When one door closes, another one opens. While it’s always hard to say goodbye to board members, fortunately for us, Milwaukee is a hub for fresh faces. We couldn’t be more thankful for the new talent joining the Ex Fabula Board of Directors!

Bidding adieu are board members Adam Weise, Charmaine Harris, former president Bob Pothier, and member Patrick O’Neill.

The warmest of welcomes should be given to our newest board members: Jeremy Podolski, Damien Jones, Jasmine Cline, Liza Kessler, and Meralis Hood.

From left to right: Jeremy Podolski, Damien Jones, Jasmine Cline, Liza Kessler, and Meralis Hood.

When asked what each new member is looking forward to as a member of the Board of Directors, one unifying theme was present: continuing to build community with storytelling and Ex Fabula as a vehicle for bringing people together.

“I love the art of storytelling and Ex Fabula is a great piece of Milwaukee. I look forward to assisting in increasing the number of people and type of people who are participants. As a proud Jack of All Trades I am willing and able to contribute to Ex Fabula in any way I can!” – Damien Jones

“As a community, we often struggle to relate to one another, especially if we look, love or live differently. Stories help us recognize our common experiences and shared humanity. We have a tremendous opportunity as board members to bring our community closer together through the relationships and understanding that Ex Fabula inspires.” – Jeremy Podolski

“As a Board of Director with Ex Fabula, I will stress the importance of storytelling throughout our Milwaukee community. I will make a conscious effort to interact with the many different groups that make up the diverse Milwaukee population. Further, I am looking forward to reaching out to community leaders to invite them to join us for a Story Slam where they can ensure their words will be heard and respected. #IAmExFabula” – Jasmine Cline

“I am looking forward to bringing resources to this organization and continuing to increase the amount of opportunities that all of our communities have to share their stories.” – Meralis Hood

“I’m very excited to join the amazing group of people on the Ex Fabula Board of Directors! I love the work Ex Fabula has done to bring together storytellers and audiences from all walks of Milwaukee life, especially the Ex Fabula Fellowship program. I look forward to the opportunity to continue supporting and expanding this work and Ex Fabula’s mission of building community through the sharing of stories.” – Liza Kessler

Last but certainly not least are some other additions worth mentioning: Raina J. Johnson’s inauguration as Ex Fabula’s newest Secretary, Meghan Koven as Board President, and Dan Anderson as Ex Fabula Vice President.

We are so excited to see what this group will bring to the Ex Fabula table and to Milwaukee!