We are a strategic impact studio.

Our Focus

We design integrated systems, drive purpose-aligned brands, and power more meaningful connections with stakeholders.

 

OUR PROCESS

We partner with conscious companies to integrate sustainability into their systems and storytelling, empowering them to affect change and grow more meaningfully. 

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We need to think strategically about purpose and engage in more authentic conversations with stakeholders. Brand identities need to be grounded in reality and in the values people care about.

OUR SERVICES

We bring your purpose to life through your mission and values, sustainability strategy and planning, stakeholder engagement, and grounded communications.

Together, we will navigate through the clutter and complexity, and focus on what matters most.

 

Our storyroot

To eradicate greenwashing by making
purpose a force for positive change.

  • The more brands that align on a purpose that more positively impacts the world, the more we hasten the shift from shareholder primacy to stakeholder governance.

  • We want to accelerate this shift by helping conscious leaders become agents of change by approaching purpose and positioning with the same measurable proof and accountability as bottom-line drivers.

  • Businesses have a massive opportunity to create more meaningful connections with their stakeholders by clearly articulating the purpose – the ‘why’ – of their brand, their products, their programs, and their choices.

By collaborating with like-minded brands, we hope to make grounded purpose, environmental stewardship and social impact more integrated considerations in businesses’ core decision-making processes.

storyroot (n):

An inspirational, grounded purpose that informs strategy, strengthens engagement, and leads to more meaningful growth.

Photo of Katie James

oUR Team


  • Founder & Owner (she/her)

    I’m an accomplished communications professional with more than a decade of experience working in corporate positioning, change management and stakeholder engagement across virtually every industry out there. Having held both in-house and agency roles, I’ve helped companies from small, scrappy startups to large, multinational behemoths (from BARK to WhiteWave Foods to MetLife) manage their reputation, brand, and business. 

    As founder of Storyroot, I love supporting people that care about the world around us and working collaboratively to uncover and strengthen the powerful stories that make them unique. I started Storyroot because I was frustrated with the consistent disconnect between organizations’ operations and their stories, and am committed to eradicating greenwashing from the brand playbook.

    I received a M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a B.A. in Sociology from Colgate University. Through Columbia University’s Earth Institute, I served as the President of Women & Sustainability and as founding member and Director of Strategy and Outreach for the SUMA Equity Alliance (SEA). I also mentor for the Techstars NYC accelerator, as well as the Thought Into Action (TIA) Incubator through Colgate University.

    I am a TRUE Advisor (recognized by GBCI as a zero waste professional), hold a GPRO Certificate in Fundamentals of Building Green, and completed the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s ‘From Linear to Circular’ development program.

Photo of Jillian Spratt


  • Impact Strategist (she/her)

    I am a dedicated sustainability and communications professional with seven years of experience creating and implementing corporate social responsibility programming. I have worked cross-functionally among executive leadership and "on the ground" project teams to develop strategic goals and communication plans that drive impact and support business outcomes. My experience ranges from operational efficiency, to working on circular economy business models, to helping organizations create volunteer and philanthropy programs within their community. I'm personally inspired by solutions found at the intersection of sustainability and social impact and through my work with Storyroot, I hope to continue to integrate the principles of environmental and social justice.

    Some of the most exciting aspects of this work are the opportunity for capacity building with clients, equipping teams with the education and tools they require for impact, as well as the opportunity to inspire passion through storytelling.

    I received a B.S. in Environmental Science, as well as a M.A. in Business Communication, from Rider University.

Photo of Cassie Bingham


  • Junior Impact Strategist (she/her)

    My career in the field of social impact started on the development team of a Salt Lake City nonprofit serving Hispanic/Latin immigrants, and went on to include leading a multi-pronged disaster relief initiative at Moria Refugee Camp in Greece. I also spent time innovating as a social entrepreneur in Uganda while working with an all-women artisan collective and developing ethical tourism initiatives.

    I have a bachelor’s in Sociocultural Anthropology and International Development, and a master’s in Sociology. In addition to serving as a junior impact strategist for Storyroot, an impact consulting studio guiding brands to sustainable impact through an integrated systems approach, I also currently work as both the assistant director at Utah Valley University's Center for Social Impact, where I teach social impact strategy using methodologies like systems thinking and equity-centered design.

Photo of Jesse Freeman


  • Impact Associate (she/her)

    My experience in the social impact field ranges from internships at a large public relations firm to storytelling work at an environmental nonprofit. I am passionate about educating others and turning complex ideas about climate into accessible information that will inspire social change. I have a master's degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in Development Sociology from Cornell University.

