community
support + education
Annie aims to foster a holistic sense of community by empowering local members to establish an educational platform, initiating a cycle of community engagement and overall wellness.
All images by Annie.
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founder, backwash collective
Backwash is driven by the commitment to support independent artists and meaningful causes. Our personally designed and handmade pieces from artisans in Southern California not only showcase individual creativity but also contribute to fostering a community.
Furthermore, our "give back" campaigns are dedicated to supporting organizations like The Marshall Project, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Stop AAPI Hate, World Wildlife Fund, Sea Shepherd, and Santa Barbara Food Bank.
A portion of proceeds from specific collections is donated to these impactful organizations, amplifying our dedication to art, community, and social responsibility.
As seen in: Voyage LA (click here)
(Sales currently on pause due to relocation)
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Founder, Elevate Wellness Program
Founded and spearheaded "Elevate", in-house virtual Corporate Wellness Program at Valkyrie Investments, dedicated to fostering a thriving and supportive organizational culture.
Collaborated closely with the executive team and ESG Consultant to achieve B Corp certification, anchoring the company in sustainable and socially responsible practices. Introduced comprehensive monthly wellness themes through varied channels such as newsletters, workbooks, learning sessions with external experts, national awareness calendar highlights, and team-building activities.
Aligned with an external DEIB Consultant to formulate effective strategies for promoting an inclusive workplace, prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The program played a pivotal role in hiring and fundraising discussions, showcasing Elevate's success and impact setting industry benchmarks, resulting in the recruitment of top talent and partnerships.
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on-site marketing + education support, moyo school
Located in a rural village outside Blantyre, Malawi, Moyo School serves a community predominantly composed of underprivileged families facing cultural and economic challenges. Parents often struggle to provide for their numerous children, resulting in widespread hunger and limited recreational opportunities. Due to their responsibilities, children seldom get the chance to play or socialize.
Moyo is dedicated to fostering generational change in this difficult environment. The school provides quality education, daily meals, and actively involves parents in the educational process.
Social and recreational activities, along with home visits, further strengthen the bond and address the specific needs of each child.
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community impact support, unite to light
Over a billion people live without electricity. Access to clean, affordable light and energy is critical to improving health, education and prosperity. Unite to Light is dedicated to providing low-cost solar light and power to those without electricity across the globe as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
The goal of “Unite to Light the Night” Event is to share and support the impact of Unite to Light’s mission with the Santa Barbara community through visual and interactive means. This exhibition also provides an annual opportunity for local artists to experiment with light and explore our relationship with light and energy.
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traveling photographer, glow yoga retreats
GLOW Yoga Retreats believes in the healing power of Community. It is their hope to cultivate an inviting, open, and kind community at each and each retreat.
Their community expands beyond immediate staff and volunteers, and into their worldwide student-base, as well. They strive to create events that remind people that they actually have family sprinkled across the globe.
GLOW Yoga Retreats promotes inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity within staff and students in an effort to widen doors to people from all walks of life.
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Community Empowerment, Adulam Village
In the outskirts of Pontevedra, Argentina, Adulam's mission is to assist individuals facing challenges such as drug addiction, abandonment, poverty, and complex illnesses. Operating as a compassionate community rather than a rehabilitation center or alternative therapy, Adulam provides a haven for those with nowhere else to turn.
Through a framework of love and community support, Adulam engages in conversations to inspire recovery. Individuals who have successfully overcome similar challenges contribute their efforts to meet the basic needs of others, aiding in their full reintegration into society.
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photographer, kensington supportive housing
Kensington Campus offers supportive housing units set aside for homeless and chronically homeless households. The property is a 14 acre full-service campus that is a mix of permanent housing, supportive housing, jobs, counseling and other services.
"It's a nice place, certainly nicer than any place I lived in college or law school," says Lancaster, Mayor R. Rex Parris. "The design of the units is so that it will stand up to time. It's durable. The flooring is durable, the wall coverings are durable. They did a really good job. We wanted to design a place where people wanted to live, and they did that."
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Community Empowerment, 99 high tide collective
Provided personalized and expert guidance to clients, enriching their cannabis experience through tailored product recommendations.
Empowered the local community with comprehensive knowledge of diverse cannabis strains, products, and optimal consumption techniques, facilitating clients’ informed and personalized choices.
Collaborated with dispensary buyers to enhance product offerings, aligning with market trends and integrating customer feedback for ongoing improvements. Created proposals for community building events, leveraging marketing expertise to boost brand visibility and engagement.
