Valérie Berta

Photographer
NA
    
Public Project
Nikki McGruder
Copyright Valérie Berta 2024
Date of Work Feb 2017 - Ongoing
Updated Oct 2019
Topics Multimedia, Photography
Nikki McGruder, regional manager for Diversity Awareness Partnership and director of the Journey towards Inclusive Excellence, Columbia, MO (originally from Peoria, IL.)
02/09/18


I'm am often asked about how I can do the work that I do
in diversity and inclusion without being affected. The
reality is that there is no way to do this work and not be
impacted. Especially being a woman of color and all the
intersections that make me who I am.
I respect all beliefs, but I personally believe in the power
of prayer and I know that God helps me keep it together.
I often share my story of growing up as a little Black girl
in a small community and what those experiences of
often times being the "only" in the room felt like.
It wasn't until I was in my adulthood that I realized how
internally oppressed I was and how that oppression
controlled me. I had bought into the narrative that
society provided for me about who I was and used many
of my lived experiences to validate that oppression.
Not anymore. I can do this work because this work needs
to be done. Not only that"¦I am raising children in this
world. My children"¦Our children should not have to
inherit a world where they have to dim their lights to
make others feel comfortable. They will be their
authentic selves walking in their truths all day every day.

For that reason"¦I persist.
5,209

Also by Valérie Berta —

Project

Rasha Abousalem

Valérie Berta
Project

The Black and White Ball

Valérie Berta
Project

The Black and White Ball

Valérie Berta
Project

Terryonna Nunnelly

Valérie Berta
Project

WE Out & Up

Valérie Berta
Project

Drag night.

Valérie Berta / Columbia, MO USA
Project

Anthony Plogger

Valérie Berta
Project

Melissa Horner

Valérie Berta
Project

Black Lives Matter protests in Columbia, Missouri

Valérie Berta / Columbia, MO USA
Project

Radhia Khenissi

Valérie Berta
Project

Marekka Nickens

Valérie Berta
Project

L. Lou Davis

Valérie Berta
Project

Gretchen Maune

Valérie Berta
Project

Natalia Prats

Valérie Berta
Project

Caitlin Cunningham

Valérie Berta
Project

The Mudshow Diaries

Valérie Berta / United States
Project

The Mudshow Diaries book edit

Valérie Berta
Project

Voices Workshop

Valérie Berta
Project

Lifestyle Portraits

Valérie Berta / Columbia, Missouri
Project

Real Estate

Valérie Berta / Columbia, Missouri
Project

Shelter Animal Portraits

Valérie Berta / Columbia, Missouri
Project

Leaving Chicago

Valérie Berta / Chicago, Illinois
Project

Fun for Thought: School Photos

Valérie Berta / Columbia, Missouri
Project

Studio animal portraits

Valérie Berta / Columbia, Missouri
Nikki McGruder by Valérie Berta
Sign-up for
For more access