Community is more than just a gathering of people—it’s a shared experience, a network of support, and a space where stories unfold. Through my photography, I immerse myself in these moments, preserving the narratives that bring people together. Each image serves as a testament to the resilience, joy, and solidarity within different communities, reflecting the extraordinary bonds that shape our lives.
JAYU
Am I Wrong to Love?
JAYU is a Canadian charity that harnesses the power of the arts to amplify human rights stories and foster meaningful conversations. Am I Wrong to Love? is a photographic exploration of LGBTQ2I+ individuals seeking refuge in Toronto after facing persecution for their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation in their home countries.
For this project, I was selected as a mentor for iAM program graduate Rebecca Lacroix, who photographed Olumuyia Adesina—a Nigerian refugee whose story embodies resilience and hope. Guiding and collaborating with an emerging photographer on such a meaningful project was an incredibly rewarding experience, reinforcing the power of visual storytelling in advocacy and representation.
ROLE Mentor
YEAR 2019
PRESS/PRINT Here
THE CORD
Black History Month
The Black Man’s Sanctuary, written by Fitsum Areguy and published in The Community Edition, explores the deep cultural significance of Black barber shops in Kitchener-Waterloo. These spaces serve not only as places for grooming but as sanctuaries of community, mentorship, and history.
For this feature, I visited barber shops across the region, capturing everyday moments that reflect their role as gathering places for connection and identity. The images accompanied Areguy’s powerful words and were featured on the cover of the August 2017 edition, with 6,000 copies printed and distributed across over 125 locations.
ROLE Photographer
YEAR 2017, printed
THE COMMUNITY EDITION
The Black Man’s Sanctuary
The Cord, Wilfrid Laurier University’s official newspaper, provides a platform for campus and community stories. For the 2017 Black History Month issue, I directed and photographed a series of portraits featuring Black students, capturing their stories of strength, joy, and cultural pride.
Alongside the photography, I conducted interviews with my subjects, weaving together visual and written narratives that honored their experiences. The project highlighted the importance of representation in media and the role of storytelling in fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
ROLE Photographer
YEAR 2017
PRESS/PRINT Here
