A Celebration of Women™

is elated to Celebrate the Life of this woman leader, an artist/photographer, a philanthropist that uses her talents to better the lives of children and women, with a special focus on her home – India.

 

WOMAN of ACTION™

 
 

 

Rachel Beck

 
 
 
 
I was born in 1976 in a rural village of southern India, located near Katpadi, India. I was taken in by a wonderful woman named Pauline King. She was the founder of Family Village Farm, the orphanage to which I was taken as a newborn. As an infant in India, Rachel Beck was taken in by Mrs. Pauline King, founder of the Family Village Farm in India. Dr. King arranged for her to be adopted in the U.S. In 2002, Rachel connected with Global Ministries and learned about the life and work of Dr. Pauline King, her founding of the Family Village Farm, and the King Matriculation School in India. Rachel appreciated meeting Ms. Vatsala Vijayakumar, Principal of the King Matriculation, during Vatsala’s visits to the U.S. and also enjoyed sharing with people close by her who visit the Family Village Farm on a regular basis.

In 1977, I was adopted by an American family and have been one of the fortunate children. The orphanage still exists today and continues to help many children who feel happy and loved there. I recently had the pleasure of returning to India in 2013, staying at Family Village Farm, working with the kids, and capturing photos for an organization which raises funds for this wonderful facility.

I was so touched and moved by my experience that when I came home I organized and hosted a fundraiser for the orphanage. I strongly believe that as human beings, we cannot look away. Every little thing we can do, we should do.

Luckily, I grew up in a family where helping others was paramount – and still is!

Along, with being a photographer, I work with many charities pro bono and have for years, supporting local organizations, such as Job Corps, the YWCA, and other local charities. Volunteering is desperately needed by most non-profit organizations and I have chosen to help them through my love of photography.

Photography is an art that can capture brilliant sunsets, the power of waterfalls, the depths of human emotion, and the disconcerting global issues that face us today.

Photography can tell a story of our past and our present.

It can provide the means to hold on forever to our memories and to people who are no longer with us. It can provide us with happiness, bewilderment, excitement, and can capture the Earth in all of its glorious wonders.

Photography has brought me joy and a feeling of independence. It has given me the satisfaction of a successful career – one which is intellectually stimulating as well as emotionally fulfilling. Whereas before I was unsure that I was fulfilling my true potential as a person, now I am assured that – with Photography – I am filling what was once a personal void.

Many things motivate and inspire me.

As challenges come my way, I feel I have the strength to move through them.

AND, I believe each of us has the strength to reach our true potential – if we do not let fear halt our progress.

In early 2013, Rachel Beck spent some time working in India.

In her words:

“I had the privilege of staying at Family Village Farm where I was welcomed with open arms. My purpose in being there was to photograph the orphanage, but also the land and the people of India. What I learned and gained from my trip was priceless.”

Please allow me to share what I have learned, so you can understand where I am coming from:

I learned that human relationships are far more important than simply being busy out in the world. I learned to slow down in the middle of the day and savor a cup of coffee or tea with a friend. I also learned that having loving, nurturing, and positive people around me helped me grow as a person. I learned to truly and deeply respect the older generation as they have many gifts and talents to offer.

I felt the importance of becoming a more global human being and the need to make a positive impact in this world. AND, I saw so how much of a difference a single individual can make on his or her world. I recognized that – with all of the horrible things we hear about all the time – humanity and kindness are still very much alive, concepts I had found myself questioning as to their very existence!

When she returned to the U.S., Rachel planned and led a fundraising event where a silent auction was held for jewelry, sports memorabilia, elegant baskets, and vintage collectibles. This event raised in excess of $4,000.00 for the partners at Family Village Farm in India.

Women are very strong and we can accomplish whatever we put our minds to. I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by female examples who have accomplished many things, such as starting at the bottom of a company and working their way to the top, and those who have started and built companies from the ground up. I have also known women who are single mothers and are working 50 hours a week just to make ends meet.

“I feel blessed to say that one of my strongest role models has been my Mother. She has always told me that I can be whoever I want to be and accomplish anything that I am willing to work hard enough for. AND, she has never once quashed any dream I have had.”

We as women can make a difference!!

I currently live near Kansas City and have exhibited my work all over the United States.

My goal is to continue photographing and to make people aware through my images what is really going on in the world.

We cannot close our eyes!

Indeed, I hope my work opens the eyes of others.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

I look forward to meeting you,

Rachel Beck

Rachel Beck Photography

www.rachelbeckphotos.com

[email protected]

Edited by Dee Dee Squires (VOWW member and Rachel’s editor and PR)

GLOBAL WOMEN’S PEACE SUMMIT 2014, Sept. 21 [Toronto, Can]

This incredibly significant photograph has been gifted to The Global Women’s Peace Summit 2014 as Auction Item of the Day.

Photo and caption by Rachel BECK – WOMAN of ACTION™ submission 2014 National Geographic.

This woman has changed my life.

“I am an orphan from India who was adopted. I returned to India in 2013. I am a freelance photographer and was there on assignment. I was touring another orphanage for children and adults and the disabled. It was at the other orphanage where I met her.”

She spoke no words and I was drawn to her.

Upon returning to the States, I was so moved by my experiences, that I planned a fundraiser for India. Her photo is in my living room and she reminds me every day to make this world a better place. Location: Southern India Brava Rachel!

photography.nationalgeographic.com
 

 

 

 

A Celebration of Women™

welcomes this visionary into our global Alumni with open arms, looking forward to future collaborations in bettering the lives of all women and children.

 

 

Brava Rachel!