If you ask students at Manning Elementary School they know Fridays are a special day for recess, “It’s so cool when they (the Manning Mentors) come!” Alex Cousins, a 5th Grader at JT Manning shares his reflections on the new Manning Mentors program that involves parents coming into the school to lead activities, build relationships, […]
Stanley Frankart immediately commands attention in a room but in a humble and inviting way with a laugh that is contagious. Once you hear more of Stanley’s story it is clear his joy is deep, genuine, and hard fought through trials and seeing the beauty of God’s redemption plan for his life. He now pours […]
Recently the gym at Manning Elementary is full of activity and the noise of students calling out who they are passing to and dribbling basketballs. Many days after school it is filled with students learning and practicing basketball skills with Mr. Mike Rose. But it is also about more than basketball. What makes Coach Rose stand […]
From the first day with the women of the Collective Mujeres con Capacidad de Soñar a Colores (Women with the capacity to dream in color) in Sololá, Guatemala, it is clear this group invites community, vulnerability, authenticity, inclusivity, and healing. Every activity; even a sunset boat ride, mythical forest theater activity, and a dance party […]
Joi McGowan is a force of tenderness, joy, deep emotions, and she gently but powerfully invites others to feel, show empathy, compassion, and heal. She is the cofounder of Resilient Black Women, a podcast host that works to demystify mental health for Black women, and a mental health professional. She has a passion for advocating […]
The Styles 4 Kidz Gala was held at The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park, Il this year. They celebrated a decade of serving their clients, impacting families, and creating an amazing community in the salon. I was invited to visit the women at the salon for updated stylist images and group images before everyone […]
I have absolutely been loving partnering with other women building a photography or storytelling brand and business. I offer mentorship sessions in person or online (or a combination of both!). This was a natural extension for me because a core value of mine in life and business is being FOR others. I love offering and […]
I partner with Styles 4 Kidz throughout the year and the day of their annual Gala we had some family mini sessions in the morning for families that are impacted by the salon and the work of S4K. Styles 4 Kidz shares, “Multiracial, transracial adoptive and foster families lack the know-how to care for their […]
Learning in visual storytelling and developing my craft and increasing my ability to connect and honor people’s stories is vital for me in my work. Photographers Without Borders has been a community where I have been challenged, encouraged, and learned so much. I was able to complete their Ethical Storyteller Certification course ad participate in […]
