talking with strangers since 1990...

Have you ever been thrown into a room, a new project, a large meeting and struggled uncomfortably and frustratingly to find connection?

Connecting with 'strangers'--new staff, new neighbors, new members--is critical to productive work together, whether you're merging companies, organizing a social justice initiative, or building a community garden. That very first gathering is filled with anticipation, and brimming in the 'getting to know you' part of turning strangers into colleagues, partners and allies.

Talking With Strangers puts relationship building at the center of the circle so that we can break down barriers and build real connections.

Talking with strangers is a framework that can be tailored to any gathering to create collective meaning that...

enlightens.

inspires.

empowers

aligns.

"Jen's specific and unique experience, combined with her innate inquisitiveness and a gentle but critical mind, are what make me excited to recommend that you all take a chance to see what it is she has to offer us, our profession and by extension, our partners. There is no one else like her, and we need what her unexpected resume has taught her." - Sierra Bainbridge, RLA Senior Principal and Managing Director, MASS Design Group

curious?

As a facilitator, designer and pragmatic thinker, I meet you where you are.

I believe we are all capable of building transformative relationships if given the chance. My goal in starting with the phrase 'talking with strangers' is to offer facilitated gatherings that hold space for courage, pragmatism and meaningful work -- all with the intention of understanding what it takes to build reliable, productive relationships -- and no longer see one another as strangers.

Learn more about Jen

Here are ways to work with Jen:

  • Book a workshop

    Tailored workshops based on the needs of the group.

  • Inquire about advisory/ facilitation

    High-stakes in-person or virtual meetings for public, political and social-movement spaces.

  • Request a design consultation

    Effective spatial design and flow ensures our spaces align with the purpose of our gatherings.

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"Jen was able to lead our group through a difficult process to ensure that the industry was speaking as one voice before [the U.S.] Congress.  And her leadership led to a product that the consensus of the industry embraced." - Jonathan Miller Office Partner-In-Charge, Frost, Brown, Todd

work with Jen

Here's who Jen has worked with:

Community Mediation, Inc.

European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA)

Futures For Children

Gedakina

George Mason University

Global Hemp Innovation Center (GHIC)

Golubka

Institute for Social Action and Renewal in Eurasia (fmr) ISAR

International Hemp Building Association (IHBA)

L’auravetl’an Indigenous Information Center

NOCO Hemp Expo and Innovate Earth Symposium

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Zoo and Biology Institute

Smithsonian-Wide Climate Change and Adaptation Planning Committee

THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Center

The Flynn

University of Vermont

Vermont Social Equity Caucus

Yale Divinity School

Youth for Understanding / Alliance for Conflict Transformation

work with Jen