Advisory Board Spotlight + Other Variant Updates
Dear Variant Strategies’ Community,
The year has already been buzzing with activity as we make new connections, join and work with new communities, and expand our team and Advisory Board. Excited to share just some of what’s happening with you.
Advisory Board Spotlight
Our incredible Advisory Board is a collective of visionaries from all backgrounds and diverse professions committed to Variant Strategies’ work to advance social justice. Their wisdom, experience, and dedication have been instrumental in supporting our work, and we’re proud to celebrate these incredible individuals helping to drive our mission forward. Our Advisory Board bios available at https://www.variantstrategies.com/the-team
We are excited also to introduce Lilly Resende, our Marketing Program Associate. Currently a Junior at Michigan State University, Lilly brings with her a foundation in marketing and is enthusiastic about gaining hands-on experience with Variant Strategies and me. She focuses on Variant Strategies’ external communications and marketing, social media, market research and supporting other organizational needs.
Variant in Houston
This month, our partner, Zealous, is launching an initiative to tell the truth about bail reform and pretrial freedom by gathering and sharing the true stories of pretrial freedom, shared by real people across the country who have benefited from freedom from pretrial detention. The goal: To breathe life through story into the growing body of data proving bail reform’s success.
As part of this project, Variant has helped lead storytelling work in Harris County (Houston), Texas, where a legal settlement has for years meant that people charged with low level offenses are freed pretrial, presumed innocent, to go about their lives while fighting their case. Alongside Zealous, we worked with a local partner, Texas Jail Project, to meet people who benefited from pretrial freedom in Texas. The result: A film Variant co-directed, produced, and wrote called “This is Freedom,” which will be screening on May 10th, from 6-9pm at 14 Pews. I will be on site to introduce the work and speak on a panel following the screening. More details will be available soon!
Coro Women in Leadership (WIL) Fellowship
In March 2024, I started a fellowship with 30 other women leaders chosen selectively to be part of the program. Coro WIL supports the leadership development of women, establishing a pipeline for professional advancement, and creating a cross-sector network of women who support each other’s leadership development. Over the course of an intensive four months, I am gaining valuable professional skills to enhance my capacity for impact and building a network of other women professionals eager to support one another's leadership journey, all while reflecting on the issues facing women in the workplace.
The Kinn
In March, Variant Strategies also joined The Kinn, a coworking community and space, with 125 members interested in promoting wellness and a positive social impact. Variant Strategies is in great company meeting prospective clients, advisors, entrepreneurs, investors and champions and growing our brand and audience.
Revisiting Women’s Month
Finally, in case you missed it, throughout March, Women’s Month, we've been celebrating the inspiring women who have shaped my journey. Each week, we've highlighted individuals whose influence has been pivotal to my and Variant Strategies growth and success. This series has not only honored these remarkable women but also underscored the power of mentorship and support within our community, and women’s unique contributions to the world. Stay tuned as we continue to share these and other empowering stories, illustrating how each connection contributes to our collective strength. If you missed this, please check it out at @digiabby.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Variant Strategies community.
Best regards,
Abby Goldberg
Founder and CEO, Variant Strategies