With Gratitude: Storyknife Founder Steps Into a New Chapter

Storyknife Writers Retreat announces that Dana Stabenow is transitioning from Board President to take on a leadership role on the Storyknife Endowment Committee. Dana is the founder of Storyknife Writers Retreat, established in 2014 and one of only two women’s writing retreats in the United States. At the end of the 2025 and after five full-seasons of residences, Storyknife will have provided support for 240 women writers, including a recent Pulitzer Prize winner, several National Book Award finalists, and many other award-winners as well as writers just starting in their journeys.

Dana will support the organization in her new role as Endowment Committee chair in order to ensure the stable longevity of the organization. She will continue to fund the Joan Perry Barnes Fellowship each year as well as the Golden-Crowned Sparrow Travel Fund, and support the Founder’s Match each April.

Dana says, “Storyknife was my dream, and how many people get to watch their dreams come true? I look out my office window at Storyknife and I know I am one of the luckiest people who ever lived. Now all I want to do is ensure that my dream will live on.” The board and staff of Storyknife celebrate Dana Stabenow’s hard work and vision and will work to guarantee that the organization she founded continues far into the future.

Stepping into the role of Storyknife Board President is the current Vice President, Paula Martin. Paula, a retired professor and college administrator, fell in love with Homer when she saw the view from Baycrest. When she learned about Dana’s dream for Storyknife, she wanted to join the work: creating space and time for women writers in a stunning location. She is honored to be part of the dream.

Dana will transition from her role as Board President in January 2026 and Martin will step up at that  time. The board and staff of Storyknife are excited to work with Dana and Paula in their new positions and are committed to furthering Storyknife Writers Retreat’s important mission to provide women writers with the time and space to pursue their craft.

Please join us in sharing our immense gratitude for Dana’s vision and hard work to make Storyknife a reality.