Empowering Nonprofit Leaders Through Branding: A Graduation Photoshoot with Mouna Benmoussa
“Thank you Kasey for taking my professional headshots and our family photos. It was my first time taking professional photos and you made my experience very enjoyable, I appreciate the choice of colors and nature. My daughter and I had a great time in this photo shoot, very professional and friendly.”— Mouna B.
Every now and then, a photoshoot turns into something more than just images. It becomes a celebration of a life milestone. That was the case when I had the honor of photographing Mouna Benmoussa, the Program Director at the Asian Women's Shelter, as she prepared to graduate and step into a new chapter of her professional life.
Mouna reached out because she needed updated, professional photos to mark her graduation and support her growing personal brand. She’s studying to become a therapist and wanted images she could use on LinkedIn, for future client-facing platforms, and eventually her own website. Like many women leaders I work with, this was her first time doing a personal photoshoot for herself.
We chose a location that felt both natural and versatile, keeping in mind the need for easy access for her and her daughter, who joined us for part of the session. After brainstorming together, we decided on Mills College in Oakland—a spot filled with greenery, soft light, and a subtle historic charm that offered the right mix of serene nature and timeless architecture.
As with every session, my goal was to make sure Mouna felt confident and empowered in front of the camera. I offered gentle posing prompts and kept the energy fun and conversational. We captured a mix of professional headshots and more casual portraits that reflect her warmth, wisdom, and approachable energy.
One of the most special parts of the shoot was discovering that Mouna is originally from Morocco. Having traveled there the year before, I understood the textures, colors, and feelings she wanted to channel in her imagery. That shared connection sparked rich conversation throughout the session and added a meaningful layer to our time together.
But this session wasn’t just about graduation photos. Mouna is someone who wears many hats: therapist-in-training, nonprofit leader, and parent. The images we captured were about honoring all of those identities in a way that felt authentic and future-facing.
This brings me to something I think about often: the power of strong visuals for nonprofits and community leaders. Whether you're running a grassroots organization, launching a community initiative, or stepping into a new leadership role, having high-quality imagery isn't a vanity move—it's a visibility strategy.
In Mouna’s case, her role at the Asian Women's Shelter is incredibly impactful. The organization serves survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, offering culturally competent, multilingual support. They advocate fiercely for safety, justice, and empowerment—often behind the scenes. Yet in a world where attention is currency, visuals play a key role in making that advocacy seen, shared, and supported.
When non-profits have access to professional, thoughtful photography, they can:
Build trust through consistent branding.
Attract donors and grant partners who resonate with their mission.
Showcase their staff, volunteers, and clients in empowering and respectful ways.
Increase media and community visibility.
Connect with supporters through storytelling, not just statistics.
Great visuals do more than just “look nice”. They help people feel something.
And that emotional connection is what drives action, whether it's clicking 'donate,' volunteering, or simply resharing a powerful image online.
That’s why (while I don’t offer traditional photo shoots as a standalone service), I do believe deeply in helping non-profits and mission-driven individuals elevate their presence through strong visual storytelling. For Mouna, this session was about entering a new era in her personal and professional life. But the ripple effects, such as: better online presence, more visibility for her work, and confidence in how she shows up, are the kind of impact that lasts.
If you're a non-profit leader, therapist, or community organizer, and you're wondering if it's "worth it" to invest in visuals that reflect your mission and values, I hope this story encourages you to say yes. You deserve to be seen in your power.
To Mouna: congratulations again on your graduation and all the big things ahead. I can’t wait to see the ways you continue to care for your community, both locally and globally.
Want to learn more about the important work the Asian Women's Shelter is doing? Visit sfaws.org and consider supporting their mission.
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