    I am most inspired by work that brings about systemic change in the ever-connected fields of environmental justice and social impact. Storyroot continues to help organizations align their values with their operations, and this ethos of integrity is what excites me most.

    I live in Manhattan, New York and love to spend my time running, hiking, reading, and anything else outdoors.


  • Impact Specialist (she/her)

    My sustainability and social impact experience ranges from helping small purpose-driven organizations certify as B Corps to supporting the development and implementation of sustainability strategies at large corporations. I’m inspired by companies that are leading the way towards a more equitable future, and passionate about helping businesses find solutions to our most pressing social and environmental challenges.

    Prior to pursuing an MBA and Master’s in Environmental Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, I worked for three years teaching environmental science and math at an expeditionary learning school in Denver. I also hold a B.A. from Wellesley College where I studied Environmental Science and Studio Art.

    I live in Boulder, CO and love to spend time skiing, mountain biking, making lopsided bowls on the pottery wheel, and testing out new baking recipes on my family and friends.

Photo of Hannah Perrine Mode


  • Design Director (she/they)

    I am an artist, designer, and educator. Working at the confluence of art, storytelling, and environmental science, I harness creative practices to deepen human connection to Earth systems and foster intersectional approaches to climate justice.

    For over a decade, I have worked as a visual designer and art director with e-commerce start-ups, environmental non-profits, small businesses, and educational institutions, including Bezar, IDEO, the World Wildlife Fund, California College of Art, Super Secret Ice Cream, and Kala Art Center. I have experience across a wide range of print and digital formats – from building brands from scratch to creating interactive websites, large-scale murals, educational animations, and book covers.

    In addition to my role with Storyroot, I serve in faculty and leadership roles with environmental education organizations, the Juneau Icefield Research Program and Inspiring Girls* Expeditions, and have previously partnered with Chulengo Expeditions, the International Arctic Science Committee, Parks Canada, and Alaska State Parks. My artwork has been exhibited at museums and galleries around the country, in addition to large-scale permanent public installations in the California Bay Area.

    I hold an MFA in Studio Art from Mills College and a BS in Studio Art from Skidmore College. I am based in Providence, Rhode Island and spend summers in Alaska.


  • Digital Designer (she/her)

    I am a multidisciplinary designer with a passion for storytelling, accessible and inclusive design, and creating cohesive experiences that are both beautiful and usable.

    Most recently, I was a UX designer at Foundation Medicine working alongside healthcare providers and biopharma partners to transform cancer care through genomic profiling. Previous, I have worked on experiential education at Education First and Global Expeditions Group. I believe that design is a powerful tool to communicate, inspire, and collaborate.

    I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Human Computer Interaction from Washington University in St. Louis as a Danforth Scholar.

    In my free time, you can catch me climbing, hiking, playing board games and trying out new recipes!

OPEN ROLES

NO CURRENT OPENINGS

Please keep an eye out for new positions and send any requests for informational interviews to hello@storyroot.com.

Thanks for your interest in joining our team!

 

What people are saying:

“Storyroot has a clear expert behind it with very credible opinions and backing that can clearly point to a compelling story, or one that falls flat. I felt challenged and pushed to learn and be open.

— GAIA GILADI, CO-founder & Chief creative, hilos

“Storyroot was not only able to meet our deadlines, but was also pleasant, professional and easy-going, and willing to work with us and take our feedback while still adding their own creative spin.”

— KARA SCOVITCH, SENIOR DIRECTOR, GLOBAL TALENT MANAGEMENT, TKWW

“Katie and her team have been instrumental in helping us reframe how we are talking about our efforts around radical responsibility with all of our stakeholders.”

— AGATHA KULAGA, CO-FOUNDER & CEO, OVENLY

“Working with Katie was the most efficient and best use of my time in regard to clarifying the mission statement and focus of my business. She worked quickly and thoroughly and delivered exactly what I had hoped she would and more.”

— Claire Olshan, Founder & CEO, DADA Daily

“Her business acumen is second to none and most importantly, her flexibility and personal approach, to all tasks, is what developed long-lasting and trusting relationships with her internal customers and external partners.”

— Rich Sargente, VP, Sales & GM, Retail, BARK

“Katie developed a number of exercises to hone in on the core of who holier is and what we want to stand for as a company, which really built the foundation of our brand.”

— Lisa Gonzalez-Turner, Founder, Wholier

 
 
 
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