SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
Stephanie Fine Sasse is turning knowledge into progress with The Plenary, Co.
Stephanie Fine Sasse’s work spans experiential design, community-building, educational storytelling, and the science of changing minds. Trained in neuroscience, psychology, and the learning sciences at Harvard University, she’s co-published on human emotions and decision-making in leading academic journals, created and taught award-winning courses on media literacy and science communication, and spearheaded a classroom campaign for diverse representation in and of STEM fields. Most recently, she founded The Plenary, Co., a nonprofit that makes critical current issues more accessible through science, art, and immersive experiences. She spoke to the SHACK15 Journal about her background and inspiration, as well as her upcoming interactive show, “Illuminations.”
SHACK15: Can you tell us about what led you to create The Plenary, Co.?
Stephanie Fine Sasse: In 2010, I began training as a neuroscientist to explore why people do (and don’t) change their minds. In 2017, I became a community organizer to fight the systems that stymie progress while studying those that support it. Along the way, I became an experienced designer to explored ways to leverage the senses to communicate critical ideas. I've spent the past decade seeking tools to help bridge the gap between who we are as a society and who we’re capable of becoming. And I've found that our best strategies are not singular, they're synergic.
The Plenary, Co. is about braiding together insights from across fields and communities to craft a culture of knowledge that puts people, not profits, at the centre of critical conversations. So far, the Information Age has been messy, exclusive, and dangerously divided. We’ve accepted a system that privileges virality over accuracy, certainty over usefulness, and financial interests over the collective good. That approach is blocking our ability to cultivate an informed and engaged democracy, especially around complex, high-stakes issues like climate change and institutionalized bias.
I started The Plenary, Co. to help turn knowledge into progress. I believe we need to create opportunities to learn about important issues, like AI and environmental equity, in ways that align with how our minds and lives actually work. I also believe that most people want to help steward more sustainable and equitable futures, but often feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start. The Plenary, Co. is building ways to bridge people's intentions and their actions; to create experiences and resources that make it easier to stay open, engaged, and inspired.
SHACK15: Can you talk about your interest and background in neuroscience? How does your background fit into your current projects?
Fine Sasse: After spending nearly a decade studying our emotions and decision-making behaviors at OHSU and Harvard University, I saw a serious disconnect between the way the human brain works and the way we share information, particularly evidence-driven information, in society today. Our current model for information-sharing completely misaligns with the way we actually learn and live our lives. We've created news, media, and educational systems that adapt slowly, perpetuate bias, and often make it more difficult for us to explore and pursue shared goals.
The Plenary, Co. is inspired by many of the lessons learned from the study of openness and change across fields like neuroscience, psychology, and design. The goal is to create a space built on a foundation of belonging and imagination, where knowledge and possibilities are explored through both creative and scientific lenses, and people are active participants at the center of worldshaping conversations.
SHACK15: Where can we see The Plenary, Co.’s mission in action?
Fine Sasse: Our next big showcase, Illuminations, is launching at The Foundry on October 7! It’s going to be a multi-week art and science experience. There will be food, drinks, and plenty of lounges for participants to reflect and connect. We’re thinking of it as an illustrated journey through social and environmental issues, and the goal is to create an imaginative space where the SF community can gather, exchange ideas, and explore multidisciplinary insights.
It’s one-part art show, one-part science exhibit, and one-part community meet-up. We've crafted six exhibits illustrated by artists from around the world with science storytelling and hands-on interactions. And before folks leave, we'll offer practical next steps they can take to stay engaged and informed.
SHACK15: How can the SHACK15 community activate to support your mission?
Fine Sasse: We’d love to welcome the Shack15 community to the Illuminations showcase! Folks can learn more here and use the discount code SHACK15 for 20% off any ticket type.
And if what we’re doing resonates with you and you’d like to get more involved, here’s a couple ways we could use some support:
→ On-Site Experts. If you (or folks you know) carry expert insights into issues related to sustainability, environmental equity, misinformation, or AI, and want to help inform the on-site conversations, sign up here
→ Volunteers. If you want to lend a hand at the events, also sign up here
→ Spread the word. We’d love yall’s help getting the word out to our San Francisco community! Follow us on social media (@theplenary) or shoot me an email if you have any ideas.
SHACK15: What other things are you excited about this fall season?
Fine Sasse: I just moved and started my first attempt at a garden, so I’m really looking forward to seeing if I can grow some pumpkins or winter squash (and eat them before the squirrels do)!