On Friday, February 21, at 3 p.m. in the Miller Gyertson Screening Room, Asbury students and faculty will have the unique opportunity to engage with award-winning humanitarian photographer and storyteller Helen Manson. Presented as part of the Journalism Department’s Pressing Matters series, this flex event promises a compelling discussion on storytelling, ethics, and capturing human dignity through the lens. Plus, attendees can enjoy complimentary Chick-fil-A while gaining insights from one of the most influential voices in humanitarian photography today.
Helen Manson, a multi-award-winning New Zealand photographer, has dedicated her career to documenting some of the world’s most challenging and inspiring stories. Having lived in five countries and worked across 47, her experiences span famine-stricken regions, refugee settlements, post-war recovery efforts, child sponsorship initiatives, and disaster zones. Her work has taken her to Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, India, and beyond—helping to shed light on critical global issues while ensuring the dignity and empowerment of her subjects.
Throughout her career, Manson has collaborated with over 50 nonprofits and international organizations, including the United Nations, World Vision, Medical Teams International, and the Red Cross. Her ability to capture both the resilience and humanity of individuals facing extreme hardships has made her a sought-after creative force in the humanitarian sector. Currently serving as the Head of Creative and Communications for Compassion/Tearfund New Zealand, Manson will transition to an exciting new role as the Global Director of Story and Media Relations for the International Justice Mission.
The upcoming talkback session will focus on the power of visual storytelling in humanitarian work. Manson will discuss the importance of ethical storytelling—how to represent vulnerable communities with dignity and agency while raising awareness about pressing global issues. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how photography and storytelling can drive social change, challenge perspectives, and inspire action.
Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, photographer, storyteller, or simply passionate about global issues, this event is a must-attend. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a world-renowned humanitarian photographer who has witnessed and documented both the struggles and triumphs of people worldwide.The Asbury University Media, Journalism, and Digital Storytelling department offers majors in Media Communication and Multimedia Journalism. Online majors include Digital Content Creation and Instructional Design & Media. Graduate programs include the MFA in Screenwriting; the MFA in Film & Television Production; the M.A. in Communication; the M.A. in Digital Storytelling; and the M.A. in Instructional Design, Innovation & Leadership.