POWERFUL STORYTELLING
Key to any organization or movement’s success is its ability to tell stories that connect audiences, create empathy, and ultimately cultivate community. From social enterprises to niche magazines, from travel businesses to cultural and educational institutions, I’ve worked across industry verticals to tell each organization’s unique story and advocate their cause in a meaningful and compelling way.
STRATEGIC THINKING
Focused on the big picture while keeping a keen eye on defining details, I am passionate about connecting the dots between goals, strategy, tactics, and metrics. I draw lessons from across disciplines to experiment and innovate. Doing so allows me to continually assess and adjust the direction of overall strategies and specific campaigns to ensure success and yes, learn from failure.
FLEXIBILITY AND VERSATILITY
I embrace instability and am exhilarated by rethinking systems, challenging assumptions, and recalibrating my skills. I have an adept understanding of how to effectively navigate both online and offline platforms to communicate and engage with various stakeholders. I understand the power of technology and social networks and the importance of leveraging these tools and resources to accomplish specific goals.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
I am committed to anti-oppression and achieving equity. My experience covers quite a range: from human rights reporting to experiential education, from press freedom advocacy to women’s rights, from LGBTI activism to diversity and inclusion in marketing and media. This work has taken me across the globe to countries in East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and North America. Learn more about my values and approach here.
Curious to know more? Come with me!
NAMED CHANGEMAKER IN THE TORONTO STAR
“Justine Abigail Yu created a literary community to give voice to hyphenated Canadians.
In 2018, she launched Living Hyphen — a literary community and multimedia platform that celebrates the diverse stories of hyphenated Canadians...
Since then, things have taken off, with a podcast, a stage play, an upcoming third issue as well as ongoing cross-country cultural programming and training for students and interested Canadians.
Through short stories, photography, poetry and illustrations, the journal shares intimate human experiences tied to migration, immigration, displacement and settlement exploring ideas around connection to a homeland, ties to past generations, and finding a sense of self somewhere new.
”
FEATURED IN THE GLOBE & MAIL
“That inclusive, community-driven business model makes Yu something of a pioneer, one who prefers partnership and collaboration over ruthless competition. ”
