Who is SWIM?
At See What I Mean, we love helping groups make progress towards their goals and dreams. We empower teams to ignite their vision and build momentum for ambitious plans to change their company, community or the world.
We are pragmatic optimists who know the theory behind organizational change and recognize the dynamics that can impede outcomes. By centering our work in collaboration and co-creation, we can proactively address the common pitfalls that plague projects and we can build buy-in with our friendly, facilitative approach. Our work is designed to help you minimize the fog that all organizations experience from time to time. We bring clarity, focus and energy to your efforts.
Our blended backgrounds in advancing social good and fostering network leadership have illuminated hard-won breakthroughs. After years of leading our own organizations and consulting with dozens of clients, we’ve set out to share our learnings and practices. See What I Mean is our platform to help accelerate the progress of organizations and businesses doing important work in the world.
See What I Mean LLC Team
Stacy Van Gorp, Ph.D.
Stacy Van Gorp, Ph.D. is a self-described organizational strategy and innovation geek. Stacy’s decades providing consulting services in strategic planning, innovation, research, and program design are rooted in her experiences leading a private foundation and her work in higher education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising and youth services. Her passion is helping leaders cut through complexity to illuminate opportunities. Her research interest centers around the role of trust in accelerating innovation. Stacy is recognized for her expertise in developing actionable models for change within institutions that serve a public good.
Her mission is to connect the people, resources, and ideas to change the world. See What I Mean is the manifestation of that mission.
“We live in a moment where ideas and products, tools and even resources are plentiful, but most of us struggle to find what we need, just when we need it. Sometimes we even struggle to know what we need. I see my role as helping organizations make the connections they need, just when they need it so that they CAN change the world. I am honored to be part of the transformational story of so many organizations, and I would love to help you too.”
Jordan Vernoy, CNP
Jordan Vernoy is a network engagement nerd. His tenure in the Feeding America network concentrated on challenging people to think differently about the work of ending hunger in America. Networks can realize their vision by focusing on the people facing the issue, understanding the value each member of the network holds, and maximizing those resources to have the biggest impact. He works with organizations and companies to embrace practices for deepening engagement. Jordan holds a master’s in nonprofit management and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional.
“Many organizations believe that in order to be seen as a credible leader, they have to come to their constituents with a polished product. I believe the act of involving constituents in the creation process gives a voice to people we often don’t hear, and builds trust in the product and the relationship as a whole. ”
Malena Rousseau, Ph.D.
Malena Rousseau, Ph.D. is an experienced social science researcher and program evaluation professional with expertise in qualitative research (but she does quantitative work too!), data collection and analysis, and technical writing. She is dedicated to using her research skills to support community changemakers in maximizing the impact and effectiveness of their programs. Malena centers justice, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her work, with an emphasis on highlighting the voices and lived experiences of communities of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those who are traditionally under-represented in research and policymaking spaces.
Malena grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and earned a B.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from Duke University and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, respectively. She has worked on anthropology and public health research projects in the US and abroad, including completing her dissertation research in the Andes of Ecuador. Malena also has extensive professional experience in working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.
Jenna Hoover, CNP
Jenna Hoover is passionate about using systems and design to connect people to information. She joined the See What I Mean Team with a desire to drive change through meaningful relationships with others built on curiosity, empathy, and trust. She helps network leaders, changemakers, and communities explore data in compelling ways to drive change. Jenna thrives in collaborative, creative, and often chaotic spaces, supporting communities and networks to find clarity while turning big ideas into tangible actions.
She has worked with a variety of networks in youth development, financial literacy, housing, hunger, and health. Jenna graduated from the University of Northern Iowa earning a B.A. In Global Studies: Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).
Kelsey Kleinheinz
Kelsey is a strategic thinker who enjoys navigating the complex. Kelsey has a background in the financial services industry, where she created custom solutions to accelerate growth while meeting unique needs. She is a dedicated teammate with a commitment to collaboration and empowering those around her. Kelsey brings empathy, optimism, and a drive to learn.
Kelsey graduated from the University of Northern Iowa earning a B.A. in Graphic Communications.
Kenny Sarasati
Kenny is a recent graduate from the Carlson School of Management - University of Minnesota. Kenny studied Management Information Systems and minored in Business Analytics. Kenny's journey through the Carlson School of Management was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for leveraging technology to solve complex business problems. Her coursework delved deep into the realms of data analysis, programming languages, and strategic management. Kenny actively engaged in internships and extracurricular activities, serving as an IT Governance Intern at the Development Bank of Singapore and assuming the role of Director of Competition for CoMIS, an IT Case Competition organized by students at the Carlson School of Management.
See What I Mean Collaborative Partners
We’ve cultivated a group of collaborative partners who provide our core team with trusted expertise and expanded perspectives to enhance specific projects.
Joy Briscoe
Joy Briscoe is a senior-level DEI consultant who successfully assists organizations to assess workforce readiness and shift culture to meet DEI objectives in recruiting and retention. Joy leverages systemic equity and inclusion to achieve organizational best practices. She brings leadership experience in developing programming and policies that drive results on indicators related to employee engagement, leadership development, nonprofit, public and private sector inclusive excellence to increase ROI.
We count on Joy for her expertise in communication, DEI, and an incredible level of energy and enthusiasm. She knows how to move mountains.
Stephanie Clohesy
Stephanie Clohesy is See What I Mean’s founder, bringing forth the brand and our approach of using visuals to accelerate progress.
During the course of her 45-year career, Stephanie has led, managed, and advised hundreds of social sector organizations. She has served foundations and nonprofits around the globe (really, almost every continent!), from the biggest household names to the tiniest innovative organizations seeking to advance the most important causes faced by the most vulnerable people. Along the way she has consistently conceptualized new ways of thinking, planning and organizing and eventually started to develop tools to assist her staff and/or clients.
Stephanie is our learning officer, trusted-advisor, concept scout, writing partner, and our go-to resource when our clients need to clear the fog.
Michelle Berger Marshall
Michelle Berger Marshall is a health care, nutrition security and nonprofit consultant, successfully assisting organizations to incorporate new strategic priorities and build collaborations across sectors to address nutrition and health inequities. Michelle leverages her deep expertise as a dietitian and experiences working within public health, health care systems and national networked nonprofits to address barriers at the system, environment and policy levels. She brings an evidence-informed lens to developing programs and partnerships and balances her passion for supporting big change with her ability to build pathways that allow for persistent progress.
We count on Michelle for her expertise in leading systems change across health care and nonprofits and for her ability to lighten the mood by building trusting relationships. Michelle graduated from UCLA with a degree in International Development Studies and a minor in Public Health, and holds a Masters Degree in Nutritional Science.
Sharina Sallis
Sharina Sallis is a dynamic professional whose experience in corporate social responsibility, business, fundraising & development, partnership, and strategy management advance social good organizations. Delivering an undeniable work ethic and passion for engaging and connecting internal and external stakeholders to the mission of an organization, Sharina leads with a lens and focus towards equitable investments.
We count on Sharina to help us read the room and remind us we’re doing life’s work. We all benefit from her wisdom and direct and compassionate style.
We are excited to work with you!
Our initial consultation is always free. Schedule a time to chat with us over the phone or meet us in person.