About Shakkri Ortega

In partnership with Professor Roman-Alfaro and community members, I will examine how adolescents in Albuquerque’s International District experience and understand poverty, violence, policing, inequality, and neighborhood stigma. Through participatory photography and storytelling, the project centers youth perspectives while supporting the development of creative and research skills and generating community-informed knowledge that can contribute to more responsive policies. The project includes photo exhibitions and community events where youth-generated images and narratives will foster dialogue among students, families, educators, residents, and policymakers.