Amanda Koster, Internationally acclaimed Photojournalist and her thoughts on Citizen Journalism

I’ve been thinking about the concept of empathy and what does that really mean to different people…is it the ability to completely immerse one self in someone else’s life and begin to comprehend what their daily apprehensions are like…or is it the ability to engulf compassion in such a way that there is no turning back to a world you’ve been pre-conditioned to know?

Amanda Koster, internationally acclaimed photojournalist and founder of SalaamGarage, has come to show me empathy within completely new parameters.   One of the most selfless women I’ve had the privilege of sharing a beer with, her enthusiasm for the Biko family in South Africa and their struggle towards freedom illuminates as she excitedly discusses her preparation for her TEDxSeattle presentation.  Her infinite humility consolidates an expressive representation as she and I discuss the issues of landmines in Vietnam, as well as her dedication to working with entrepreneurial social technology ventures alleviating some of the horrific conditions facing the people of Vietnam.  Amanda and I have a chance to talk about some of her upcoming trips taking volunteers to Guatemala, take a look SalaamGarage