forwardstory

Kathryn Karnell

Communications Strategist and Content Creator

Contact me!

I can help you clarify your goals, create content, and achieve results. As your human in the loop, I adapt & evolve with the latest technology to optimize quality and achieve measurable success. Let’s work together to move from your BackStory to your ForwardStory!

What I Can Do for You

Together, we’ll establish clear communication goals and build a strategy that moves you toward success. You’ll have a clear view of what’s working, insight into areas for improvement, and a tailored set of messaging, content, and tools designed to strengthen audience connection and deliver measurable impact.

Core services include:
  • 💡 Content Strategy & Planning — I will review your content ecosystem, audit what's working, and develop a roadmap to align content with your brand and audience needs.
  • ✏️ Messaging & Content Packages — Marketing materials, website content, newsletters, executive messaging, campaign copy, or storytelling frameworks — all tailored to your voice, audience, and goals.
  • 🤖 AI Integration & Team Training — Many workplaces feel pressure to use AI without a clear path. I help teams build literacy, pick the right tools, and use AI to create better, more efficient content — with intention, not urgency.

Need something not listed here? Let’s talk – I will shape my services around your needs.

Portfolio

Here are a few projects that reflect a blend of content strategy, messaging development, and AI-assisted delivery. Curious about what else I've done? Access a list of sample projects. Or, view my resume.

Black Maternal Health Week thumbnail

Black Maternal Health Week - Integrated Campaign

Pioneered and executed a multi-channel campaign, integrating social, video, and written stories, boosting digital engagement and strengthening partner relationships.

Learn more

NSCH thumbnail

National Survey of Children's Health - Branding Video

Designed this video to raise awareness of this survey, strengthen public trust in the agency behind it, and encourage participation from parents and caregivers.

Watch video

Doula story thumbnail

This is Destiny – The Power of Doula Care for Better Health

Doula Kianna's support helped mom Regina advocate for her needs, foster positive relationships with her medical teams, and achieve improved physical and mental health.

Read the story

Family's Journey thumbnail

A Family’s Journey – Systems Change Storytelling

Follow Ben's family experience navigating complex medical, educational, and social challenges, and the critical support they received from their "F2F" center. I wrote this narrative for Congressional decision-makers and for support centers to tell their story.

Read the story

Film clapperboard thumbnail

Evacuation Plan – Film Set / Same‑Day Delivery

This comprehensive evacuation plan - for a high-profile production filming on location - is tailored to the specific geography and personnel needs of 500 crew and extras. I used AI tools to cut concept-to-delivery time by an estimated 70%, enabling same-day turnaround.

Details available upon request.

Cruise ship thumbnail

Marketing Package – Alaska Tourism Pitch / Cruise Outreach

This marketing package (proposal, cover letter, press release) is for a small recreation and entertainment business in Alaska. They successfully secured cruise rep engagement. Used AI tools for research, drafting, and image generation under a tight deadline.

Details available upon request.

Training

Need help getting practical in this evolving AI landscape? Struggle with helping your teams to write clearly and effectively? Looking for someone to help enable your nontechnical teams to use AI tools and understand what they can and can’t quite do?

I can help! Feel free to get in touch. 📬 katy@myforwardstory.com

See training offerings
  • ✏️ Write It Clearly: Training for Teams (with AI-Enhanced Support) — Helps teams write clearly and confidently — with or without AI tools. You’ll learn how to turn complex ideas into accessible, actionable content, and how to use GenAI to support your process, not replace it.
  • 📚 Storytelling: Craft Messages That Stick, Scale, and Inspire — Helps teams and individuals bring their mission, products, or services to life with compelling, structured stories. You’ll learn how to connect messaging to audience needs, organize your ideas for clarity and flow, and use GenAI to prototype content quickly — without losing your voice. Whether you're building a brand, launching a campaign, or briefing leadership, the right story drives understanding and engagement.
  • 🤖 AI-Literacy for Nontechnical Teams: Be the Human in the Loop — Plain-language overview of generative AI, what it’s good at (and not), and how to use it thoughtfully in daily work. You’ll walk away with a practical, no-hype understanding of where these tools fit in your work.

About Me

I have a foundation in public health and a bias for action. I enjoy helping organizations reach their communication goals, using best practices, storytelling, and evolving AI tools.

Learn a little more about me

Across 3 continents and 7 countries, I’ve served clients and teams across the government, academic, private, and global health sectors—including CDC, Deloitte, USAID, Peace Corps, University of Washington, and Johns Hopkins—by translating complex ideas into clear, human-centered narratives. My approach is grounded in integrity, creativity, and service to people.

I have helped teams define their core messages, write for multiple audiences, and manage the content needed for newsletters, websites, speaking engagements, and campaigns. I’ve also led training sessions and supported teams as they adapt to organizational needs or new tools — like AI — to improve their workflows and outcomes.

I don’t overpromise. I help you figure out what’s essential, what’s working, and what needs to change — then I help you do something about it.

My motto: Practice makes progress.

Core Values and Strengths:

  • Adaptability
  • Commitment
  • Relationships
  • Integrity
  • Courage

Contact

📍 Wherever there is wifi | Reach out if you'd like to collaborate, build clearer content, or explore AI tools for your team:

📬 katy@myforwardstory.com