Deepa Shankaran
Story-Driven Content & Communications
I am a writer and producer specializing in impact storytelling for nonprofit organizations and changemakers.
For more than 15 years, I’ve worked with international and community agencies to create content that elevates lived experiences, engages supporters and inspires meaningful action.
My work is guided by a commitment to transparency and co-creation. An experienced interviewer with an ear for nuance, I’ve led documentary projects in Kenya, Ethiopia, India and Ecuador, celebrating individual and collective efforts to improve lives. Now based in Toronto, I partner with community leaders and program participants to amplify their stories of struggle and change.
Services
Strategic Storytelling
Authentic and sensitive human interest stories that showcase program outcomes and strengthen connections with audiences
Core Messaging
Compelling brand narratives that capture your organization’s mission, vision and values
Fundraising Communications
Story-driven annual impact reports, campaign content and cases for support
Multi-Channel Writing
Engaging and memorable content for key web pages and social media channels
What Clients Say
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"Working with Deepa was an enriching experience for our team. The vignettes she wrote brought an emotional depth and richness that exceeded our expectations. While we might have focused solely on program outcomes, Deepa’s approach added layers of humanity and nuance that made the stories engaging and memorable. We would gladly collaborate with her again and highly recommend her storytelling expertise."
Rochelle Zorzi, Partner
Cathexis Consulting
"Finding someone who can get to the heart of the story and express it well is hard to do. Finding someone with those talents who is also trauma informed and sensitive to the intersecting barriers vulnerable people live through is like finding a diamond in the desert. Deepa has all of these talents and more. Her stories are beautifully captured and rendered, and they stand the test of time. She is a true gem of a talent. Hire her!"
Lia Grimanis, CEO
Up With Women / Exponenti’elles
"Deepa is an exceptionally talented writer. Whether it’s articles or video production, her keen sense of story and attention to character development shine through. You can tell the attentiveness and care she puts into interviews by the way a subject shows up on the page. Driven by narrative, she tells engaging stories that educate on programs while remaining inviting to a wide audience. Highly recommend the opportunity to work with her."
Wanda O'Brien, Global Manager of Storytelling
Nutrition International