Visual Storyteller Covering Identity Human Rights, & Women’s Lives

Raised in Türkiye and Afghanistan, Joanna’s early experiences in West and Central Asia shaped her deep respect for culture, nuance, and human strength. Her work centers communities navigating forced migration, identity, and womanhood, often created in collaboration with NGOs, grassroots movements, and those directly impacted.

With a practice grounded in empathy and trust, Joanna uses photography as a tool for listening, witnessing, and co-creating narratives that honor dignity and spark dialogue.

Member and Alumni of VII Foundation Community

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through countless encounters navigating language barriers, I’ve come to see photography as a bridge, a powerful connector of hearts and stories across divides.

By truly listening to those whose journeys differ from our own, we uncover the truth that photography is more than just creating beautiful images. It becomes a testament to someone's story, and to their struggle. It captures vulnerability and tragedy, showcasing a hopeful and reckless story.

This is the most endlessly beautiful thing to me.

"Joanna’s interview skills and writing ability are exceptional. She knows how to craft a powerful narrative from raw interview material and adapt a story to different contexts."

Sarah Wood, Executive Director, Their Story is Our Story
Joanna uses her photos to capture life and tell stories in a dignified and beautiful way. Even working across linguistic, cultural, and various other levels of differences, she maintains a deep sense of empathy, sensitivity, and desire to understand the story and tell it well.

Kelsey Briggs, The International Association for Refugees
Joanna is a terrific young woman who shines in comparison to so many of her peers. She is humble, hard-working, self-starting, passionate, and in possession of global experience that gives her insight and compassion beyond her years.

Joseph Carlson, Editorial Director, Nations Media
Jo is a gift. Constantly curious, instantly building trust, and truly invested in the people she’s photographing. You can see the result of it in her work. She brings out the best in people!

Tyler Riewer, Creative Director, charity : water
She can take your vision and elaborate on it to create a great final project. Joanna is always full of joy and a great creative to work with. She puts so much attention to detail and makes sure that the client is satisfied with the end result. Our resources and visuals were made better by having Joanna be a part of our projects.

Yonathan Moya, Executive Director, Border Perspective
From the first day I met Joanna, it was clear that her passion for people runs deep and that it is what drives her excitement for photography. The nature of the work we do at Arrive Ministries requires us to be flexible and adaptable and we are thankful that Joanna has willingly taken on those characteristics as well as she has worked with us.

Rebekah Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator, Arrive Ministries

"Joanna’s interview skills and writing ability are exceptional. She knows how to craft a powerful narrative from raw interview material and adapt a story to different contexts."

Joanna uses her photos to capture life and tell stories in a dignified and beautiful way. Even working across linguistic, cultural, and various other levels of differences, she maintains a deep sense of empathy, sensitivity, and desire to understand the story and tell it well.

Joanna is a terrific young woman who shines in comparison to so many of her peers. She is humble, hard-working, self-starting, passionate, and in possession of global experience that gives her insight and compassion beyond her years.

Jo is a gift. Constantly curious, instantly building trust, and truly invested in the people she’s photographing. You can see the result of it in her work. She brings out the best in people!