University of Arkansas Alumna Nominated for Women's Day Challenge

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Bertha Gutierrez, an alumna of the University of Arkansas, has been nominated for the International Women's Day Challenge from Oxfam America and GOOD Magazine. The winners will be selected through online voting.

To vote for Gutierrez and see more about her project, to the Oxfam America website. Voting ends at 2 p.m. CST Thursday, March 29.

Gutierrez was nominated for her work to bring Las Fotos Project to Northwest Arkansas. If she wins the challenge, Gutierrez will receive $1,000 to continue working with young women to teach them about photography, art, and self-expression. Many of the young women participating in Las Fotos Project wouldn't otherwise be able to get the kind of mentoring and experience brought to them. 

Gutierrez was born in El Salvador and moved to Northwest Arkansas at 16 years old. She graduated from Springdale High School in 2003 and from the University of Arkansas with a degree in journalism and art in 2007. She took the initiative to bring Las Fotos Project to Northwest Arkansas in fall 2011. She has coordinated all facets of this program, recruiting other volunteers, securing donations and sponsors, and engaging participants. 

Las Fotos Project is a non-profit, community-powered photography program. Through one-on-one mentoring, photography trainings, and assigned field projects, Las Fotos Project provides a creative outlet for its Latina students, encouraging them to express their artistic talents, explore their imagination, while promoting individuality and build self-confidence. This project targets Latina girls from 12 to 17 years old. Las Fotos Project was founded in Los Angeles in the fall of 2010. The Northwest Arkansas chapter of the project launched in February, through the vital support of individuals and businesses in the community.

Through the challenge, Oxfam America celebrates the accomplishments of women worldwide. The organization honors the inspiring women who are making an impact in their local communities.