The panel will explore the design and measurement of social impact entertainment (SIE) strategies across various storytelling formats and topics, including mental health, sustainability, and democracy. It aims to demystify the effectiveness of SIE strategies, identify conditions for success, and develop equitable measurement approaches that honor the lived experiences of affected communities. Participants will engage in interactive discussions to address specific challenges, gain insights into realistic short- to medium-term outcomes, and understand the business case for authentic storytelling.

Panelists include:

• Erica Rosenthal, PhD, Director of Research at USC Norman Lear Center, with over 20 years of experience in leveraging narratives for social change;
• Ksenia Korobkova, PhD, Senior Researcher at USC Norman Lear Center, who has studied media and identity for 15 years;
• Melody Mohebi, PhD, Program Director at Democracy 2076, focusing on empowering narratives about democracy;
• Stephanie Teleki, PhD, Director of Learning and Impact at California Health Care Foundation, who has led narrative change investments in maternity care. Together, they bring decades of expertise in funding, developing, and measuring SIE initiatives.