Megen Hoenk is Search Institute's Senior Marketing and Communications Manager. Megen has a strong background in storytelling—championing authentic, purpose-driven stories that create connection and understanding. At Search Institute, Megen finds deep meaning in amplifying the transformative stories of the role of relationships in supporting youth thriving. She believes in the power of sharing these experiences to inspire action and foster environments where every young person can truly thrive.

How does your role contribute to Search Institute’s work?

Search Institute has so many stories to tell. The organization has been a longtime changemaker in the field of positive youth development, but like all organizations, it continues to evolve. We are always listening and learning with regard to youth and the adults in their lives, and that results in continued research-based information and insights, as well as increased opportunities to demonstrate how bridging the gap between research and practice impacts so many young people across the country and around the world. Youth-serving organizations and schools apply our learnings and frameworks in their daily interactions with young people. While it may seem simple enough, it has the potential to be life changing for so many. In my role, I have the privilege of sharing these stories with the goal of encouraging an individual, or an entire organization, to consider how our applied research and solutions can be a game changer for the young people they serve. 

Why is Search Institute’s mission so compelling when it comes to storytelling? What have you learned and how has it impacted you professionally and personally?

Young people have unlimited potential and it’s our job as adults—whether we are teachers, parents, mentors, coaches, etc.—to ensure they have what they need to reach, and even exceed that potential. Search Institute’s mission is to cultivate the strengths, relationships, and opportunities necessary for young people to learn, grow, contribute, and thrive. Our tools, frameworks, professional development, and the research that informs them, are focused on supporting that need. We’ve all heard stories about people who reached their goals, often attributing their success to a person who never gave up on them. What if every young person had multiple people in their lives who never gave up on them—a community of people who made them feel seen, valued and safe to pursue the ideas and interests that bring them joy? This is what makes Search Institute’s mission and the work we do so engaging. During my time with Search Institute I’ve had the opportunity to see how our research and solutions can impact youth in meaningful ways, and how simply acknowledging and affirming a young person can give them the courage and confidence to take the next step toward their goals. Intentionality may seem like such a simple act, but its impact can be significant.

Sharing Search Institute’s research-based knowledge and insights is essential to supporting adults in building strong developmental relationships and supporting youth thriving. How do you bring this commitment to life in your work?

Search Institute has many champions, some of whom have been following our work for decades. But we are continuously learning, testing new approaches and creating more opportunities for youth-serving practitioners, educators, and leaders to apply our research findings in their day-to-day work. And ultimately, we have the same goals. For example, we know that student outcomes improve when young people are experiencing elements of the Developmental Relationships Framework. Through our measurement data, research findings and partner stories, we have a rich story to tell. I leverage all of these components as I work with our team to create engaging content that demonstrates the power of utilizing our approaches in youth-serving settings. Our work sits at the intersection of applied research, youth voice and your lived experiences and we are always interested in learning more about how our frameworks and approaches are applied. I encourage you to share your story with us and be a source of inspiration across our network.

Can you share an activity or interest you have that people may not expect?

I recently took a beginner class in reading tarot cards and found it quite interesting. While I don’t plan to do any readings for others anytime soon, I enjoy the practice of quieting my mind, focusing on a larger question or concern, and thoughtfully interpreting the cards’ meanings and how they apply to me in that context. It provides an opportunity to think and reflect—which is always a worthwhile activity.

Megen works closely with the entire Search Institute team on various projects, solutions, and resources including the annual State of Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships Webinars and Reports, and Impact Report. She manages Search Institute's blog, social media channels, insights&practice Newsletter and Solutions Updates.