The power of being seen can change everything. We see it in the workplace and in our world. 

And one way to strengthen empathy and build that connection is through photography.  A single photograph—placed in someone’s hands—can affirm dignity, spark connection, and grow empathy on both sides of the lens. That’s the heartbeat of Print the Love, the nonprofit founded 15 years ago by today’s guest, Ceallaigh Smart. 

We explore how photography creates empathy, how international travel to under-resourced communities expands perspective, why giving back in any capacity is healing, and how ethical photography and storytelling train our empathy muscle—through permission, protection, and honoring people’s stories. 

Ceallaigh also shares a vulnerable personal journey of healing that led to her love of global travel and a desire to serve. That’s the power of being seen. 

To access the episode transcript, go to www.TheEmpathyEdge.com, search by episode title.

Listen in for…

• The transformation that comes when people see a photo of themselves for the first time.
• The power of being seen.
• The ethics of taking photos of strangers.
• Creating empathy through photography, especially in underserved communities.
• The power of celebrating life’s moments, as they are, right now.

"I want to live in a world where a stranger says, ‘You are beautiful today, no matter what, and here's a memory for you and your family to keep for a long time to bring you joy."  —  Ceallaigh Smart

Episode References: 

• Join an international trip with Print the Love:  printthelove.org/trips
• Humans of New York - Instagram
• Fuji
• Ultrapro

The Empathy Edge podcast episodes:

• Woodson Martin: Balancing Corporate Success with Humanitarian Work
• Teri Schmidt: Empathy-Infused Team Building for Lasting Impact
• Ashley Jones: How to Courageously Lead and Support Through Grief

About Ceallaigh Smart, Executive Director, Print the Love:

Ceallaigh (pronounced Kelly) founded Print the Love in 2015 and has worked in nonprofits for over 20 years. In addition to her work at Print the Love, Ceallaigh is the Executive Director of Haiti Outreach. With a background and education in Arts Administration (MA), Experiential/Adventure Education and Art Therapy (BA), and Colorado Outward Bound Alum, Ceallaigh brings a unique depth of leadership experiences and knowledge to the international NGO space. She is passionate about humanitarianism, international travel, narcissistic abuse recovery, Jesus, peace activism, running, the arts, self-care, the outdoors, social justice, fighting for the oppressed, crushing the patriarchy, and finding an awesome new keto dessert or mocktail recipe. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband, rescue pup, and two amazing teens.

Connect with Ceallaigh:

Print the Love: printthelove.org 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ceallaighsmart 

Facebook: facebook.com/printthelove 

Instagram: instagram.com/printtheloveorg 

Connect with Maria:

Get Maria's books: Red-Slice.com/books

Hire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross

Take the LinkedIn Learning Courses! Leading with Empathy and Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Results as a Leader 

LinkedIn: Maria Ross

Instagram: @redslicemaria

Facebook: Red Slice

Get your copy of The Empathy Dilemma here- www.theempathydilemma.com