Earlier this year I traveled to west Baltimore to photograph Teniola Akinwuntan, founder of Women of Valor. WOV provides food, housing, child-care assistance, and trauma-informed support for victims of domestic violence. It also operates a for-profit workforce training arm, TheeSeeds LLC, that provides career coaching and equips women (and some men) with skills needed to get jobs in hospitality, construction, IT, health care, and other fields.
Teni was as welcoming and warm as she could be. She was concerned about her attire for the session, though that was certainly not an issue as she brought out one colorful outfit after another. I liked the red best, particularly since I had to good fortune to spot the three posters on the conference room wall to use as a backdrop.
Thanks to Baltimore magazine for continuing to shine a light on the people who maintain these small organizations with such impact. Those of us who have served on nonprofit boards understand all the challenges and complexities. We join with the fine intention of helping the organization achieve its mission, but can quickly become overwhelming by funding, legal and reporting issues. Gamechangers like Teni have incredible dedication and tenacity, and I’m happy she is getting the spotlight for a moment.
Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/e_E5iSb6