Hello! I’m Wendy.

At Words That Work, I offer a holistic, relationship-driven approach to communications. My fundraising strategies resonate with donors. My initiatives help nonprofits, small businesses and civic partners collaborate on projects that are greater than the sum of their parts. By listening closely, I help each partner summon the energy to share what they do best — what they love. Talk about Stone Soup! I create synergy across disciplines, design projects with shared purpose and guide messaging that amplifies every mission while sparking meaningful (and joyful) experiences throughout the community. Together we share the love—and make the most of limited resources.
Dot-art, indeed.

Words

That Work.

Photo by McKenzie Shelton

I am brimming over with creativity because I am an artist at heart. I will make it happen with a good roll of tape.

TOP: Behind the scenes at Major the Bull’s 21st Birthday Bash — ensuring the birthday hat stayed put! I conceptualized and led this community celebration, bringing together local partners and securing media coverage to highlight Liberty Arts.

Synergy:
Let’s Find It.

What draws us to one another?
What do we have in common?
I want to know your favorite part of a project. (Getting dusted in gold glitter? Burning your thumb with the glue gun? Outfit twinning?) I’ll make sure you get to do what you love best. Then we can laugh together while powering through our least favorite parts of the job. (Taking out the trash? Invoicing? Carrying stuff to the car?) Let’s roll up our sleeves.

TOP: Striking a pose with the dazzling Stormie Daie at Liberty Arts’ first fundraising gala, the Fire Ball (March 2025). I created this event to support “Radiating Vessels,” a bold new public art project for downtown Durham. Big shout-out to the phenomenal Events by Rebs for bringing the evening to life!

Connecting

How do we engage with audiences? Take time to get to know them.
Build a relationship.
Tell their story.
Be authentic. Feel good about it!

ABOVE: Hundreds danced in the streets to celebrate Durham’s beloved bronze icon during Major the Bull’s 21st Birthday Bash — a community event I organized in collaboration with Downtown Durham Inc. and Discover Durham, spotlighting my fave artists at Liberty Arts through vibrant public engagement. Photo by Brandon Marsh, NS Media.

Storytelling in fundraising
is where I shine.

Photo by McKenzie Shelton

Do you hope to inspire new donors to build on a legacy? I can help you capture stories of visionary philanthropists through beautiful photo portraits and heartfelt testimonials. My journalism background makes for crisp, lively writing about your most inspiring, compassionate givers —whether it’s a Q&A with a top donor, Instagram reel, compelling narrative that draws donors to a gala, public radio interview or one-minute video.

Planning is important, and I also keep my eyes open for unexpected moments. Let’s leave room for serendipity and learn something new along the way. Stories are everywhere!

Let’s work together!
Get in touch.