From survival to leadership
From margins to power
OUR Story Institute was created from a simple belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, lead, and shape their own future.
By centering Black transgender women and transgender women of color, we're building pathways to leadership, community connection, self-advocacy, and economic opportunity.
Launching in 2027, OUR Story Institute is creating programs and partnerships that help turn survival into stability, confidence into action, and lived experience into leadership.
Our story is power. Our leadership is the future.
Our Mission
OUR Story Foundation exists to help LGBTQIA+ people, especially Black transgender women and transgender women of color, build the skills, confidence, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive.
We believe the people most impacted by injustice should have the opportunity to lead, create solutions, and shape their own futures.
Through leadership development, self-advocacy, financial literacy, community engagement, and economic opportunity, we're helping create a future where Black transgender women and transgender women of color aren't just surviving systems — they're influencing them, leading within them, and changing them for those who come next.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity not only to be seen, but to be heard, empowered, and equipped to lead their own lives and communities.
Ascension (Flagship Program)
Ascension is OUR Story Institute's flagship leadership and self-advocacy program for Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
Through leadership development, financial literacy, community connection, and self-advocacy education, participants build the confidence, skills, and support networks needed to thrive, lead, and shape their own future.
Because before someone can lead in their community, they must first become the leader of their own life.
Ascension is not one-size-fits-all. It meets participants where they are and supports them in building a path forward on their own terms.
Founding Phase | Organizational Development
OUR Story Institute is currently in its founding phase, laying the groundwork for programs that empower Black transgender women and transgender women of color through leadership development, self-advocacy, economic opportunity, and community connection.
As we prepare for our 2026 launch, we're focused on building a strong foundation that will support meaningful, long-term impact.
Our current priorities include:
• Strengthening our founding board and governance structure
• Building partnerships with community organizations, advocates, and leaders
• Finalizing the Ascension Leadership Program and future educational offerings
• Expanding opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, and financial literacy
• Establishing sustainable systems to support future growth and impact
We believe lasting change happens through collaboration. That's why we're actively connecting with partners, supporters, and community leaders who share our commitment to creating opportunities, building leadership, and helping trans women shape their own futures.
about the Founder
OUR Story Institute was founded by Epiphany Kali, a community leader, entertainer, and advocate dedicated to expanding opportunity, visibility, and leadership within LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly for Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
Through years of community building, public leadership, and lived experience, Epiphany recognized the need for a space where trans women could strengthen their voice, build meaningful connections, develop leadership skills, and access opportunities for personal and professional growth.
OUR Story Institute was created from the belief that everyone deserves the chance to shape their own future. By focusing on leadership development, self-advocacy, financial literacy, community connection, and economic opportunity, the organization helps participants build the confidence, skills, and support networks needed to thrive and create lasting change in their own lives and communities.
Community Partnerships
OUR Story Institute believes lasting change happens through community. That's why we're building relationships with organizations, advocates, educators, professionals, and community leaders who share our commitment to empowering Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
Together, we're creating opportunities for leadership development, self-advocacy, financial literacy, civic engagement, community connection, and personal growth. By working collaboratively, we can expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and help create a future where trans women are not only represented, but leading the way.
Connect With Us
If you’re interested in partnering with OUR Story Institute, learning more about our work, or supporting leadership opportunities within LGBTQIA+ communities, we’d love to hear from you.