Our Commitment
At OUR Story Institute, transparency means being honest about where we are, what we're building, and how we're working to create meaningful impact.
As a growing organization, we're committed to building with intention, listening to our community, and staying accountable to the people at the heart of this work.
Our mission centers LGBTQIA+ communities, particularly Black transgender women and transgender women of color, through leadership development, self-advocacy, financial literacy, civic engagement, and community connection. Those values guide not only what we do, but how we do it.
We believe trust is earned through consistency, integrity, and open communication. This page is one way we share our progress, our goals, and our commitment to building an organization that reflects the needs and voices of the communities we serve.
Organizational Status
OUR Story Foundation, operating publicly as OUR Story Institute, is currently in its founding phase.
We're focused on building a strong foundation for the future, including developing our leadership structure, strengthening community partnerships, preparing for program launch, and establishing the systems needed to support sustainable growth.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains clear: creating opportunities for leadership development, self-advocacy, financial literacy, civic engagement, and community connection while centering the lived experiences, voices, and leadership of Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
We're building thoughtfully, learning along the way, and remaining committed to creating meaningful impact that lasts.
Governance & Leadership Development
OUR Story Foundation is currently developing its governance structure and leadership framework as part of our ongoing growth and organizational development.
This includes building a founding board and advisory leadership team that will help guide the organization's mission, partnerships, programs, and long-term vision. As board and advisory appointments are finalized, updates will be shared on this website.
We believe strong leadership is built through accountability, collaboration, lived experience, and a genuine commitment to community. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on creating a leadership structure that reflects the values of OUR Story Institute and the voices of the communities we serve.
Our goal is to build an organization that is thoughtful, community-informed, and prepared to create lasting impact for years to come.
Community Accountability
Community accountability is at the heart of how we define leadership at OUR Story Institute.
Our goal is not simply to create programs for community, but to build an organization alongside community. That means listening with intention, valuing lived experience, and making decisions that reflect both immediate needs and long-term vision.
As we move through our founding phase, we are committed to:
• Building with transparency, honesty, and integrity
• Centering the voices, experiences, and leadership of Black transgender women and transgender women of color
• Developing meaningful partnerships with organizations, advocates, and community leaders
• Creating systems that support ethical, community-informed decision-making
• Growing thoughtfully rather than prioritizing visibility over sustainability
We understand that trust is not built through words alone. It is earned through consistency, follow-through, and a willingness to listen, learn, and remain accountable as the work evolves.
As OUR Story Foundation continues to grow, this page will be updated to reflect important milestones, organizational developments, and progress toward our mission.
Future updates may include:
• Leadership and advisory board announcements
• Program and pilot launch updates
• Partnership highlights and collaborations
• Organizational milestones and achievements
• Community impact and progress updates
We believe transparency is an ongoing practice, not a one-time statement. As we grow, we remain committed to sharing our journey, celebrating progress, and communicating openly with the communities, partners, and supporters who make this work possible.
Future Reporting
We are building OUR Story Institute with intention, transparency, and accountability.
As we grow, we remain grounded in our commitment to community, leadership, and creating opportunities that help people shape their own futures.
We're proud of what we're building, and we're equally committed to being open about the journey. Progress updates, milestones, and organizational developments will be shared as we continue to learn, grow, and expand our impact.
Thank you for being part of our story.