Founder's Series: Lori Rodney - Leveraging the Power of Storytelling for Leadership and Community Impact
This week, we're spotlighting Lori Rodney, the dynamic Co-Founder of the Titan Executive Network, a transformative community dedicated to redefining what it means to be a Black woman in leadership. As a TITAN leader, Lori is not just redefining leadership—she is reshaping the narrative of what it means to be a Black woman at the helm of change. Lori spearheaded the development of TITAN’s messaging strategy, crafting a powerful framework that articulates the organization’s value statements, establishes clear community guidelines, and reinforces a cohesive, impactful brand voice across every TITAN touchpoint, including the TITAN website, social platforms and at community events. Through her strategic vision and creative execution, she has built a compelling and authentic communications platform that not only resonates but also inspires, fostering a community rooted in clarity, purpose and transformative leadership.
A natural connector, Lori makes powerful connections for TITAN to help it deliver on its mission. From bringing powerful community leaders, like NYC’s first deputy mayor and globally recognized advocates for Black empowerment to dialogue with and inspire TITAN members, to ensuring the organization prioritizes opportunities for Black businesses and vendors as part of its daily operations, Lori champions the values and purpose of Titan Executive Network.
Launched with the mission to harness the collective power of Black executive women, TITAN is more than just a network—it’s a movement, and Lori’s vision is clear. “Individually, we are powerful, but together, we are power—and the way we communicate and engage with one another in the community and in the world is critical to achieving our mission.”
In a world where narratives shape realities and leadership paves the path for future generations, Lori stands as a beacon of transformative influence, bringing a wealth of experience, a passion for storytelling, and a fearless approach to all of her pursuits. With a career dedicated to leading communications efforts that empower and inspire, she understands the power of narrative in shaping not just perceptions, but realities.
Currently serving as the Global Head of Communications for Shutterstock, Lori ensures that the company’s diverse content and data fuel stories across the globe. Her leadership has positioned Shutterstock as a key player in both entertainment and enterprise storytelling. Before her time at Shutterstock, Lori was the Global Head of Communications at Change.org, the world's largest tech platform for social change. There, she navigated the organization through pivotal world events, from launching the global Racial Justice Fund to managing crises like the Russia/Ukraine conflict and the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the U.S. Her ability to guide organizations through such critical moments highlights her exceptional leadership and unapologetic commitment to social justice.
But Lori’s influence extends far beyond her professional roles. She serves on the board of Women Creating Change (WCC), a 110-year-old nonprofit in New York City dedicated to empowering women to be civic leaders and changemakers. With a legacy of leadership that includes figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Ida Tarbell, WCC provides women with the resources and tools needed to engage actively in their communities. Lori’s involvement with WCC underscores her dedication to fostering equitable opportunities for all women.
As a mentor, Lori is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of communications leaders. She guides emerging professionals across tech, creative/entertainment, pharmaceutical, and non-profit advocacy sectors, fostering value-based communication models that prioritize authenticity and impact. Her dedication to mentorship is a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.
Lori’s professional affiliations further reflect her commitment to empowering women of color in leadership. She is a member of ColorComm, the premier business organization for women of color in communications, and CHIEF, an exclusive network for top women leaders. Her contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed—Lori has been featured in PRWeek’s Power 50 List, recognizing her as one of the most influential communicators in the field. She also serves as a senior judge for the PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards and the PRWeek Awards, bringing her expertise to the forefront of industry excellence.
Her impact and passion for the communications industry are not new. Early in her career, Lori’s story was highlighted in "Be Happy at Work: 100 Women Who Love Their Jobs and Why" by former Forbes author Joanne Gordon, showcasing her as a role model for finding passion and purpose in one’s career. But there was still something missing…
“As I advanced in my career, I saw firsthand that there weren’t many Black women at the top. The higher I climbed, the fewer of us there were. In conversations with other Black senior leaders, I realized this was a shared experience—many of us were navigating the unique challenges of leadership without the support and community we needed,” said Lori. “That’s why I took my expertise from working with top companies to create something specifically for us—TITANs who need sisterhood, strategic support and professional development designed with us in mind. Senior-level executives require specialized growth opportunities, and TITAN programming is built to meet those needs, ensuring that Black women in leadership have resources, connections and a space to thrive.”
The Titan Executive Network, under Lori’s co-leadership, is poised to be a powerful force in the world, creating a supportive and empowering space for Black executive women. By fostering collaboration, networking, and mutual support, TITAN is not just building a professional network—it’s cultivating a community where Black women in leadership can thrive.
Lori Rodney’s story is one of resilience, fearlessness and transformative leadership. Through her work with TITAN and beyond, she is not only elevating the voices of Black women but also inspiring a new generation to believe in the power of collective strength. Her leadership is a testament to the impact one individual can have when they harness their voice, uplift their community and lead with conviction.
If you’re interested in connecting with Lori or exploring opportunities within the Titan Executive Network, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we are not just powerful—we are power.
