Mary-Angela Papalaskari (she/her), born in Brazil to Greek parents, earned a doctorate in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh after studying in Canada, Scotland, and the U.S. A Professor Emerita of Computing Sciences at Villanova University, she taught for 32 years and led programs bringing science and arts education to Philadelphia-area children. As both scientist and artist, she uses arts to help students express their aspirations. And as an immigrant many times over, she values varied viewpoints and champions cross-cultural communication as a foundation for justice and peace.
Laura Davis Meirson (she/her) trained as an opera singer at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she honed her voice and stagecraft with the intent of a professional career. At age 24, a cerebral hemorrhage abruptly ended her trajectory as a performer and redirected her life toward community service. Since then, she has dedicated herself to volunteer work with The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and Philly AIDS Thrift, finding renewed purpose in service, inclusion, and creative resilience. Her life reflects a deep commitment to accessibility, artistic spirit, and the dignity of all people navigating life's unexpected turns.
Boris (he/him) is a Philadelphia-based photographer originally from Minsk, Belarus. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the Berlin University of Applied Sciences. His photography blends emotional storytelling with technical precision, shaped by years of travel and a practice rooted in documentary, conceptual, and community-engaged work.
Larissa Celi (they/them) is a non-binary artist born and raised in Venezuela, now based in Philadelphia. A 2023 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Textiles and a concentration in Drawing, Larissa embraces the role of an archivist—drawn to journals, photo albums, sketchbooks, and any form of thoughtful documentation.
Alix Passage (she/her) is a photographer who works exclusively on film. Her work reflects a lifelong journey of creative exploration across disciplines, cultures, and time. Rooted in a process of continual rediscovery, her practice centers on human connection, emotional depth, and the transformative power of collaboration. Drawing inspiration from her community and the energy of her city, Alix approaches image-making as both a personal and participatory act — one that embraces the tactile richness of film and the shared, evolving nature of artistic expression.
Joshua Hoang (he/him) is a multidisciplinary creative based in Philadelphia with over a decade of experience in photography, videography, social media strategy, and creative direction. Rooted in the city's vibrant cultural scene, he helps artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations tell powerful visual stories that connect with audiences and reflect the soul of everyday life.