Meet Sara Keith: Co-Founder, Illuminate Atlanta

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Keith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea of Illuminate Atlanta was born during a long drive with my friend, and now Illuminate Co-Founder, Allison Jarek. We discussed how my current school, the Atlanta School of Photography, was filling the niche for adult education in the area, but we believed very strongly there should also be a non-profit centered around photography education and outreach. We were hearing from so many schools and organizations that photography education was inaccessible to them because of the cost of equipment, and even if they had the cameras, there wasn’t anyone on staff to teach. From there, we decided to work with our partners through the Atlanta School of Photography to provide lessons in on a small scale using donated cameras. This worked for about a year, then we finally reached the point where folks wanted to donate, and so we became an official non profit 501(c)(3). We now partner with places like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Hillside, Inc, Cool Girls Inc, and The Threshold Community Program. Illuminate creates curriculums and lessons that are best suited for their students intelectual, physical and creative needs.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Illuminate Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to increase accessibility to photographic education and the arts by providing photography education and opportunities to underserved communities in the metro Atlanta area. We believe that artistic education and engagement is vital to all communities. Through programming, culminating exhibitions, and with a focus on outreach, Illuminate Atlanta aims to advance opportunities in underserved communities, encourage social change, and work toward a just artistic society that reflects it’s diverse voices.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful gem that should be visited by everyone and it a perfect introduction to the city. From there, head to the High Museum and tour the Dawoud Bey exhibit. Then end the day at a restaurant on Buford Hwy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our board members, sponsors and donors deserve the biggest shout out! Big thank you to Corrine Adams, Jamie Longhurst and Lisa Kiely, Shootproof, KEH and Aperturent.

Website: https://www.illuminateatl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminateatlanta/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/illuminate-atlanta
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atl_illuminate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminateatlanta/