Born in Pittsburgh, Stephanie Skinner received her B.A. from Kenyon College, followed by an M.A. in psychology from San Diego State University. After nearly a decade in community mental health, Stephanie shifted her career path to photography. Guided by a multidisciplinary background in the social sciences and art, Stephanie uses photography as a device for social change. A common theme in both her research and clinical background is the identification of barriers encountered by underrepresented populations, and the process by which individuals may be empowered to overcome these barriers. Her ambition is to convey the struggles and successes of individuals through captured images, both to give voice to underserved people, and to spread awareness of global issues. Stephanie has been involved in small-business initiatives throughout California, which inspired her interest in Kiva’s mission to alleviate poverty through microfinance lending practices. Stephanie is excited to travel to East Africa this summer as a Media Fellow with Kiva.