Introducing the 2024 Vital Impacts Grants and Mentorships Judges
We are thrilled to announce our esteemed panel of judges for the Vital Impacts 2024 Environmental Photography Grants and Mentorships. This year, we have assembled a group of industry leaders who bring a wealth of experience and passion for photography and storytelling. Their insight will be essential in selecting the winning entries that spotlight solution-based environmental initiatives.
Meet the Judges
Alessia Glaviano is the Head of Global PhotoVogue and Director of the PhotoVogue Festival, where she works to champion talent, both emerging and established, and influence visual literacy to help shape a more just, ethical, and inclusive visual world. Launched in 2011, Glaviano has helped to grow PhotoVogue into a globally recognized platform with over 300,000 photographers today.
Azu Nwagbogu is the Founder and Director of African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), a non-profit organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, and the LagosPhoto Festival, an annual international arts festival of photography. He is also the creator of Art Base Africa, a virtual space to discover and learn about contemporary African Art.
Jennifer Samuel is the International Photo Assignment Editor at The Washington Post, where she oversees visual reporting across several global regions. Previously, she worked at National Geographic, where she commissioned and produced impactful photography on identity, race, and culture, including a notable 2022 cover story on Indigenous sovereignty. Recognized for her award-winning work, Jennifer has made significant contributions to the field of visual journalism.
Kathy Moran, former Deputy Director of Photography for National Geographic magazine, has been producing projects about terrestrial and underwater ecosystems since 1990, editing over 350 stories for the publication. Her collaboration with photographer Nick Nichols and Dr. Michael Fay played a pivotal role in establishing Gabon’s national park system. Additionally, she is a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers and has served on its Executive Committee.
Musuk Nolte navigates the intersection of documentary and artistic photography to address social issues, frequently collaborating with communities in the Andean and Amazonian regions. His distinct perspective earned him the 2023 Vital Impacts Environmental Grant, along with numerous other prestigious awards. To further amplify diverse voices, Nolte founded KWY Ediciones, an independent publishing house dedicated to showcasing visual narratives from Latin American storytellers.
We are honored to have such a talented and respected panel of judges for this year's contest. We can't wait to see the amazing submissions and how our judges will guide the selection process. If you haven't submitted your entry yet, there's still time—applications close September 15! Learn more at vitalimpacts.org.