about the project
When people think of Las Vegas, many are quick to concentrate on the Strip and the 24/7 gambling, and while this is an aspect of what makes this city run, there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes. People, stories, and voices oftentimes go unheard so how exactly do we change that?
This capstone project focuses on highlighting strong individuals that are a part of the Las Vegas community but often do not get enough recognition -- small business owners, part-time instructors, single parents, first-generation students, local artists, etc. -- people who are working towards strengthening their community through empowerment and local support. It shows that this city is built from the hard work of the diverse people living here. I wanted to showcase the environment of Las Vegas in a different light inspiring this website to come to life.
This platform allows for 1) introducing people and giving them a spotlight to share their story, what they do, and how they have been able to overcome hardships in their life & in doing so, can uplift others who could be experiencing the same things; and 2) sharing photographs I have been able to capture throughout the semester and giving me the opportunity to get more involved within the community & seeing different events come to life.
In the past four months, I have been able to feel more connected to this city and understand the voices here in a different light. I wanted to share a real perspective for people who might not be aware of how inspiring human beings are when you simply take the time to listen to them. These voices have always been speaking, although some quieter than others. To fully represent the Voices of Las Vegas, I also made sure to visually capture the atmosphere and environment in a way that makes you feel like you were also present. The bright colors live up to true Vegas fashion and grab one's attention almost instantly.
My hope for this project is to continue updating it even after it has been submitted at the end of the semester. Every month there will be new faces, stories, and pictures of what has been going on within the Las Vegas community. Voices of Las Vegas will be focused on further uniting voices that might not be as strong on their own and elevating their wishes and hard work.