Exploring Shared Paths and New Opportunities for Students Through Collaboration


Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing the portrait of someone whose career path closely mirrors my own. What made this session particularly intriguing was the location—a local salon. At first, I wondered why she chose this spot for her portrait, but as I listened to her story, it all became clear. The salon wasn’t just a place for her to get her hair done; it was where she found community, family, and a sense of belonging.


As we chatted, we discovered how our careers have crossed paths with the same colleagues at different stages. It was inspiring to see how shared connections have influenced both of our journeys.


We also talked about how our professional roles could intersect to create new opportunities for students, particularly through community colleges. Her passion for helping others, combined with my own work, opened up exciting possibilities for collaboration to support students in underserved communities.


This session reminded me of the unexpected places where we find strength and community. I’m excited to share more about her story—it’s one of finding home in unlikely spaces and building bridges for others to thrive.