Fostered a vibrant and engaging dispensary environment, resulting in exceptional customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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International english instructor
Partnered with local organizations in Cambodia, Thailand, Guatemala, and Malawi as a guest English instructor for rural elementary and middle schools.
By fostering language literacy in underserved communities, my role involved developing tailored curriculum modules, conducting interactive lessons, and implementing creative teaching methodologies to engage young minds.
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on-site marketing, go light our world
Go Light Our World implements a Pay-It-Forward micro-loan model to distribute solar products, fostering community development through financial planning and savings. Each home illuminated costs approximately $50, inclusive of a two-year warranty and basic education on product usage and maintenance.
Additionally, Go Light Our World establishes Green Energy Centers in remote regions, offering solar product sales, rentals, and financing options while generating employment and supporting local community initiatives.
Their commitment to partnering solely with in-country distributors bolsters the local economy and fosters sustainable growth.
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Head of Marketing and Operations, Editor The walk home podcast
The Walk Home Podcast curates an enriching tapestry of the human experience through insightful conversations.
Within this inclusive community, diverse topics are explored monthly, accentuating voices that illuminate the intricate dimensions of LGBTQ+ experiences, mental and physical wellness, and genuine discussions encapsulating the full spectrum of human existence.
Each carefully crafted episode serves to inspire, uplift, and cultivate connections, instilling a collective motivation for personal and communal growth in its listeners.
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SunLife Organics Sustainability Initiative
SunLife Organics and Pepperdine Green Team collaborated to promote sustainability in the Malibu community.
Through this initiative, community members received discounts for bringing their own jars or cups to SunLife Organics, encouraging waste reduction.
This collective effort was a step toward a greener future, making Malibu a more eco-friendly place, one jar at a time.
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Conservation & education support, Wildlife Friends Foundation
Wildlife Friends Foundation in Phetchaburi, Thailand rescues and rehabilitates captive wild animals, providing them with high-quality care in environments that mimic their natural habitats. They campaign against animal abuse and the illegal pet trade, offering veterinary care to both wild and domestic animals.
WFFT also focuses on educating the public about wildlife conservation to promote responsible behavior and eco-tourism. Their efforts include developing projects for animal protection and releasing rehabilitated animals back into the wild to support endangered populations.
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Global Community Support, Samaritan's purse
Operation Christmas Child is a program run by Samaritan's Purse that provides shoeboxes filled with gifts and essentials to children in need around the world. Participants pack shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, which are then distributed to undersupported communities.
The program aims to spread joy and offer hope to children during the holiday season. In addition to the physical gifts, the program often includes opportunities for children to learn about and engage with the broader messages of faith and community support.
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Director of Social Awareness, Delta Gamma
During my tenure as the Director of Social Awareness for Delta Gamma, my role included promoting mental health awareness by organizing events, workshops, and fostering open conversations.
I stayed informed on social and global news, sharing relevant updates with club members and facilitating discussions. In addition, I developed educational initiatives and advocated for social causes, ensuring club maintained a socially conscious and supportive environment through continuous evaluation and adaptation of strategies.
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Education + Community Outreach, Rice Seeds
Rice Seeds originated within a small community of Burmese migrant workers in Thailand and initially engaged with the children in the community to promote community-building ideals.
The organization then expanded its efforts to advocate for children facing barriers to education. Rice Seeds sought sponsors for those unable to stay in school, and years later, those children are now pursuing higher education at university.
This evolution reflects Rice Seeds’ commitment to holistic community development and fostering a brighter future through education.
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Sustainability Consultant, Butterfly Space Malawi
Stepping Stones Primary, Nursery school & Vocational Training centre provides rigorous academic training and a high standard of education to all ages.
The student body includes fee-paying, scholarship, and sponsored students- creating a fair, inclusive and diverse environment for students to expand their skills academically and socially.
Our vocational center offers an opportunity to those who struggle with traditional curriculums. Stepping Stones is community centered around students to nurture and motivate them to reach their full potential.
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International Prison Support
Partnered with prisons in Asia and Africa as a motivational speaker, where I shared personal stories and insights to inspire inmates.
My role involved developing and delivering discussions focused on self-empowerment, resilience, and goal-setting. We created a supportive environment that encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to explore their potential for change. Through this work I aimed to instill hope and foster a sense of community— contributing to the rehabilitation process and promoting positive choices for the future.