Shirley Souryal

Shirley Souryal's passion is to bolster those who have suffered tremendous atrocities and loss. Her personal and professional journeys have led her to Bosnia, Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, Kenya, Rwanda, Colombia and recently, Iraq.  She nearly did not make it home.  Her second-chance at life and her exposure to all that is unjust has propelled her to pursue justice and reconciliation with greater passion.

Shirley's tenure in Baghdad began soon after receiving her Master’s degree at S-CAR. Her Arabic language skills and Egyptian-American heritage primed her for a diplomatic role as a liaison between the United States Embassy and the Government of Iraq’s key institutions, including the Presidency Council, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Council of Representatives. She fostered professional partnerships by establishing trust that enriched dialogue and enhanced cooperation.

Photography has been instrumental in recalibrating Shirley's path and reframing the narrative of her life. She uses her passion to raise awareness about issues of injustice and tragedy, capturing existing narratives and creating new ones. In 2011, Shirley traveled to Rwanda and Kenya with the Blood: Water Mission, an organization that provides access to clean water and ‘clean blood’ through HIV/Aids clinics for Africans. Along the way, she captured images that depict resilience, strength and hope in a way that words alone do not. She treasures and exhibits these images, as well as those from other conflict zones, empowering brave souls to speak on their own behalf.

To honor and serve our nation’s heroes, Shirley launched a program that provides Wounded Warriors respite from Walter Reed Military Hospital by attending their favorite musical concerts. These connections fuel their transformational journeys and their resilience inspires Shirley's own.