Advocacy Through Personal Narratives: How Stories Drive Systemic Change

DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / March 27, 2025 / Sheena Kadi, a longtime LGBTQ advocate and political strategist, was recently featured in an exclusive interview discussing the power of storytelling as a tool for advocacy and policy change. With over two decades of experience in grassroots organizing and legislative campaigns, Sheena has consistently used personal narratives to connect with communities, challenge discrimination, and influence policy decisions.

In the interview, Sheena shares how her lived experiences-surviving conversion therapy, overcoming homelessness, and navigating systemic barriers as a queer Arab American-have shaped her approach to leadership and advocacy.

"I've learned that data alone doesn't change minds," Sheena says. "It's the personal stories, the lived experiences, that move people to action. When someone can see themselves in another person's journey, they begin to understand why these issues matter."

Throughout her career, Sheena has seen firsthand how storytelling transforms abstract political debates into deeply human conversations. Whether working on the Obergefell v. Hodges case, leading the campaign to ban conversion therapy in Colorado, or helping cities like Toledo achieve LGBTQ equality benchmarks, Sheena has prioritized elevating the voices of those most affected by policy decisions.

"When we worked on banning conversion therapy, it wasn't statistics that changed minds-it was the voices of survivors," she explains. "Legislators had to hear the pain and resilience behind those numbers. That's what made it real."

Sheena also speaks about how vulnerability is a key leadership trait, particularly in advocacy. Sharing personal challenges and triumphs can be difficult, but it fosters trust and creates space for others to speak up.

"Authenticity is the foundation of meaningful change," she says. "When we tell our stories, we not only empower ourselves, but we also create opportunities for others to do the same."

In the interview, Sheena provides practical advice on how individuals can harness their own stories for impact. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, knowing your audience, and pairing personal experiences with factual data to build compelling narratives. She also shares how resilience, mentorship, and collaboration have been central to her work.

Looking ahead, Sheena remains committed to using storytelling to drive equity and representation. Now living and working between Los Angeles and Denver, she continues to support marginalized communities, mentor future leaders, and advocate for inclusive policies.

"As we move forward, we need more voices at the table," she says. "The more stories we tell, the stronger our movements become."

About Sheena Kadi

Sheena Kadi, MBA, is a dedicated advocate with over 20 years of experience advancing LGBTQ rights and progressive causes. A queer, Arab millennial, she began her journey by founding PRISM, Ohio's first LGBTQ student group at a Catholic university, and has since led campaigns to combat discrimination, pass inclusive policies, and build bipartisan coalitions.

As Toledo's first LGBTQ Liaison, Sheena helped the city earn its first 100% score on the HRC Municipal Equality Index. She contributed to the historic Obergefell v. Hodges case, securing marriage equality nationwide, and played pivotal roles in banning conversion therapy and passing Jude's Law in Colorado.

Now living and working between Los Angeles and Denver, Sheena continues to champion equity and representation for marginalized communities. With a career spanning grassroots activism and national campaigns-including work for President Obama and Hillary Clinton - she remains committed to driving meaningful change.

To read the full interview, click here.

Contact: info@SheenaKadi.com

SOURCE: Sheena Kadi