Featured Leader: Melanie Funchess

CEO/Principal Ubuntu Village Works

Photographer: Natalia Lauer

Natalia is an Afro-Dominican who recently relocated to Rochester, NY, where she now resides with her husband, their Australian Cattle dog, and their 4-year-old child. With a background in marketing and communication, Natalia gained valuable experience as a Social Media Manager intern at PromGirl. Additionally Natalia has been on both sides of the camera, featured in campaigns for Morphe, Aetna, Scholastic.

Essayist: Quajay Donnell

Quajay Donnell is a freelance photographer and writer living in Rochester with his wife, son and daughter. He is a four-time contributor to In This Moment with words and images in both volumes. His work has been published in Departures Magazine, The Washington Post, CITY, The Democrat and Chronicle, (585) Magazine, Explore, The Waterbury Observer and seen on WXXI. His recent photo essay work has been part of exhibitions at the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, RIT City Arts Space, The Yards, Frank’s Chop Shop, St. John Fisher University, and Joy Gallery.