Urmila Venkatesh

Happy to have you here. A resume could tell you the chronological ordering of events, so instead I'll mention what seems to endure over time. I am deeply curious about the expertise we develop through our lived experience, and am fascinated by the process of discovery of that expertise. I am especially committed to the stories that, when emerging from the source, erase the narratives that speak for us instead. I teach people to generate their own stories through the processes of reflective writing, intentional conversation, and appreciative listening.

Depending on the need, I have taken on the role of artist - of images, possibilities, songs, pizza toppings; designer - of courses, curricula, program, conversations, (human and technological) interactions; manager - of programs and people and offices and emotions and ideals, mobilizer - labor organizer, event planner, megaphone-wielding protest chant leader, strike coordinator; facilitator - of learning, growth, ideas, and action plans; and, a general enthusiast. In all of my work, professional and creative, I am drawn to working on the discovery of someone's stories. Everyone has a good story to tell, whether or not they could recognize it, and I enjoy the process of finding it.