"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.” 
Sue Monk Kidd

Stories that matter

Roxanne Engstrom

“The most egregious acts of racism occur within a context of compromise.” -Jemar Tisby Jemar Tibsy just dropped his first book The Color of Compromise and stopped in Chicago for a book launch party & live Pass the Mic recording. He opened his remarks by reading the introduction of his book and stating the reason […]

calling us to courage over complicity

organization

I was grateful to be invited to do visual storytelling for a recent trip that a delegation from Westmont took to visit their sister city in Hsinchu County, Taiwan.   Our family hosted an exchange student last November so I was eager to visit Taiwan and meet her family! They met me first thing off […]

Westmont to Taiwan

travel adventure

The Student Conservation Association has 6 crews working throughout the Chicagoland area & I was able to capture them in action before they wrap up their summer programs. These crews of hard working young people are inspiring, knowledgeable, & passionate about conservation.  They were working on invasive species removal, installing check steps so others can enjoy […]

The next generation of conservation leaders

travel adventure

I struggle to even put any words to all the history & questions we engaged with last weekend but I also sense that to not acknowledge the weighty truth I continue to reckon with seems too dismissive. I am so grateful for for the work of Equal Justice Initiative.  If you ask me about the […]

An important trip, many questions, & praying while moving our feet: A trip to EJI in Alabama

organization

When I was asked by World Relief to capture a portrait of a woman who empowers and advocates for other women for their #ThankGodForWomen campaign immediately this beautiful woman came to mind so I was excited when she agreed to allow me to capture her and ask some questions about her current role as a social worker […]

Thank God for Women campaign through World Relief

organization

These women spent the morning sawing down trees by hand and burning invasive species in a forest preserve near Chicago and I was invited to join them and capture this unique (and pretty awesome if you ask me) all female crew.  They are part of the Student Conservation Association Midwest and receiving training and practical experience […]

These ladies are on fire!

organization

 I had the opportunity to meet Nigel and his Grandmother Sonya through Kate Danielson; my dear friend and founder of  Foster Progress in Chicago. Foster Progress is the result of immense need for advocacy, mentorship,  & education and I am always excited to partner with them in their good work.  I was excited to partner with […]

dancing towards his dreams

organization

When I first wrote an email to International Justice Mission about our trip to Thailand and my desire to partner with them I knew it was a long shot but the small voice inside me had become too loud to ignore in the weeks and months that preceded that moment so, with latte in hand […]

brave young women & those standing with them

travel adventure

“Being here in the U.S. is everything for my family,” said Ammar. “It is school for my children, health care for my son, and a peaceful life for my family.”  As I approached this family’s front door and I could hear the TV inside blaring with Inauguration Day 2017 ceremonies.  We were introduced, talked through a […]

“a peaceful life for my family.”

organization