Photographer Cheriss May discovered that visual storytelling is her passion, and found her purpose. She documents history and democracy as a photographer based in Washington, DC. Cheriss’s work centers on the intersectionality of race, culture, and politics – from the White House to Capitol Hill, and in communities in the Washington metropolitan area. Through her recent work documenting the ceremonial vote count at the U.S. Capitol, Cheriss was inside during the insurrection. Although traumatic, Cheriss continued to work while barricaded in Congressman Jim Clybum’s office with his staff. She find strength through telling the powerful stories of people who are passionate in what they do resilient in spite of challenges. Cheriss is an advocate for inclusive storytellers and storytelling, lecturing and leading photography organizations that work towards gender, racial and social parity in the industry.