Photo Editing
Image above by Zaydee Sanchez.
Since beginning my journey as a photo editor in January 2018, I have taken immense pride in curating compelling imagery for renowned platforms such as Narratively and palabra. As a visual editor and art director, I have assigned stories to talented photographers across the globe, conducted in-depth research to uncover the perfect visuals for complex narratives, commissioned visually striking illustrations from skilled artists, and crafted thoughtful photo illustrations that amplify the essence of captivating stories. My work involves collaborating closely with writers, editors, photographers, and illustrators to conceptualize and execute visual storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences.
I am deeply committed to providing opportunities for photographers from the communities we aim to represent, ensuring authenticity and diversity in visual storytelling. Below are some of the stories I am most proud to have contributed to, showcasing my involvement in the entire creative process—from collaborating with writers and editors to conceptualize imagery, guiding photographers before and after shoots, working closely with illustrators to develop thought-provoking concepts that capture the essence of stories, and meticulously editing visuals through to final publication. Throughout every project, I remain focused on discovering the most impactful ways to present these stories, ensuring they captivate and engage readers.
The Burden of Bearing Witness
Photos by Carolina Navas.
The job of covering traumatic subject matter often falls on journalists of color, many of whom ultimately leave the industry due to lack of support. The story of one such journalist, Laura Gómez Rodríguez, begs the question: What responsibility does a newsroom have to journalists of color whose mental health struggles are a direct result of their job?
Women in Puerto Rico Bear Unique Burdens in the Opioid Crisis
Illustrations by Michelle Perez.
Young, urban and poor women in Puerto Rico are highly vulnerable to substance dependency and suffer most in the opioid crisis. Limited government data invisibilizes their experiences.
A Failing Grade: How An Inhumane Immigration Policy Robbed Children Of An Education
Photos by Olga L. Jaramillo.
The Trump administration's “zero tolerance” policy separated migrant families and truncated the schooling of thousands of children. As they rebuild their lives, resilient youths must cope with persistent trauma.
After “Zero Tolerance”: Once Separated, Migrant Students Forge Ahead With Resilience
Illustrations by Roxsy Lin.
Education is critical to recovery for migrant children still coping with the trauma of separation and detention at the border.
Nevada Latino Voters: A House Divided
Illustrations by Michelle Perez.
Representing nearly 22% of Nevada’s electorate, Latino political power grows in an election year when the Silver State’s six electoral votes can tilt the scale.
Armed in “Gun Paradise”
Illustrations by Franco Zacha.
A look at the oldest gun show in Texas shows the connection some residents have to the gun culture despite attempts by the Biden administration to implement more regulations.
In Chicago, Immigrants Who Fled Violence and War Struggle With Their Mental Health
Photos by Olga L. Jaramillo & Sebastián Hidalgo.
One of the country's most diverse cities is helping migrants build a new life.
The Short Reach of Long COVID Care
Illustrations by Michelle Perez.
Latinos and African Americans suffer the nation’s highest rates of long COVID. Yet systemic health care inequality and poor outreach have resulted in clinics with mostly white patient lists.
The new Latino South
Photos by Roderico Yool Díaz.
How a growing Latino population is reshaping North Carolina and other Southern states — and turning the region into a crucial site for the future of American politics.
La Gordiloca Goes to Court
Illustrations by Maria Contreras.
An unconventional citizen journalist stands up for free speech by suing the Laredo public officials who had her arrested.
For Latina Teens, a Mental Toll
Photos by Josephine Sittenfeld, Julie Leopo-Bermudez & Michelle Bruzzese.
Teen girls across the U.S. are experiencing dramatic increases in depression and mental illness, but social media and the pandemic have compounded the challenges for Latinas and other girls of color. Culturally competent therapy, whole-child educational initiatives and community-based solutions can help.
Teaching Race in Arizona
Photos by Rebecca Noble.
Amidst a national climate of restriction — with states outlawing critical race theory in schools and conservatives banning books — Arizonans are in a rematch with a politician striking fear in educators who teach identity and racism.
Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Photos by Zaydee Sanchez.
Her mother’s prison term turned her life upside down, but now Jade Green is leading an organization that’s transforming the lives of young people who have been involved in the justice system — inside a former youth detention center converted into a place of education and triumph.
Sowing Success
Photos by Eddie Gaspar.
Migrant students and their families follow the seasons year-round to sow and harvest America’s produce. Students take pride in their families’ work ethic — but struggle to continue their schooling. The 50-year-old CAMP scholarship helps hundreds of them go to college.
The Catch Up
Photos by Zaydee Sanchez.
Los Angeles Unified bets on tutoring for post-pandemic recovery, but progress at many schools is slow.
The Deep South’s Dames of Dildos
Photos by Abraham Rowe.
In a Bible-belt state where sex toy stores are illegal, a church-going grandma, enterprising mom and sassy granddaughter build a booming business hawking penis pumps and butt plugs—and helping every person find their path to pleasure.
America’s Most Flamboyant Private Eye and the 8,000-Mile Manhunt
Photos by Justin Hamel.
Jay J. Armes is a legendary and controversial Texan investigator with hooks for hands and six decades chasing criminals. This was his most epic murder case ever.
The Sea Farming Sisters in RecoveryThe Sea Farming Sisters in Recovery
Story & photos by Jennifer Adler.
How one enterprising Mainer is harvesting a new cash crop — and building a powerful support network for women who need it most.
American Doctors Are Reconstructing the Youngest Faces of a Brutal War
Photos by Jonathan Alpeyrie.
These Syrian children survived attacks that left them burned beyond belief. One program thousands of miles from home is offering them life-changing treatment.
Where LGBTQ War Refugees Finally Feel Safe
Photos by Danielle Villasana.
When you’re queer in the Middle East, escaping war doesn’t mean you’ve escaped the people who want you dead.
King Chaos, Queen Cricket and One Long, Strange Year in a Roadside Homeless Camp
Photos by Katharine Kimball.
At this lawless encampment of rickety RVs, residents face eviction, addiction and machete battles, but their self-made community is the only thing they have.
Two Gay Chinese Dads. One Long and Winding Trip to Fatherhood
Photos by Gráinne Quinlan.
Their journey starts in a country where gay marriage and surrogacy are illegal, and spans four years, two continents, and hundreds of thousands of dollars—all to get a kid of their own.