I had the pleasure to photograph Dr. Venera N. Anderson (PhD, MBA). who shared a part of her journey thus far:
“‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’ (R.W. Emerson).
During my travels, I bought a stone plaque with this quote from a store in Montana and brought it to my college dormitory. The plaque matched the rustic design of my room. However, this quote didn’t coincide with my then-life plans.
I always had a clear and conventional vision of my future. After college, I went to Wall Street to focus on investment banking. Later, during my MBA studies, I got fascinated with global issues like poverty, climate change, and international relations. So, I also completed an independent research study on poverty and started a doctorate in economic theory at another university.
Before graduation, I considered careers with the most global impact, feeling that the world was about to change. I was sure that financial and non-financial issues related to society and the environment would be crucial for the sustainability of businesses, economic/social systems, and the well-being of our planet.
I graduated 8 years before the UN adopted hashtag#SDGs, and hashtag#sustainability emerged as a viable career choice. To create a global impact, I continued with my doctorate program and returned to Wall Street to learn from the best global investment banking group focused on renewable energy.
Eventually, I decided ‘not to go where the path may lead.’ Instead, I chose to carve my own path in sustainability: a career portfolio focused on developing and implementing solutions for global issues like climate change, economic development, and humanitarian challenges.
During the pandemic, I got inspired by pictures/stories of Eugina Jordan and other incredible women featured on the All About Headshots by Alissa Randall page. So, I booked an appointment with a trailblazer in photography, Alissa Randall, in NYC, who suggested taking headshots in a suit and a leather jacket.
When I got my headshots back, I realized that Alissa’s pictures perfectly captured my essence thus far:
-The “suit” continues to succeed in corporate boardrooms.
-The “leather jacket” led and advised multiple humanitarian missions with the American Red Cross in Japan and trekked Eurasia for poverty-related research.
-The “leather jacket” also assists with Rotary International causes and illuminem thought leadership while occasionally defying common sense with adventures, like bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge in Africa.
Most importantly, the “suit + leather jacket” portfolio represents a woman who follows her trail in sustainability focused on climate change, economic development, and humanitarian issues.
Thank you, Alissa, for capturing my multi-faceted life in photos so well! I am incredibly grateful that our trails have crossed!”
About Alissa
Alissa Randall is a portrait photographer based in New Jersey and New York City, known for creating images that feel both elevated and deeply personal. While professional headshots remain a cornerstone of her work, her photography has grown to include personal branding, women’s empowerment, family connection sessions, and expressive portraits of dogs and the people who love them.
Her approach blends editorial artistry with empathy and guidance, helping people feel comfortable enough to be fully seen in front of the camera. Whether photographing an executive, an entrepreneur, a family, or a beloved dog, Alissa creates photographs that reflect more than appearance. They reflect presence, personality, connection, and story.
Alissa photographs in NJ, NYC, and on location beyond the tri-state area. Explore more of her work on the homepage and discover stories behind the images on the blog.