to avoid being labled "woke" (which I am proud to be called). 3. Who cares if Madonna can't move like she once did. I know I can't. But what Madonna showed during this tour is to be who you are, at whatever life stage. The only thing holding us back are a series of societal norms that were established long before many of us were alive. Lesson: While the status quo is can appear to be comfortable, it's dangerous. Fight for tomorrow, which includes us all. Be who you want to be and not who society dictates you are. And fight for others. Especially those who need more and are more vulnerable.

Spaces where you feel safe are often not safe for transgender people One of my children shared this morning that Mexican artist Teresa Margolles has unveiled Mil Veces un Instante "A thousand times an Instant" at Trafalgar Square, London. The piece includes plaster casts of the faces of 726 trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people in Mexico and UK. Checking it out got me thinking about societal violence and work discrimination 😭 Transgender people face fatal violence at 4 times the rate of cisgender people 😭 55% of trans and nonbinary workers report discrimination at work at rates higher than any other group 😭 In LATAM, Brazil and Mexico have the highest levels of anti-trans violence 😭Trans violence in the UK has increased 😭 Violence continues to be very high in the US 😭 Rates of violence against trans people of color is even worse 🌺 Inclusive leaders model respect, adapt systems, provide employee resources, hold every employee and client accountable, and monitor the employee experience so transgender employees can thrive at work Read about Teresa's work and piece https://lnkd.in/eauU3GZR Get started improving your workplace by reading this Transgender Inclusion at Work Resource from Human Rights Campaign https://lnkd.in/eFXcNWu2 Follow for inclusive leadership tips, Mexico and culture www.promotinggoodllc.com #transgender #InclusiveLeadership #méxico #fourthplinth #LGBTQ+

#onstage: An American company crossing the pond for the first time, festivals centering Asian dancemakers, premieres responding to colonization, transgender identity, audience relationships, and more—the performance landscape over the next two months is overflowing with possibility. Here’s what’s at the top of our lists: https://lnkd.in/ewBsjWV5 #dance #danceperformance

From the visually stunning world of 'The Cabinet of Dr Caligari' to the radical queer films of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, German film has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinema. But did you know that Fassbinder was pioneering queer cinema in the 1970s? His work broke new ground, inspiring a genre that continues to resonate globally. In the latest issue of our alumni magazine Letter, we explore not only Germany’s influence but also the wider global movement of queer cinema. We look at how filmmakers are using their craft to challenge societal norms and how queerness intersects with other forms of discrimination, including race and class. The article also sheds light on China's queer cinema scene, where filmmakers face censorship but use film as a tool for subtle resistance and storytelling. It’s a powerful reminder of how art remains a medium for activism, even in the most restricted environments. Read the full article here: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/diu_HRJs #QueerCinema #FilmHistory #GermanCinema #LGBTQFilm #DAADLetter #DAAD #ChangeByExchange

Authentic 2024 | 2,5 m x 5,5 m | Seestadt, Vienna “Dare to be yourself” In our society, it is still not always easy to be yourself. On the one hand, there are intersectional reasons: For many people, it is fundamentally difficult to find their place and exist due to social structures. This is particularly challenging for those who are not considered native, white, able-bodied, slim, cisgender men from the middle class onwards. These hurdles are often compounded by additional individual factors, making it further difficult for many to live authentically. In addition to these structural conditions, there are numerous cultural and social influences that also make it difficult to remain true to oneself. Even people who appear successful and popular on the outside often wear masks and feel empty on the inside. This work is intended to encourage everyone to be themselves. To find the courage to look behind your own mask, to come to terms with your inner self and to develop a love for yourself. This self-love and the development of a deep connection to oneself open up the path to authenticity and help to fully develop one's own power. Green Graffiti 🌱

Is fame the measure of success? Is wealth? Or is success knowing our value and living it daily? I suspect it is the last that brings the most peace. https://lnkd.in/gat_DXDH #transgender #lgbtq #creativity #GenderIdentityToday

Let’s work to change the story so all of us can have a happy ending. Last Friday, I went to see the Broadway Show “& Juliet” with a group of powerful women. The premise of the show is that Juliet decides to not kill herself when she awakes to find Romeo dead. Instead she decides to live and find out who she really is. The show is funny and a musical trip down memory lane (chock full of 90s songs such as “Oops I Did It Again” by Britney Spears and “Roar” by Katy Perry). It is also a show that reminded me that as women we have choices. Patriarchal and overbearing men may try to take away our rights but we can stand strong and choose to live according to our values. We can love who we want and decide what our families will look like. We can choose ourselves. And when it gets difficult, we need to work harder and not give up. My entire career has been dedicated to empowering women personally and professionally, so last week’s election was a punch to the gut. The question I had to answer was “Have I worked this hard, along with so many other women and allies for change only to have us turn the clocks back to the 1950s?” The answer I came to is a big fat no! Over the next four years, I pledge that I will not give up. I encourage you to do the same. If Juliet can change the ending to her story, all of us can band together and change history to ensure that no matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religion, you will be treated equitably. It’s a long road ahead but I am up for the challenge. Are you? #happyending #broadway #patriarchy #yourchoice

Read my latest published article featuring interviews with two up-and-coming, revolucionary and trailblazing voices of Latin America. Prania Esponda, Renee Goust and many other women and nonbinary musicians are revolucionizing genres of music traditionally made by and for men. These musicians quickly found out through songs that went viral overnight, that they had more support than they ever imagined. I dove deep into femicide and gender-based violence in Latin America, specifically in Mexico. In my preliminary research, I found that the statistics weren’t as startling as I thought, until I realized it was because most cases of violence and femicide go un-reported. Read more at CALÓnews.com #humanrights #humanrightsissues #indigenous #indigenouswomen #femicide #gender #violence #statistics #justice

"it’s a culture that begins with a joke, a gesture, a throwaway word or a game between friends, and it ends in an act of violence" https://lnkd.in/d3B2ig6b TW: sexual assault. One of our network's aims for this year was to inspire our membership, providing ample and varied learning opportunities to explore the topic of gender equality. So, with this in mind, Ogilvy Equals organised a group visit to the Almeida to see 'Alma Mater'. The play was engrossing - at times heartbreaking, at times galvanising - but what struck me the most was the crafting of a narrative in which so many different perspectives are explored without judgement. The writing manages to silently pass the sympathetic spotlight from person to person, in a nuanced and multi dimensional take on rape culture, belonging, intergenerational differences and culpability. It was moving, brilliantly acted, and it gave us loads to think about. As a young(ish) woman watching the play, I resonated strongly with the younger characters - their lived experiences all too familiar from my own pre #MeToo university experience. However, it was enlightening to explore the older generation's response - I feel I learned a lot about where they were coming from; even if I didn't agree with their actions, I could understand the 'why' behind them. What arguably proved even more thought-provoking was the post show Q&A, where it became clear that some audience members had experienced the play altogether differently. The panel were met with a couple of rageful responses, condemning particular characters as 'evil', with victim blaming at the forefront of their arguments. It was both interesting and worrying to see such binary responses, given that the play has, in the words of the principal actor, 'no real goodies or baddies'. It seems it had, for some people, proved quite a confronting watch, and their response was to apportion blame - not to the perpetrator of the assault, but to those left behind in its wake. I guess this shows how relevant broader conversations around gender equality really are. Even though that Q&A proved both a distressing and anger-fuelling space, I'm glad we witnessed it. It certainly made me aware of opinions outside my own echo chamber, and served as a good reminder - there is plenty of work left to do.