Katie Norris, BSFCS '08
- Young Alumna of the Year
After launching a photography business soon after graduating, Katie Jenkins Norris discovered her calling to use her talent to give back to others through her nonprofit, Fotolanthropy. We honor her contributions and service through the presentation of the Young Alumna of the Year Award.
Katie Norris (BSFCS ’08) always knew she wanted to make a difference with her career and found Baylor to be the perfect university to help shape her direction. She credits her studies in interior design for developing the diligence and attention to detail needed to realize her vision.
Within weeks of marrying in 2008, Katie and her husband, Reece Norris (BBA ’03), decided to leave their promising careers to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Photography had been a passion in college, so Katie started a professional photography business, Katie Norris Portrait Arts. She had a garage sale in order to buy her first camera and rented her first lens for six months because she couldn’t afford to buy it.
In 2011, Katie felt called to use her gift of photography to give back to others and to start a nonprofit organization. Together with Reece, with whom she’s always shared a deep appreciation for true stories, Katie developed the concept of Fotolanthropy.
The couple would combine film, photography and philanthropy to document the inspiring true stories of people overcoming adversity. Any Fotolanthropy subject would receive a portrait session, coffee table book or album, short film and a platform to share their story.
Thus far, Fotolanthropy has completed 15 stories and nine short films. Six of those have involved Baylor families. The project that has received the most attention is Fotolanthropy’s first feature-length documentary, "Travis: A Soldier’s Story."
In addition to running Fotolanthropy and her portrait business, Katie founded and designed the Fotostrap, a high-quality camera strap, with 10 percent of each sale benefiting Fotolanthropy. The Bagby, a green and gold strap, was created to honor Baylor.
Like many students, Katie did not instantly discover her calling upon setting foot on Baylor’s campus as a freshman. She hopes her story encourages others to dream big and pursue their aspirations.
