About

Janelle Nightingale

The conversations that change us are rarely the loudest. They're the most honest.

The short version

20+ years in strategic communications
Corporate, nonprofit, and international sectors
Executive comms, crisis, brand, and public speaking
Documentary photojournalism and long-form writing
Internationally recognized photography — two 2025 reFocus Awards nominations
M.A., University of Oklahoma

I'm a strategic communications leader, photojournalist, and author with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations, executives, and communities communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact. My work spans corporate communications, marketing strategy, crisis communication, public speaking, and documentary storytelling.

Whether I'm preparing a CEO for the stage, developing communication strategies, or documenting lives through photography and writing, I'm driven by one belief: the stories we choose to tell shape the world we create.

I'm the author of Fields of Resilience, a documentary photojournalism project exploring resilience, agriculture, and community in Uganda. I'm currently writing my second book, Resonance: The Quiet Revolution of Compassion, a collection of portraits and stories from people across the United States and Canada whose quiet acts of compassion are transforming their communities in extraordinary ways.

Throughout my career, I've worked across the corporate, nonprofit, and international sectors, leading strategic communications initiatives, building brands, and helping organizations connect more authentically with the people they serve.

This site is where I share insights on communication, leadership, cross-cultural understanding, strategic storytelling, and the people and experiences that continue to shape my work.

Why I built this

Agri Planet Foundation

We didn't begin with the idea of creating another nonprofit. We began by witnessing meaningful work already taking place and recognizing that it deserved sustainable support. As a U.S.-based 501(c)(3), Agri Planet Foundation directs resources to locally led programs in Uganda that strengthen food security, expand education, and build long-term community resilience.

Lasting change happens when communities lead the work themselves. Our job is to stand beside them, not in front of them.

Support the work

Kind words

Reflections from colleagues and collaborators

“Janelle is a leader who guides from the nexus of teamwork. She works strategically to ensure that all voices are heard and nurtured in decision making. In every space, Janelle moves from coworker to friend.”

Kristin Murray

Storytelling Strategist & Community Connector

“Her mastery of communications and marketing is truly remarkable, bringing a level of strategic insight and creative thinking that consistently elevates every project she touches.”

Nick Rustad, MBA

CEO & Founder, CoreTactic Career Coaching

“Janelle's thoughtful contributions and ability to connect analytics with strategic communications leave me confident she will continue to bring value and insight to her career.”

Michael Bagalman

Professor of Practice, University of Oklahoma

Let's connect

Whether you're looking for a speaker, communications strategist, collaborator, or simply want to say hello — I'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch