One year ago, I made a decision that was equal parts exhilarating and daunting: I stepped out of a reputable consulting agency to build something I could truly call my own. It has provided me with invaluable creative freedom and the opportunity to draw on my background in public health and biomedical science in championing health equity, advocacy and storytelling.
Launching Boundless Workshop was born of a deep commitment to make public health challenges impossible to ignore through conversations, advocacy, and storytelling. I wanted to bridge the gap between technical expertise and public engagement—taking complex, high-stakes health data and turning it into clear, human messaging that mobilizes audiences and reaches both everyday families and decision-makers.
Looking back on this first trip around the sun, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for how this vision came to life.
Built on Organic Trust and an Unshakeable Support System
When I started an independent consulting practice, I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it alone. The success of my first year wasn’t driven by flashy ad campaigns; it was built by referral-based relationships.
To my public health partners, whom I now have the privilege of calling my friends, who encouraged me from day one, and recommended me to others, I want to say: thank you for your unwavering support.
And to the first wave of clients, who took a leap of faith in building a new relationship with me, I would like to say: thank you for believing in my work ethic.
Having my network vouch for my work and open doors for me has been the ultimate honor as a founder.
💬 What Our Partners Are Saying
“Surili’s facilitation at the data centers and public health roundtable was exceptional. She expertly guided a diverse room of environmental justice advocates, public health professionals and scientists through this highly complex and urgent topic. From her interactive approach to getting to know the room to seamlessly guiding breakout sessions and reportouts, she ensured everyone was an active participant. Boundless Workshop truly understands how to facilitate meaningful conversations.” – Dr. Megan Latshaw, Associate Teaching Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
“Exactly the support we needed to level up! Surili's feedback and support were absolutely fabulous. Her insight and encouragement will significantly help us reach our next level of goals. I can't recommend Boundless Workshop enough.” – Dr. DanYelle Baete Kenyon, Executive Director of South Dakota Public Health Association
“Surili hums while she writes. It’s the most beautiful thing to watch. She’s truly sharing her gift with us and we are so grateful. She’s helped us understand and organize our thoughts into a coherent story that’s relatable and we’re truly grateful for that. May she also turn your story into something that’s impossible to ignore.” – Laxmi Gandhi, Co-Founder, OPERAScale
I’ve also found great fulfillment in building a network of consultants dedicated to social justice. The wisdom, inspiration, and shared resources within this community have been invaluable during my first year. I look forward to continuing to learn alongside one another and supporting each other through every milestone and challenge ahead.
Beyond my professional network, this milestone belongs to my family—and in particular, my husband, who has been my absolute hype person every single step of this year. From celebrating small wins to navigating big decisions, having his relentless encouragement at home made all the difference when stepping into the unknown.
Year 1 Impact: Connecting the Dots When It Mattered Most
In a mid-term election year, messaging around public health carries unique weight. At Boundless Workshop, our goal is never to tell people how to vote; it’s to help people understand how decisions made at the polls directly impact their everyday lives.
Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with public health professionals, community advocates, and nonprofits through strategic consulting, facilitation, and signature workshops like From Couch to Congress. With each partner, we helped teams connect the dots between policy choices, complex data, and real-world human outcomes—empowering communities to speak up for healthier, safer neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead to Year 2: Expanding Our Reach & Redefining Advocacy
As Boundless Workshop enters our second year, I am excited to broaden our horizon. My goal is to partner with both organizations and individuals who are eager to share more about public health in action.
If there is one core belief I want to carry forward, it’s this:
Advocacy isn't something we only do in an election year, nor is it something reserved only for policy experts.
As active members of society—regardless of our employment status or job titles—every single one of us has the capacity to be an advocate. Whether you are raising awareness about clean water, safe housing, neighborhood health, or community well-being, your voice and your life matter every day of the year.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
To everyone who read a blog post, shared a referral, booked a workshop, or cheered me on from the sidelines: thank you for making Year 1 of Boundless Workshop unforgettable.
Here’s to another year of discovering creative solutions, translating data into action, and building healthier communities together!
