Local photographer mentors Afghan photographer
On Oct. 26, Lynne Damianos of Damianos Photography in Framingham traveled to Glendale, Ariz., to start a two-year mentorship with Mariam, the first professional female photographer in Afghanistan. The mentorship is part of Thunderbird School of Global Management’s fourth Project Artemis program, an intensive entrepreneurship skills course.
The program provides two weeks of business training, coaching, mentoring and access to resources so these women can become self-sustaining citizens in their homeland, create opportunities for employment, and help rebuild Afghanistan through small business.
The 19 women range in age from 21 to 49 and come from seven different provinces in Afghanistan. Their business acumen and expertise range from construction and carpentry trade to internet cafes and food production such as jams and chutney.
Each is paired with a mentor, a successful businesswoman from North America or Europe who provides continual follow-up support and business coaching for the next two years. These women will return to Afghanistan to execute their training despite much adversity and personal risk. The success stories of the more than 44 previous Project Artemis graduates thus far are proof of their spirit, resolve and hard work.
See some of Mariam’s photographs exhibited at Damianos Photography during the Fountain Street Studios Holiday Stroll, Friday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 59 Fountain St., Framingham.
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