Photo by Jeremy M. Lange
Hello! I’m Wendy.
At Words That Work™, I take a holistic, relationship-driven approach to communications, with deep expertise in crisis PR, strategic messaging and fundraising communications. I help organizations navigate moments of uncertainty with clarity, empathy and calm—while also building the long-term trust that sustains them.
I listen closely—to people, to organizations and to 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 donor relationships and designing partnerships that elevate everyone involved.
I bring a journalist’s eye to visual communications. Through sharp video editing and highly effective Instagram reels, I shape strong visuals into narratives that feel human, relatable and real. The result is communications that resonate and fundraising that feels irresistible.
Together, we find a joyful flow—sharing ideas, making the most of limited resources and turning sensible initiatives into thrilling wins. Always, the work gives back to the community. Dot-art, indeed.
Words
That Work.
Making reels for Instagram feels like visual journalism with a soundtrack. I love bringing out a subject’s personality and humor. The best moments are unscripted: a hand gesture, a laugh, a shimmer of light. Editing sure does seem like magic. After I spend hours shaping raw footage into a story that feels effortless, it is magical.
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.
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 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.
Photo by McKenzie Shelton