Our Roadmap
OUR Story Institute is in an exciting phase of growth as we build the foundation for programs that empower Black transgender women and transgender women of color through leadership development, self-advocacy, financial literacy, civic engagement, and community connection.
Our vision is rooted in a simple belief: when people have opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and lead, entire communities become stronger.
As we continue to grow, we'll focus on expanding meaningful programs, strengthening partnerships, and creating new opportunities that help individuals shape their own futures and create lasting impact in their communities.
We'll continue to share our progress, milestones, and opportunities for community involvement as our journey unfolds..
Phase 1: Building the Foundation (Current Phase)
• Establishing organizational structure, governance, and board leadership
• Recruiting and onboarding advisory board members
• Building relationships with community partners and collaborators
• Finalizing and refining the Ascension Leadership Pathway
• Developing the systems and processes needed to support future growth
• Expanding community awareness, outreach, and engagement
Phase 2: Pilot Programming
• Launch and implementation of the Ascension Leadership Pathway
• Leadership development, self-advocacy, and financial literacy workshops
• Community engagement activities, listening sessions, and relationship building
• Expansion of educational and community partnerships
• Participant feedback, program evaluation, and continuous improvement
• Refinement of curriculum, learning experiences, and future program offerings
Phase 3: Program Expansion
• Expand leadership development opportunities beyond the Ascension Leadership Pathway
• Grow educational, community, and strategic partnerships
• Introduce additional learning opportunities focused on self-advocacy, financial literacy, civic engagement, and professional development
• Increase participant leadership opportunities, community involvement, and alumni engagement
• Strengthen organizational capacity, fundraising efforts, and long-term sustainability
• Prepare for thoughtful growth while remaining community-centered and mission-driven
Expansion & Growth
OUR Story Institute is committed to growing thoughtfully, staying rooted in community, and building with purpose every step of the way.
Our vision for growth includes:
• Launching in Los Angeles as our founding community
• Building strong partnerships that help deepen our impact and expand opportunities for participants
• Exploring opportunities to bring our programs and leadership model to additional communities over time
• Adapting our approach to reflect the unique strengths, needs, and voices of each community we serve
• Growing in a way that remains community-centered, sustainable, and grounded in lived experience
As we grow, our commitment remains the same: helping individuals strengthen their voice, shape their own future, and become leaders in their communities.
Program Evolution
While Ascension is our flagship program, it is only the beginning.
As OUR Story Institute grows, we envision creating additional opportunities that build upon the foundation of leadership, self-advocacy, community connection, and personal growth established through Ascension.
Future program development may include:
• Advanced leadership pathways and alumni engagement opportunities
• Civic engagement and community leadership initiatives
• Expanded financial literacy and economic empowerment education
• Professional development and career-focused learning experiences
• Workshops, community conversations, and special educational programs
Each offering will be designed to meet evolving community needs while remaining accessible, community-informed, and rooted in lived experience.
Partnership Strategy
Collaboration is central to our model.
We believe meaningful change happens when organizations, community leaders, educators, advocates, and professionals work together toward a shared vision.
As OUR Story Institute grows, we will continue building partnerships that strengthen areas such as:
• Leadership development and educational programming
• Financial literacy and economic opportunity
• Professional development and workforce readiness
• Civic engagement and community leadership
• Community-building and collaborative learning opportunities
These partnerships help expand learning experiences, create new opportunities, and strengthen the network of support, knowledge, and leadership available to our community.
Together, we can create stronger pathways for growth, connection, and lasting impact.
Long-Term Impact
OUR Story Institute is committed to creating meaningful, lasting impact within LGBTQIA+ communities while centering the leadership and lived experiences of Black transgender women and transgender women of color.
Our long-term goals include:
• Expanding opportunities for leadership development, self-advocacy, and civic engagement
• Helping participants build confidence, skills, and pathways toward personal and professional growth
• Developing a strong pipeline of community leaders, advocates, and changemakers
• Strengthening partnerships that create greater opportunities for learning, connection, and collaboration
• Expanding access to financial literacy, economic opportunity, and leadership education
• Growing OUR Story Institute thoughtfully while remaining community-centered and grounded in lived experience
Our vision is a future where Black transgender women and transgender women of color are not only represented in conversations about change, but are helping lead them.
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.
Our work is rooted in the understanding that when Black transgender women and transgender women of color have opportunities to grow, connect, advocate for themselves, and lead, entire communities become stronger.
We're still building, and we're proud to do so with intention. Every partnership, program, and opportunity we create is guided by our commitment to leadership, self-determination, and community.
Because before someone can lead in their community, they must first become the leader of their own life.