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For those who don’t know you, tell us a little about your background.

My name is Kirstyn Nimmo (she/her) and I’m an award-winning social impact strategist, facilitator and speaker. I’m passionate about driving equity among underrepresented communities, and for over a decade, I’ve partnered with global corporations and nonprofits to build culturally resonant impact campaigns and programs. I grew up between New Jersey and the US Virgin Islands, I’m a graduate of American University, and I recently relocated to Atlanta, GA, after being in NYC for the last 10 years.

What are you most looking forward to about reviewing Anthem Awards entries?

When I embarked on my journey as a social impact strategist over a decade ago, I struggled to find community given my focus on brand partnerships versus philanthropy or corporate social responsibility. Since then, I’ve connected with a dynamic tribe of culture-shifting changemakers, and reviewing Anthem Awards entries will only broaden my understanding of the incredible work being done. I’m constantly impressed with the innovation and creativity that others are bringing to this space, and as a judge, I look forward to celebrating those efforts. 

What does it take for a project or campaign to cause real-world change?

In order for campaigns to cause real-world change, they need to be based on deep understanding of the community they aim to serve, and include actionable ways for others to take part. This often means bringing underrepresented voices to the table, and empowering them to have considerable impact on the work. Campaign actions should reach audiences where they are, enabling them to see themselves as changemakers and showing them how to get involved. Campaigns characterized by these components generate and maintain momentum towards change. 

How does your work at GOOD WORX support your mission?

I founded GOOD WORX to help our partners generate equity, act with accountability, and shift culture toward equality. Our mission is important, but the ways that we achieve our mission are what excite me the most. We bring an inclusive collective of strategists and creators to our work, lending truth and authenticity that makes or breaks a campaign. We shift perspectives with compelling truths, sharing historical context that is not always honored in culture and that explains the current state of our country. Finally, we outline ways for people to be influential in support of change, exactly where they are.

Bonus: What’s your favorite purpose-driven project or mission-driven campaign right now, and why?

I was disappointed to hear about Texas’ new abortion legislation in September 2021, which introduced the first ever six-week abortion ban in the United States. It provides grounds for civil lawsuits against any individuals who perform or aid in abortions, rather than depending on government to enforce the new restrictions. 

This law is a clear attack on womens’ access to healthcare and right to choose, and significant efforts will be required to reverse it, but I was uplifted to hear that Lyft was taking a stance against this law. Given that rideshare drivers could be implicated in a lawsuit by transporting an abortion seeker, Lyft has committed to paying legal fees for any of their drivers sued under this legislation. Lyft’s leadership was quickly mimicked by Uber, and Lyft also donated $1M to Planned Parenthood.

The fight to better protect women is far from over, but these commitments are a reminder that brands continue to have a powerful role in fighting injustice in our country.