Annie Griffiths (B.A., 1976) is a pioneer who has photographed in nearly 150 countries in her career. As one of the first female photographers for National Geographic, Griffiths traveled the globe and, in 2008, published "A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel," a photo memoir about her experience.
Griffiths has photographed for aid organizations committed to empowering women. She currently serves as the executive director for Ripple Effect Images, a collective of photographers working to tell the stories of women and girls in developing countries, especially as they deal with climate change.
Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including LIFE, Geo, Smithsonian, Fortune and more. With acclaimed author Barbara Kingsolver, she produced "Last Stand: America's Virgin Lands," a book that celebrates the wilderness of North America.
In 2010 she published "Simply Beautiful Photographs," which was named a top photo/art book of the year by Amazon and by Barnes and Noble.
Griffiths is a fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers and has received awards from the National Press Photographers Association, The Associated Press, the National Organization of Women and the White House News Photographers Association.
Griffiths will receive the award and serve as keynote speaker at SJMC's annual Spring Showcase: A Celebration of Excellence event on April 24, 2013 at TCF Bank Stadium. Register for the event.
