I was first introduced to Nomi Network a little over a year ago after a series of open conversations about a deep down desire to find altruistic opportunities for my photography. Travel inspires me, weddings continuously reveal to me the beauty of love, and yet because of the exposure I've had over the years to people of varying economic status in both developed and developing nations I've felt a less-than-subtle tug at my heart from a very young age to ask the question "How can I give back?"

There are so many incredible people in this world doing incredible things to help others. Whether it's offering free medical access to those who might otherwise not have it, providing clean water resources to areas where disease runs rampant, or building refuge for those who don't have the means to do so themselves, each NGO, visionary community and individual philanthropist plays an increasingly indispensable role in the betterment of humanity. Through my own series of experiences, a topic that has become very near to my heart is educating women to build confidence in their innate value and empowering them with authority over their own destiny. With that in mind, it's no wonder I was thrilled to discover Nomi Network, an NGO whose very mission is "to create economic opportunities for survivors and women at risk of human trafficking by equipping them with leadership, entrepreneurship, and production skills to become financially independent". What's more, by helping one woman they in turn help her family as well as her community at large. Read more about Nomi Network's mission.

It wasn't long after we connected that I started asking how I could help Nomi Network in the best way I know how: through photography. We immediately got to work teaming up to shoot their spring 2015 accessories/home catalogue cover. Over the course of the next year I had the honour of getting to know the Nomi Network team and everything they strive for by way of photographing their spring 2015 gala along with the inspiring folks behind the scenes in their "Meet the Nomi Network" team portraits, and, most recently, their fresh-off-the-press Spring 2016 apparel collection. It's been such a joy getting to know the force behind this great cause - people living and working from such a place of passion.

Ways to get involved: If you find yourself asking, "What can I do?", Nomi has a great team in place ready to help you get started, with opportunities that include hosting a bag party, volunteering, shopping, donating, pledging your birthday, and partnering. So, in short, if you've got a philanthropic itch to scratch, Nomi Network has lots of ways for you to get involved.

SPRING 2015 ACCESSORIES & HOME COLLECTION CATALOGUE (SHOP NOW!)