In this interactive pre-conference workshop, Jenny Cooke Smith will guide participants through the art and strategy of data storytelling in the context of alumni engagement. Drawing from CASE Insights resources and award-winning examples, this session will help advancement professionals move beyond spreadsheets and dashboards to craft compelling narratives that inspire action and deepen stakeholder connection.

Participants will explore how to select meaningful data, set strategic goals, and build stories that resonate with alumni, volunteers, and institutional leaders. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, attendees will leave with a personalized storytelling plan they can immediately apply in their work.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

-Identify the right data to measure for strategic alumni engagement storytelling.
-Apply SMART goal-setting to guide the development of data-driven narratives.
-Construct compelling stories using key elements of effective storytelling.
-Develop a personalized storytelling plan through guided exercises and peer discussion