As CatchLight continues to build a nationwide model to revitalize visual journalism at the local level, we have been recruiting to strengthen every aspect of the organization, recently welcoming three new staff members:
Joining our Development Team
To help us secure sustainable and diversified revenues to fund our programs for the long term, Lizzy Gilbert (California) has joined us as Director of Development.
Lizzy is a nonprofit fundraiser who has dedicated her career to movements to dismantle systems of oppression. Most recently she was at Code for America, where she helped increase access to critical safety-net and tax benefits. Previously, she was with Root & Rebound, a reentry center supporting Californians returning to their communities from prison.
“CatchLight is not only supporting visual storytellers, it’s creating space for new types of stories to be told and in doing so, it connects people to their communities and to each other,” says Lizzy. “Visual media is such a powerful tool to inspire and engage, and I’m thrilled to be at an organization that uses visuals to advance equity, compassion, and truth.”
Joining our Operations Team
To help us scale our organization with both nimbleness and operational excellence, Candace Mitchell (Maryland) has joined us as Controller.
Candace is a 20-year veteran of nonprofit financial management who has served senior roles at organizations including Creative Alliance and Southeast CDC. Previously, she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana, where she developed and implemented Viewfinder:Lobatse, a photography program for HIV positive teen girls to learn photography skills and to use photography to communicate issues faced in their communities.
“Coming from a background in arts management, I was excited to learn about CatchLight and the critical intersection of art, journalism, and social impact it facilitates,” says Candace. “I leaped at the opportunity to join this team and support CatchLight during this important time of growth.”
Joining our Communications Team
And to support our work to engage CatchLight’s audiences through best-in-class creative and multimedia content, we are excited to welcome Casey as Digital Producer.
Casey is a writer and videographer whose work focuses on immigrant rights and media literacy.
“With the rise of disinformation, the need for meaningful, transformative, and ethical storytelling has never been more pressing,” says Casey. “I’m honored to be a part of an organization that recognizes the vital role of community newsrooms and visual storytellers in driving positive change and shaping a more compassionate media landscape.”
We are thankful to have these talented women on our team for the many opportunities and challenges ahead for CatchLight. As always, thank you to our partners and supporters whose contributions enable our growth and expand our potential to inform, connect, and transform communities through the power of images.
BANNER IMAGE:
“Power Rangers” and “One Piece” cosplayers gear up at the entrance of StocktonCon at Stockton Arena on July 8, 2023. Photo: Harika Maddala/Bay City News/Catchlight Local