Learn more about the project and its expansion.
The incredible girls here live in Oakland, California and have been resettled to the US as refugees from 8 different countries. Scroll through to see their powerful visions and stories.
Vision not Victim is a creative initiative that asks adolescent girls to explore their aspirations and design visions for their future, often for the first time. These visions are captured in photographs, designed and directed by the girls themselves, and used to challenge stereotypes and spark conversations of social change in their communities.
Sheily AGE: 11
FROM: Guatemala
VISION: Future Surgeon
"In this image, I am a surgeon in different countries where there are not enough doctors, where I can help people who do not have enough resources. I feel very happy when I see this photo because I am doing what I always wanted to do. I would tell other girls who have similar dreams that nothing is impossible. When people see this photo, I want them to think, ‘I want to be like her.’ I would want them to know that it was not an easy path, but that they could follow me as an example."
Sheily AGE: 11
FROM: Guatemala
VISION: Future Surgeon
"In this image, I am a surgeon in different countries where there are not enough doctors, where I can help people who do not have enough resources. I feel very happy when I see this photo because I am doing what I always wanted to do. I would tell other girls who have similar dreams that nothing is impossible. When people see this photo, I want them to think, ‘I want to be like her.’ I would want them to know that it was not an easy path, but that they could follow me as an example."
