Our wonderful Volunteer & Administrative Coordinator, Marissa Cudworth, recently wrapped up her time as an Ex Fabula staffer. On behalf of the entire Ex Fabula community, we thank her for her work and look forward to welcoming her back as an audience member and friend!

Ex Fabula helped me feel less alone in a world that constantly feels as if itโ€™s trying to pull us apart from one another. I started volunteering at StorySlams in 2020 when we were still virtual and found magic in listening to storytellers pour their hearts out on stage. I stuck around, applying to the Volunteer Coordinator role because I wanted to do something meaningful in addition to working as a barista. I fell in love with helping coordinate our events, leading new and returning volunteers, and seeing the city of Milwaukee through the eyes of new venues and audience members. I REALLY fell in love with data entry. It amazed me to see all of the wonderful and honest things you, audience members and participants, had to say about an organization that works so hard to create beautiful experiences for you.

I am so proud of all the things I have accomplished as I look back on my transitions from volunteer to employee to โ€œalumโ€ of Ex Fabula. During my time with the organization, I started and graduated from UWMโ€™s Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding program, joined Engineers Without Borders as a student and now mentor to other students, moved into an apartment that I call all my own, and strengthened many new and old relationships. Now, as Iโ€™m navigating a challenging job market, I have learned to use the power of a true, personal story and how it can help strangers feel connected to you. The truth is that I donโ€™t know whatโ€™s coming next for me, but I do know that I have an entire community to lean on who gets it.

Thank you for a lovely experience growing and connecting. I wish all my best to Ollie, Jasmine, and Megan as they continue to carry on the work of connecting Milwaukee. Iโ€™m looking forward to returning to StorySlams as an Ex Fabula member. See you in the audience!

Love,

Marissa