Since the beginning, we've been expanding access to lens-based art education.
About Us
Welcome to LensBright Initiative, a Philadelphia-based arts education nonprofit, dedicated to building bridges between under-resourced high school students and lens-based creative industries and educational institutions!
Supported by the University of Pennsylvania’s President’s Engagement Prize, we empower high school students to see and shape their world through the lens.
Through our one-of-a-kind lens-based vocational education programs in photography, film, animation and our global mentorship network, we support young lens-based artists to see their potential with clarity and confidence.
Mission
The LensBright Initiative empowers young artists to see and shape their world through the lens by providing equipment, mentorship, educational resources, and creative opportunities in film and photography. Through this support, students develop technical skills, build self-agency, and explore their creative potential.
Vision
We envision a world where every young person sees their potential with clarity and confidence: where a brightened lens leads to a brighter future, deeper self-understanding, and lasting creative and social impact.
Values
Students as Storytellers:
Empowering students to tell their own stories through the lens, honoring their voices, lived experiences, and creative visions.
Learning through Real-World Projects:
Guiding students from concept to completion of lens-based projects through professional, industry-aligned projects that mirror real creative workflows.
Mutual Growth through Peer-to-Peer Mentorship:
Centering peer-to-peer mentorship that supports the creative and professional development of both mentors and mentees, fostering shared learning, collaboration, and a growing community of lens-based artists.
Access Creates Clarity:
We remove barriers by providing equipment, resources, and mentorship that enable students to develop lens-based skills and see their creative potential with confidence.
Building Bridges and Communities:
Connecting schools, universities, and creative industries to foster sustainable educational and career growth.
Impact
Leadership Team
Ejun Mary Hong
Jack Nicholas Roney
Board of Directors
Join our BoardKathryn Joy Lynn
Philadelphia-based ceramic artist
Justin Weldon
Site Coordinator at Sayre High School, University-Assisted Community Schools, Netter Center for Community Partnerships
Frank Gladstone
Executive Producer of the Annie Awards, ASIFA-Hollywood’s Executive Director (2012-2024), CEO of Gladstone Film
Advisory Board
Joshua Mosley
Professor of Fine Arts, University of Pennsylvania
Jarrett Stein
Director of Health Partnerships and Social Ventures, Netter Center for Community Partnerships
Linda Simensky
Animation History Professor, University of Pennsylvania; Children’s Television Executive (Head of Development at Cartoon Network & Nickelodeon, Head of Character Development and Scripted Content, Duolingo)
Manette Faith
Senior Writer at the Wharton School
Leah Falk
Director of Education and Engagement, Penn Live Arts
Joe Brand
High School Program Manager, University-Assisted Community Schools, Netter Center for Community Partnerships
Zachary Vickers
Assistant Professor of Animation and Animation Concentration Director, Temple University
Candice Huang
Investment Banking Junior Analyst, Deutsche Bank, Recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, NYC-based photographer
Demetrius Beckham
Creative Operations Manager at Sony Pictures Entertainment Game Shows Network
Maura Catherine Dresner-Pfau
Philadelphia-based photographer, Recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania