Our Stories

A Volunteer Spotlight

Here at Girls Inc its clear that we value our girls and show this through our level of commitment to the work we do. It is always fulfilling to meet others who believe in our mission and want to be a part of such inspiration. Over the years our volunteers have grown immensely and come with a high level of expertise in various fields. We are extremely lucky and appreciative for the many people that provide voluntary services which enhance programming. With great pleasure this blog highlights Tori Pinto, a fairly new volunteer who has involved herself as though she's been around for years.

Tori is a volunteer photographer for Girls Inc. If you received a quarterly Girls Inc. of Alameda County newsletter in the mail, then you have seen her now famous photo of Americorps member Laura Kaneko introducing First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service! Tori was also one of our fabulous volunteer photographers at the Women of Taste Event in September.

We asked Tori a few questions to get to know her and her work better. Here is how she responded:

1. What inspired you to become a volunteer photographer for Girls Inc.?
It was all a happy accident. I was in the press box shooting the National Conference on Service and Volunteering in San Francisco where I was pleasantly surprised to find Girls Inc. introducing Michelle Obama. My friend and fellow yogi Nicki Guard, speaks so passionately about the work Girls Inc. does; I knew I wanted to pass along the photos I got of Laura with the First Lady because it was such a special moment. Then when Nicki told me about Women of Taste I was thrilled at the chance to help out again.

2. Which photos have been your favorites and why?
I have a name for my favorite captures and it's candid details. I try to capture small things that, in their moment, make a person, place, or event worth remembering. I also love to see motion frozen in a still shot so laughter, dance, hugs, and surprises are usually my favorites in any shoot I do.

3. How do you stay Strong?
Yoga definitely. Dance sometimes. And friends constantly keep me strong.
Smart? Cultivating humility and curiosity are my practices there.
Bold? Self-portraits have been a really expressive outlet for me. They encourage deep self reflection and challenge me to move beyond my image and ego and into somewhere more vulnerable and real.

Thanks Tori for all of your amazing photos in support of Girls Inc!