By And For is a collective of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creative photographers who are committed to the work of social justice activism and community building through acts of service.
Through a lottery selection process, we donate high-quality photography work prioritizing BIPOC small businesses in the Bay Area twice a year. By leveraging our talents and expertise, we aim to drive more attention, support and commerce to our clients.
Meet Our Contributors
KAREN SANTOS
Co-Founder - Photo Contributor
www.karensantos.com
@karen__santos
Peruvian-American, First Generation American, Latina, Indigenous Andean
She/Her
What specific change would you like to see in society right now as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
“I would like for more folx to actively engage in (any kind of) community service that uplifts disenfranchised BIPOC communities such as Trans/Gender Non-Confirming (TGNC) and immigrant folx. To do “the (self) work” about one’s own privilege through reading, other learning materials, and/or therapy. And passionately advocate for inclusive hiring/higher pay/positions of power for BIPOC/TGNC folx in the workplace.”
ALISON CHRISTIANA
Co-Founder - Photo Contributor
www.alisonchristiana.com
@alisonchristiana
Korean-American, Asian, Immigrant, Transracial Adoptee
She/Her
How has being part of a BIPOC community impacted your life?
“It has helped me connect to a deeper part of myself and my personal history. Raised by a white family in a predominantly white community, I rarely saw myself reflected in those close to me, and if I did, it wasn’t from an adoptee perspective. Adoption gave me many things - an adoptive family, opportunity, and privilege - while also separating me from my country of birth, native culture, and family/ancestors. Witnessing friends and artists that I admire explore the complexity of their racial identity has inspired me to do the same.”
NICOLE MORRISON
Photo Contributor
www.nicolemorrisonphotography.com
@nicolemorrisonphoto
Black, Biracial, Mixed
She/Her
What specific change would you like to see in society right now as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
“Diversity and inclusion feel very trendy right now. I hope it’s not just a trend, and that there is ongoing momentum and support for meaningful change. I would like more people to understand the difference between equality and equity. I would like to see BIPOC, women and non-binary people not just represented, but in positions of power and influence.”
ANDREA AREVALO
Photo Contributor
www.andreaarevalo.com
@a.j.a
Cuban-Venezuelan-American, Latina, Daughter of an Immigrant, Granddaughter of Immigrants
She/Her
What makes you feel connected to your racial and cultural identity?
“Family, food, and language are important ways I feel connected to my identity. I grew up as a first/second-generation American and many consider me a native speaker, but I felt a lot of reluctance to speak Spanish when I was a child. In high school I decided I was going to be fluent and would no longer be scared of making mistakes. After many more years of effort, I’m fluent and wouldn’t have it any other way. It brings me a lot of comfort to be able to connect with others through language.”
VIVIAN CHEN
Photo Contributor
www.vivianchen.com
@vivian.p.chen
Taiwanese-American, Immigrant, Mother
She/Her
How has being part of a BIPOC community impacted your life?
“Considering I spent a big part of my childhood growing up in Massachusetts without a BIPOC community, I am grateful that the diversity in the San Francisco Bay Area allows me to fully explore my identity and feel less alone in my experiences. Having others to connect with and share in the struggles and challenges gives me confidence to take up space and carve out a place for myself as a photographer.”
KRISTEN MURAKOSHI
Photo Contributor
www.kristenmurakoshi.com
@kristenmurakoshi
Queer Femme Multiracial Japanese-American Mama
She/Her
How has being part of a BIPOC community impacted your life?
“I feel fortunate to have been part of a community of fierce BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ educators, WOC feminists, creatives, and movement builders as an undergraduate. I gained so much during that time and those experiences and learnings continue to inform the work I do and how I move through the world.”
CHAVA OROPESA
Marketing Contributor
www.chavaoropesa.com
@chava_oropesa
Mexican, Latino, Immigrant, Queer, Gay
He/Him
What makes you feel connected to your racial and cultural identity?
“I was born and raised in Mexico City and immigrated to the US 18 years ago. I always say my heart is in two places. A huge part of me is connected to my Mexican roots, my family and my people. I find that music and food makes me feel the most connected.”
CAROLYN FONG
Photo Contributor
www.carolynfongphotography.com
@cfongphoto
Chinese-Taiwanese-American, Immigrant, Mother
She/Her
What specific change would you like to see in society right now as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
“Specifically I would love to see more BIPOC women represented in media in ways that challenge the preconceived ideas of what being a person of color looks/acts/belongs like. I think showing folks, especially kids and those younger than me, that there are people doing amazing things who look like them allows people to believe that they belong and challenges the idea that someone who is BIPOC is narrowly defined.”