EmVision Productions: Advancing Social Change Through Innovative Storytelling

By ICIC | March 20, 2025

In today’s world, storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for change. Based in Lynn, Massachusetts, EmVision Productions—recently named the 2025 Small Business Administration Massachusetts Microenterprise of the Year—is using the art of storytelling to drive social justice, challenge the status quo, and empower communities. Co-founded by visionaries Dr. Tariana V. Little and Jonas Meyer, EmVision isn’t just a media agency—it’s a force for transformation, blending creativity with purpose to spark lasting impact.

A Vision Born from Experience

Dr. Tariana V. Little, a first-generation Dominican-German college graduate from Dorchester, Massachusetts, knows firsthand the power of resilience. As a mother, social entrepreneur, and advocate for underrepresented voices, her journey has been shaped by a passion for storytelling as a catalyst for change.

The idea for EmVision stemmed from a simple but powerful question: “Can organizations benefit from storytelling techniques in the same way that public health does for health behaviors?”

The answer? A resounding yes.

With that, EmVision Productions was born—dedicated to helping visionary organizations amplify their impact through Social Impact Storytelling™, their unique framework that blends public health, science communications, community studies, and advocacy.

From Professional Growth to Community Transformation

Dr. Tariana’s path has been shaped by continuous learning and leadership. She holds a doctorate in public health from Harvard University and has also completed prestigious executive education programs such as Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses and ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC)—a transformative experience that deepened her confidence as a CEO.

“In the ICCC program, I was inspired by being around like-minded individuals and encouraged to embrace the possibilities in front of me,” she recalls. A pivotal moment for her came when she heard Andreina Viera Silva, a fellow Latinx entrepreneur, share her journey. “I remember thinking, ‘I can be like her, too!’” This realization fueled her drive to not only grow EmVision but to empower others along the way.

These experiences reinforced her belief that leadership isn’t just about business success—it’s about challenging norms, opening doors for others, and fostering innovation where it’s needed most.

Innovative Approaches with a Community Focus

For Dr. Tariana, innovation isn’t exclusively about technology—it’s about creating value and challenging the status quo. “To me, innovation is a way of seeing and showing up in the world. It’s about challenging the status quo in a predominantly white male industry and uplifting diverse voices.” This revolutionary spirit has led to a diverse team that includes talented immigrants and self-taught creative professionals. Together, they tackle substantial issues with empathy and insight, crafting narratives that resonate deeply within communities.

One of their most impactful projects explored the opioid epidemic, working with the Massachusetts and Illinois Helplines to shift the narrative from stigma to understanding. By highlighting real stories behind addiction, EmVision made the crisis relatable and empowered communities to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Another collaboration with MassDevelopment’s Transformative District Initiative focused on the economic revival of Gateway Cities, demonstrating how strategic investments in creative industries can drive community transformation.

“With every project, we aim to humanize the stories behind the statistics and empower communities through our work,” says Tariana.

A Commitment to Giving Forward

At its core, EmVision is committed to a model of “giving forward,” ensuring its impact goes beyond business to uplift underrepresented communities in meaningful ways. This commitment is reflected in three key initiatives that form the foundation of its community contributions. The EmVisionary Grants program provides pro bono services to small nonprofits led by people of color, helping them amplify their missions through storytelling. The Community Portraits initiative offers discounted collaborations for grassroots organizations, making high-quality media accessible to those driving local change. Furthering this dedication, the UMass Boston EmVision Social Impact Scholarship Fund supports graduate students pursuing social justice, offering flexible funding to help them advance their work. More than just programs, these initiatives embody EmVision’s mission to create a more equitable and inclusive storytelling landscape.

Looking Ahead: The Future of EmVision

EmVision Productions boldly demonstrates the power of innovation, collaboration, and social impact. As EmVision continues to evolve, its mission remains clear: to harness the power of storytelling to ignite change. With plans to expand their reach and support even more organizations making a difference, Dr. Tariana and Jonas Meyer are proving that when we tell stories with intention, we can reshape the world.

About Inner City Capital Connections

Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a tuition-free executive leadership training program designed by ICIC to help business owners in under-resourced communities build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability, and employment. ICCC is uniquely designed to provide three critical elements for sustainable growth: capacity-building education, one-on-one coaching, and connections to capital and capital providers. ICCC annually hosts in-person and virtual cohorts across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more and apply visit icic.org/iccc.

About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses provides business education, support services, and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skills to take their business to the next level, with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing. The program is offered tuition-free and delivered in partnership with academic institutions across the country.

Learn more about Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at icic.org/10ksb