Narrative & Storytelling Consultant
Strategy · Writing · Audio · Community Engagement


I work with organizations, institutions, and creatives to shape narratives that are clear, grounded, and built to last. My practice brings together narrative strategy, editorial development, and community-centered storytelling to support work that is both impactful and accountable to the people it speaks to and with.

My background spans journalism, philanthropy, and cultural work, which informs an approach that is both strategic and deeply attuned to context, voice, and lived experience

Core Focus Areas

Narrative Strategy

I support clients in clarifying and articulating the core story behind their work across initiatives, campaigns, and organizational messaging. This includes identifying what’s essential, what’s missing, and how a narrative needs to function across different audiences and formats.

Ghostwriting & Editorial

I develop written work that reflects each client’s voice while strengthening clarity, structure, and intention. This includes thought leadership, longform writing, grant narratives, and editorial development. It’s always grounded in voice and context rather than generic tone.

Audio & Podcast Storytelling

I support the development of narrative-driven audio work, from early concept through production-ready structure. My approach centers pacing, story arc, and the relationship between voice, sound, and audience.

Community & Cultural Engagement

I design storytelling processes that center participation and lived experience. Through workshops, story circles, and collaborative frameworks, I support organizations in building narratives with communities and not simply about them.

Ways to Work Together

Narrative Intensive (2–4 weeks)

A focused engagement to clarify messaging and build a strong narrative foundation.

Ghostwriting & Editorial Retainer

Ongoing support for writing, editing, and thought leadership development.

Podcast & Audio Development

From concept to structured, ready-to-produce storytelling.

Community Storytelling Engagements

Facilitated workshops and processes that generate meaningful, community-rooted narratives.

Who I Work With

  • Nonprofits and foundations

  • Media organizations

  • Cultural institutions

  • Artists, creatives, and founders

Approach

My work sits at the intersection of journalism, philanthropy, and community engagement. I draw from experience in reporting, grantmaking, and collaborative storytelling to support narratives that are not only well-crafted, but grounded, participatory, and responsive to the communities they engage.


Writings

Real cowboys don’t say ‘yeehaw’

Black country aesthetics are now mainstream. Absent are the rural Afro-Texans who sustain the heritage and traditions of Black cowboy country life

Ida’s Legacy: How BIPOC journalists and publishers became the authority on truth and democracy

We still collectively reap the benefit of Ida B. Wells’ work, and we desperately need more truth-tellers like her. We get there by rebuilding our journalism ecosystem

What the Black Lives Matter Protests Mean for East Texas

Protests where I grew up–where lynchings and KKK marches have occurred in my lifetime–could signal a shift in the region long plagued by racial terror.

Solange’s ‘When I Get Home’ Pays Homage to the Black Rural South

The album honors black culture in Houston, but also looks beyond it to the traditions of rural Texas.

What Journalism Owes: COLLAB Results

We believe this project provides a framework for newsrooms looking to repair relationships with overlooked communities across the state, regionally, or on the hyper-local level.

Quilts of Color

Laverne Brackens and her family carry on the interwoven legacy of Black quiltmakers in East Texas.


Contact Me

jonesdalyah@gmail.com

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LinkedIn

Substack

Resume Available Upon Request