This is Why We’re Here

Our story

We believe everybody has a limitless imagination and the ability to create a more just world. We also believe that the vision we have for the future is already within us, waiting to be remembered. 

On May 27, 2023, while on a hike in the pouring rain, a dream about building the Imagination Factory came flooding back to Matt Anderson, co-founder. It wasn't a new vision, but a forgotten one. While Matt's dream emerged almost 20 years ago, he wasn't ready to be its steward then. The last two decades prepared him to bring this dream to life.

Imagination Factory was never meant to be built by one person, it thrives in community, with creative partners. Almost immediately after Matt's dream returned, his path intersected with the dreams of his two creative partners, Cheri Williams and Cordelia Cranshaw. We each let go of the security of a career path that no longer aligned with our values. We realized these comforts were actually constraints holding us back, so we set ourselves free to pursue a life aligned with purpose, joy, and justice. Together, we moved the Imagination Factory from a dream to reality.

We continue to meet countless people who yearn for the same: a life and work aligned with what they believe, who they truly are, and alongside a supportive community. This is who we created the Imagination Factory for, because this is who we are.

We exist to help individuals and organizations unlock their creative capacity and close the gap between their ideas and their impact.

Our purpose

Our values

  • Right Relationship

  • Letting Go

  • Being Grounded

  • Matt Anderson

    Chef Executive Officer

    Matt is a visionary leader with 20+ years of experience that spans entrepreneurship, executive leadership, public policy, media production, and two years as a therapist. Matt loves ideas, but even more than that he loves helping people move from idea to action to impact. He believes the best ideas come from listening to people’s stories, trusting their expertise, and creating impact together. Matt resides in Washington D.C. and seeks out nature, preferably the tropics, whenever possible. He is also on a lifelong quest to find the world's best chocolate chip cookie! (Self-proclaimed Global Cookie Ambassador)

  • Cheri Williams

    Chef Program Officer

    Curator of creative responses to complex challenges. With over 20 years of leadership experience in child welfare and faith spaces, Cheri has long-leveraged her love of people, humor, and bold leadership to empower people, leaders, and communities. A native Floridian who relocated to Michigan, Cheri also enjoys being a self-proclaimed hair & makeup artist, cake decorator, and dance champion.

  • Cordelia Cranshaw

    Chef Operating Officer

    Cordelia is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a 10+ year entrepreneur. Former Miss District of Columbia USA 2019 and Top 10 Finalist at Miss USA, she founded Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) in 2014, a D.C. nonprofit aiding children and families facing challenges. Cordelia is dedicated to supporting children, families, and communities through her personal, professional and philanthropic efforts.

Discover how Imagination Factory can help you turn your dreams into reality.

“I believe choosing work that is aligned with our deeper sense of purpose makes the world a much better and more just place. The Accelerator program helped me connect with and articulate my authentic purpose...The Imagination Factory's thoughtfully-designed learning experiences, reflective coaching, and community-building created a nourishing container for internal and external transformation. Matt and Cheri are trusted guides...”

— KAI