Step into a Space of Joy and Possibility
On May 13th, the Marriott Waterfront in Seattle became a vibrant hub of energy, hope, love, and rainbows to celebrate the Seattle GSBA . Our mission was to capture the dynamic atmosphere of the event and celebrate every individual who made this remarkable occasion possible. Join us as we take you on a fun-filled journey through the magical moments that unfolded that day.
Imagine entering a space where the lighting reflects pure joy, the decor showcases a full spectrum of possibilities, and a vibrant community of people eagerly take their seats. As Cindy Lauper’s “True Colors” fills the air, the scene is set for an unforgettable experience. And let’s not forget to mention the incredible entrance from stage left, Aleksa Manila, the event’s emcee, who brought the best Pride Pre-Funk ever, in our humble opinion. With her infectious energy, she shared her story, entertained with song, dance, humor, and sequins, and reminded us all to stay strong and true to ourselves in the face of adversity. The call to action for our allies resonated, creating an atmosphere of unity and empowerment beyond this celebratory brunch of our LBGTQ+ Scholars, graduates, donors and community.
From heartfelt speeches to the resounding applause of our Scholars (learn more about the program here), we worked to capture the radiant threads that wove us all together. This event celebrated the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ and allied students, past, present, and future. As a Seattle family photography business and long-time members of the GSBA, we had the privilege of experiencing the wide range of emotions behind the lens as we documented this powerful occasion, recognizing our scholars from years prior (you can see last years goodness here). Our goal was to showcase the scholars, the donors, and the vibrant energy that filled the room, giving hope for the next generation of students committed to living their dreams authentically and with support.
Telling Stories of Resilience and Determination
Each of our Scholars has a unique story, which we sought to capture alongside their professional headshots in the few minutes we had with them individually. Through our photographs, we aimed to portray their determination, resilience, and the bright futures that lie ahead. From tears of joy to smiles of triumph, we endeavored to encapsulate the dynamic range of emotions that radiated from these extraordinary individuals and the supportive community that shared the space with them.
Honoring the Donors and the GSBA
While this event revolves around the Scholars, it would not be possible without the donors and the incredible individuals who make up the GSBA and their Board of Directors. Since 1991, the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund has invested over $5 million in the best and brightest LGBTQ+ and allied students by awarding educational scholarships and leadership training. This inspirational event is your opportunity to meet and celebrate our future leaders. We extend our deepest gratitude to them for their unwavering support, fiscal contributions, effective communication, and the provision of spaces for gathering, community-building, and advocacy. Their impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ and allied students is profound. Through our imagery, we hope to reflect the genuine support and belief in the scholars’ potential, fostering lifelong connections between the donors and the recipients.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the GSBA for inviting us to be a part of this incredible event. To our Scholars, we express our gratitude for allowing your light to shine in the most beautiful ways. Until next year, we bid you farewell with appreciation and anticipation for the remarkable achievements yet to come. Scholars + friends – if you need to still download your headshots, ping me and I’ll work with you directly to get what you need!
