Effective Digital Storytelling Strategies with Neda Azarfar & Charlie Kunzer

Apr 16, 2025

Guest

Neda Azarfar

Guest

Charlie Kunzer

Join Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works, as they explore the pressing maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. They share the inspiration behind ALIMA’s powerful 'Ode to Strangers' campaign that uses real-life stories and animations to engage audiences. Discover innovative storytelling techniques and how compassion can spark change. Learn how nonprofits can effectively connect with donors and communities while addressing global health issues.

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ANECDOTE

Compassionate Stranger Story Inspires Campaign

Neda shared a powerful story of a Vietnamese refugee mother saved by a compassionate stranger during childbirth.
This inspired the "Ode to Strangers" campaign focusing on altruistic strangers helping mothers worldwide.

INSIGHT

Storytelling Breaks Campaign Noise

ALIMA chose storytelling with real mother accounts to engage people emotionally.
Artistic and daring campaigns break through traditional noise and highlight individual impact.

ADVICE

Navigating Story Sharing Permission

Inform people upfront about campaign intentions and get explicit consent for sharing personal stories.
Address emotional concerns carefully as sharing traumatic stories publicly can be difficult for participants.

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Childbirth is a universally significant experience, but for too many mothers around the world, it is also a life-threatening one. In this episode, we explore the urgent maternal health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Joining us are Charlie Kunzer, Executive Director of ALIMA USA, and Neda Azarfar, Managing Director of Nazar Works. They take us behind the scenes of ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign, a powerful digital storytelling initiative that sheds light on the life-saving impact of compassionate strangers.

Through real-life stories, immersive animations, and emotional narration, the campaign illustrates how individuals—even those thousands of miles away—can make a difference for mothers and newborns in crisis.

Tune in to learn:

Why maternal mortality remains a global crisis and how ALIMA is addressing it.
How digital storytelling is being used to engage audiences and inspire action.
What nonprofits can learn from the campaign’s innovative approach to advocacy.
How you can become a “stranger who cares” and support maternal health worldwide.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about global health, nonprofit storytelling, and making a real impact in the world.

Resources & Links:

📌 Learn more about ALIMA’s “Ode to Strangers” campaign: https://odetostrangers.alima.ngo/
📌 Support ALIMA’s life-saving work: https://alima.ngo/en/
📌 Follow ALIMA on social media for updates and stories.

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