Arkayla Tenney-Howard

Narrative writing captures my work experience best. It also captures the energy, passion, creativity and dedication that shapes my work. Most of my resume highlights my background in grassroots organizing and public relations. I want to emphasize what is at the center of each of those roles: storytelling. Storytelling, for me, is more than a degree in public relations—it is ancestral. As a Black woman, I carry an inherited tradition of storytelling, and I see it as both my divine duty and my right to share stories. I have witnessed storytelling’s power in action time and time again: whether designing environmental justice campaigns that win grants and mobilize communities, or crafting memes and messaging that resonate with youth organizers, storytelling has always been at the root of my work. Being from St. Louis, my roots are intertwined with the powerful grassroots movements my city is known for. This city is an integral thread in the story of race relations across this country and around the globe. From the freedom suits to the Ferguson Uprising, I have grown up in a city that embodies resistance, radical thinking and remarkable stories. As I continue to step into my path as a writer, I see my role as not only telling my own story of resilience, disability, triumph, discrimination, growth, pain, love and joy, but also creating spaces for others to do the same. Whether through facilitating journaling workshops, crafting advocacy campaigns, hosting Canva trainings, or sharing intimate poems at open mics, I strive to lead by example—showing up authentically and bravely in sharing my story. All of this fuels Wildflower Communications, the business I founded in 2020 that began as a side hustle making social media graphics. It has since grown into my livelihood and my proudest achievement. I have partnered with more than 20 businesses and organizations across St. Louis, Los Angeles, Cleveland, and more, helping them use storytelling for advocacy, and growth. From press releases to memes, premiere parties to thought leadership, every project has been an opportunity to take on complex challenges through storytelling.