Today we’d like to introduce you to Dunice Harrell-Bolden.
Hi Dunice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really started with a camera and a heart for people. When I launched Dunice Harrell Photography, my goal was simple, to capture portraits that made people feel seen, beautiful and confident. But as I grew, I began noticing something that stayed with me: so many students were graduating without a single professional photo to mark their achievement.
In 2023, I decided to change that and launched the Gift of a Lifetime (GOAL) program, offering free senior portraits to students who couldn’t afford them. What began as a personal project quickly turned into something much bigger. The smiles, gratitude, and confidence that came from those portrait sessions were unforgettable. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about helping students see themselves as worthy and accomplished.
The community’s response was incredible. Local schools, families, and even peers from my corporate network joined in to help the program grow. That momentum led to something greater, transforming this program into a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization called EmpowerPix.
Today, EmpowerPix continues the GOAL program and in the future, will be expanding into mentorship, creativity, and digital pathways, helping students feel seen, celebrated, and empowered for what’s next. What started as one photo at a time has become a movement that’s changing how students see themselves and their future.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all, but I’ve learned that purpose rarely comes with an easy path. My journey involved two major transitions: transitioning from the corporate space to step fully into entrepreneurship and turning what started as a community project into a nonprofit organization. Shifting to full-time entrepreneurship meant I had to build a structure from scratch, learning how to balance creativity, business management, and leadership all at once. When the Gift of a Lifetime (GOAL) program started gaining attention, I realized it was bigger than a community passion project; it was becoming a movement. That’s when I made the decision to formally transition it into a nonprofit, EmpowerPix, so it could stand on its own and grow sustainably.
The hardest part has been wearing so many hats, photographer, founder, fundraiser, event coordinator, and leader, while staying true to the heart of the mission. But every time I see a student’s smile when they hold their graduation portrait, I’m reminded why I took this leap. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been incredibly meaningful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about EmpowerPix (nonprofit) & Dunice Harrell Photography?
After more than two decades in corporate leadership and technology, I felt a pull toward work that aligned more deeply with creativity, purpose, and people. That’s how Dunice Harrell Photography began, a way to help individuals see themselves through a lens of confidence and authenticity. What started as portraits became something transformational: an experience that reminds people of their worth, strength, and beauty.
Out of that same heart for impact, EmpowerPix was born. What began as a simple idea to provide senior portraits for students who couldn’t afford them grew into a nonprofit movement that celebrates achievement while building emotional resilience and confidence. Through each portrait experience, we’re helping students see not just who they are today, but who they can become tomorrow.
What sets me apart is the bridge I build between artistry, leadership, and empowerment. I’ve combined my corporate experience with my creative passion to design spaces where people feel seen, valued, and capable of reaching their fullest potential—because empowerment starts the moment someone believes they belong.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Bible is my foundation and greatest source of wisdom. It continually centers me on purpose, gratitude, and faith, especially during moments of uncertainty or transition. Many of the lessons I’ve carried from Scripture shape the way I lead, create, and serve others today.
Beyond that, I’m inspired by resources that focus on personal growth, leadership, and creativity. I also use tools like Adobe apps (Photoshop, Lightroom), Canva and ChatGPT to organize ideas and bring projects to life. I love also reading books that bridge purpose with performance, such as Start With Why by Simon Sinek, You’ve Been Chosen by Cynt Marshall and Atomic Habits by James Clear.
At the heart of it all, my biggest resource is reflection, making time to pause, pray, and align what I do with why I’m doing it. That daily grounding keeps me creative, focused, and faithful to the mission in front of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empowerpix.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerpix/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerPix
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/empowerpix/
- Other: https://empowerpix.org/donate
Image Credits
Dunice Harrell Photography
