Our Roadmap
OUR Story Institute is in an active phase of organizational development as we build the infrastructure needed to support long-term impact, community leadership, and scalable programming.
Our roadmap is designed to create sustainable pathways that expand opportunity, stability, and leadership within LGBTQIA+ communities — with a particular focus on uplifting Black and trans women of color.
OUR Story Institute is committed to building a model that centers community leadership while creating lasting systems of support that are both accessible and scalable.
As we grow, we will continue to share progress, milestones, and opportunities for community and partner engagement.
Phase 1 — Foundation Building
(Current Phase)
• Organizational formation and governance development
• Advisory board recruitment and onboarding
• Strategic partnerships with aligned community organizations
• Development and refinement of the Ascension program model
• Infrastructure and operational systems setup
Phase 2 — Pilot Programming
• Launch and implementation of Ascension as our pilot program
• Development of a verified referral network of community providers
• Community engagement initiatives and listening sessions
• Program evaluation, data collection, and refinement
Phase 3 — Program Expansion
• Expansion of leadership development opportunities beyond Ascension
• Growth of community partnerships and referral networks
• Development of additional program pathways and support models
• Long-term sustainability planning, funding strategy, and scale readiness
Expansion & Growth
OUR Story Institute is committed to building a model that can grow with intention and integrity.
Our expansion strategy includes:
Launching in Los Angeles as our pilot city
Expanding into additional cities with demonstrated need and strong local partnerships
Adapting our model to reflect the unique needs of each community while maintaining core values and structure
Developing a replicable framework that allows for sustainable, community-led growth
Program Evolution
While Ascension is our flagship program, it is only the beginning.
Future program development will include:
Advanced leadership pathways and alumni programming
Civic readiness and public leadership initiatives
Specialized support tracks based on community needs
Workshops, short-form programs, and community-based offerings
Each program will be designed to deepen impact while remaining accessible and responsive.
Partnership Strategy
Collaboration is central to our model.
We are building a network of trusted partners across sectors, including:
Housing and supportive services
Healthcare and wellness providers
Workforce development organizations
Advocacy groups and civic institutions
These partnerships allow us to expand access while ensuring participants receive comprehensive, culturally competent support.
Long-Term Impact
OUR Story Institute is committed to creating lasting, measurable impact within LGBTQIA+ communities.
Our long-term goals include:
Increasing access to stable housing, employment, and wellness resources
Developing a pipeline of community leaders, particularly Black and trans women of color
Strengthening cross-sector collaboration to reduce systemic barriers
Creating a scalable model that can be implemented nationally
Looking Ahead
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Looking Ahead *
We are building OUR Story Institute with care, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of community-led change.
This work is grounded in the understanding that when Black and trans women of color are supported, visible, and empowered to lead, entire communities are strengthened.
We are still in the process of building, and we are proud to do that work with intention.