A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black vest over a purple shirt stands in front of a blue-themed wall decorated with various blue objects such as a shower cap, jewelry, and a sign that reads 'Melanie'. She is smiling and has her arms crossed.

Photo by Jeremy M. Lange

Words

That Work.

Hello! I’m Wendy.

I founded Words That Work™ because I believe in a holistic and relationship-driven approach to communications. My background and training as a professional journalist instilled in me a love for writing and a nose for a good story. I help clients navigate moments of uncertainty with clarity, empathy and calm.

I listen closely—to people, organizations and the communities they serve—and help clients articulate what they do best and what they love most. My work supports artists, arts nonprofits and creative small businesses, strengthening relationships with customers and donors. I design relationships and partnerships that elevate everyone involved.

Together, my clients and I find a joyful flow—sharing ideas, making the most of limited resources and turning sensible initiatives into thrilling wins. At its best, our work helps to make our community a better place. Dot-art, indeed.

A woman with long black hair, smiling, showing off several rings on her fingers, wearing earrings, a necklace, a watch, and bracelets, standing outside in front of a brick building with a sign that reads 'Hamilton Hill amazing you.' She is wearing a green sweater and has well-manicured nails painted red.
PRESS PLAY

I bring a journalist’s eye to visual communications. Through the use of color and scene to create a mood, I shape strong visuals into narratives that feel human, relatable and natural. I love bringing out a subject’s personality and humor. The best moments are unscripted: a hand gesture, a laugh, a shimmer of light.

Group of six people standing on a balcony outdoors during sunset, with a city street in the background, smiling for the photo. One person is holding a laptop showing the scene, and another has a camera around their neck.

I love words, and I also love to tell stories through pictures and videos. From scouting locations to assembling the very best team and making sure we have snacks—I make sure we get the shots and have fun along the way.

TOP: The crew strikes a pose after a six-hour photo shoot with six costume changes and four locations. Shout-out to Chris Hildreth and Rooster Media Productions! Photo from Wendy’s iPhone.

Two women in red dresses smiling, standing outside a brick building with a red-lit window behind them, and spotlights illuminating the scene.

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!

Learn how we can work together

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!

Crowd of people dancing and socializing in an outdoor urban plaza during daytime, with a tent and American flag visible in the background.

ABOVE: Hundreds dance in the streets to celebrate Durham’s beloved bronze icon during Major the Bull’s 21st Birthday Bash on April 18, 2025. I conceptualized and led this community event in collaboration with Downtown Durham Inc. and Discover Durham. Media coverage of Major artists Mike Waller and Leah Foushee-Waller included “Due South” with Leoneda Inge on WUNC-FM and The News & Observer. Photo by Brandon Marsh, NS Media.

Storytelling in fundraising
is where I shine.

A smiling woman with blonde hair and glasses, wearing earrings and a teal blouse, sitting outdoors with a brick wall and window in the background.

Do you hope to inspire new donors to build on a legacy? I capture the stories of visionary philanthropists through beautiful photo portraits, video interviews and heartfelt testimonials. My experience leading marketing and communications at a major university art museum informs crisp, lively storytelling about your most inspiring and compassionate supporters — whether it’s a Q&A with a top donor, an Instagram reel, a gala narrative that inspires generosity, a public radio interview or a one-minute video.

Photo by McKenzie Shelton

Let’s work together!
Get in touch.