Photojournalism
Iván Monalisa Ojeda -a two spirited transgender, emphasizes how proud she/he is for having worked as a sex worker and is now an advocate of prostitution decriminalization. Ojeda has become an avid voice for the rights of sex workers, arguing that completely legalizing the sex trade — including decriminalizing sex buyers, brothels and pimps — will bring workers more protection and reduce sex trafficking. Published by Palabra/NAHJ, October 2021.
Iván Monalisa Ojeda’s life as a performing artist, a storyteller and as a transgender sex worker in New York City was the inspiration for “El viaje de Monalisa” (The Journey of Monalisa), a documentary by Chilean filmmaker Nicole Costa. The film depicts a life where pain, survival, art and glamour coexist, under the persistent threat of harsh law enforcement. Published by Palabra/NAHJ, October 2021.
A two-spirited transgender former sex worker, Iván Monalisa Ojeda overlooks the George Washington Bridge that connects New Jersey and New York City, close to his home in Washington Heights, an iconic symbol of his hustle for survival. Published by Palabra/NAHJ, October 2021.
Full spectrum doula Anabel Rivera works at Ancient Song Doula Services in Bedford–Stuyvesant in Brooklyn. The organization supports families in the community with any type of pregnancy loss, including abortion, and miscarriage, and also offers birth, postpartum, and antepartum care. That includes families who need guidance with IVF (in vitro fertilization) and adoption. Published by palabra, Microsoft & Advance Local. August, 2022.
“Drugs in Schools: Beyond Punishment”
Parents and educators may feel helpless to stop widespread drug use among adolescents, but evidence=based interventions can make a difference by building children’s skills and adult-child relationships.
Published by NJ.COM, Palabra/NAHJ, Microsoft and Advance Local. September 2023.
During New York City Fashion Week Dominican designer Hernán Lander presenting his new fall collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Show, Published by The Associated Press. 2014.
Puertorrican singer Mark Anthony, who had taken the salsa genre around the globe, was taking long pauses between songs to embrace the energy of the audience and to observe the frenzi of his fans during his performance at the IZod Center, now called Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 2011.
"I didn't have prenatal care, there were just a lot of risk factors, not just for the baby, but for me as well," said Donauta Watson who lives in Brooklyn, New York City. As a mother of three, she struggled to find doctors who would respect her maternal care decisions. She was undocumented and uninsured at the time of her first pregnancy. Donauta is resting and enjoying a peaceful moment after breastfeeding three-month-old Yugo. Published by palabra, 2023.
I’m so honored to capture this moment in ballet history with these two prominent stars: Kevin McKenzie, former artistic director of American Ballet Theater and former ABT's soloist Uruguayan dancer María Riccetto, during a rehearsal for Giselle in 2012. In 2020 this photo was published in the biographical book of María Riccetto "El Equilibrio de Bailar," written by ballet historian Lucía Chillibroste. McKenzie, who retired in 2022, after 30 years with the company, was also a former principal dancer with ABT and the leading artistic force behind the most acclaimed classical ballets in New York City. McKenzie has been instrumental in Riccetto's ascending career.
Doula Simone Junious from MaternityWise International shows first-time parents, Danielle and Davon Thomas, from Long Island, N.Y. how to wrap a newborn baby safely. After birth, a postpartum doula like Junious provides in-home support to the family in practical ways, not only teaching them how to handle the baby, but also breastfeeding techniques and practices for better healing. Some doulas also help with washing dishes, folding clothes, and preparing meals. Photo published by Palabra, Microsoft and Advance Local. 2023.
Residente of Calle 13 performing at Celebrate Brooklyn as part of the Latin Alternative Music Conference showcase. Prospect Park was packed from one end to another colored with an abundance of Puerto Rican flags waving in the air. Published by Banda Oriental, 2012.
Goya Foods CEO Robert Unanue talks to business executives and government officials during the inauguration of its sustainable production plant in Jersey City, New Jersey. Published by NJ Hispano, 2015.
“Dangerous Security”
Amniocentesis, the prenatal exam that detects genetic defects on future newborns present some risks that are not always warned by gynecologists. Published by the NY Daily News, February 2008.
