Meredith Fenton is a strategist, trainer, facilitator and coach who believes in the power of communities to create the world of our dreams. She partners with change-making leaders, organizations and movements to shape effective strategy, tell powerful stories, facilitate productive conversations, build capacity and win progressive social change.
For four years, Meredith was a vice president at Fenton — the agency (with a coincidental name) where she led partnerships with a wide range of social justice organizations and foundations. Previously Meredith served as the director of communication strategies at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and as the national program director of COLAGE.
Outside of work, Meredith serves on the board of directors of Californians for Justice and is an aspiring photographer and avid Broadway fan. A magna cum laude graduate of Wellesley College, Meredith lives in Oakland, CA with her partner and Muppet of a dog.
Why are you a strategist for good?
“Growing up in vibrant Jewish communities gave me an early commitment to Tikkun Olam — the pursuit of collective liberation. As I became involved in struggles for queer liberation, women’s rights, racial justice and youth empowerment, I learned that passion and vision need to be paired with smart strategy. I believe that with the right tools, capacity, connections and courage, we can create the world of our dreams.”
What’s your superpower?
“Designing trainings and meetings that move teams forward. I can turn almost anything into a game and can help groups navigate through difficult discussions with ease. I love training and facilitating for groups and individuals and believe that any topic can be engaging, interactive and fun.”
Who is your intellectual crush?
“I can’t stop thinking about Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by Adrienne Maree Brown. Connecting our small, daily actions to our values and looking to nature for lessons of strength and interconnection has given my social change work a deeper, more resilient grounding.”
