Meet Lee

So who’s the person behind the lens…..

I’m Lee—a Colorado native, mom of seven, and deep-thinking introvert with an unshakeable passion for change. I believe that, together, we hold the power to make the world a better place, and that amplifying the voices of women and children is essential to that mission. When we tell their stories, we bring people closer—and as Michelle Obama said, ‘I’ve learned that it’s harder to hate up close.’ This work has shown me just how much understanding and compassion can grow when we allow ourselves to see the world through each other's eyes.

My journey as a humanitarian photographer began in China, where I documented the resilience of orphaned children facing disabilities and urgent medical needs. For more than a decade, I ran my own nonprofit, fully immersing myself in the challenges, heartache, and profound joy that define NGO work. This path taught me that true success requires an unwavering commitment, one that goes far beyond the boundaries of a typical 9-to-5. It’s a life’s calling, one that demands every ounce of resilience, heart, and faith in the power of human connection."

“You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give”
~ Winston Churchill

My Story

I’ve always believed that my children are my greatest teachers. They humble me at every turn, challenge me in ways I never thought possible, and inspire me to step beyond my comfort zone to places I could never have imagined. Each of them has shown me the world through a different lens, expanding my heart and my understanding of resilience and love. Although our family felt complete years ago when we adopted our four girls from China, an ache lingered—a deep knowing that thousands of orphaned children still remained, waiting for the warmth and security of a family. That awareness stayed with me, casting a shadow over each milestone, each joyful family moment, knowing so many children would not experience the same.

In 2003, I returned to China, and that trip allowed me a closer look into the lives of those children who still wait. What I saw stayed with me—young faces full of untold stories, quiet dreams, and unspoken questions. It was heartbreaking to witness, to understand just a fraction of what these children endure, and then to leave, haunted by the thought of what, if anything, I could do from so far away. That experience, both painful and eye-opening, became a call to action that has guided me ever since, propelling me to find ways to bridge that distance and make a difference, no matter how far.

So I started by developing a foster care program to move hundreds of children from orphanages into foster families. The difference was profound—the warmth and security of a family environment gave these children a renewed sense of belonging and hope. For the next few years, I joined a U.S.-based volunteer organization, serving on their board of directors, leading medical missions, and overseeing the foster care program in China. It was an experience that shaped me deeply, and one I will always be grateful for.

The work was incredibly rewarding, yet I couldn’t ignore the immense and growing need among children with serious medical conditions. Their challenges were many, and access to necessary medical care was scarce. Driven to fill this gap, in 2007, I partnered with a family living in China to establish my own nonprofit, An Orphan’s Wish. Together, we created a healing home in Guilin, China, with a mission to provide a safe, nurturing space where medically fragile children could receive essential medical treatment, education, and the stability of a family-like environment.

And the impact was extraordinary. Watching these children thrive in ways we had only hoped for was unbelievably fulfilling—every success felt like a shared victory, and every child’s smile reminded us why we started. The work was challenging and sometimes heart-wrenching, but the rewards were immeasurable."

For ten years, this nonprofit was my heart and soul—my baby. Running an organization halfway around the world was a challenging, all-encompassing mission.

My 60-hour weeks were filled to the brim, balancing hundreds of emails, working closely with 45 dedicated volunteers across the U.S., coordinating donations, shipping essential supplies, and leading nonstop fundraising efforts. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for photography, quickly recognizing the incredible power of strong, authentic imagery. Photography, combined with compelling storytelling and social media outreach, became the lifeblood of our fundraising, accounting for 95% of our donations—and it worked.

Sadly, due to a shifting political landscape, we made the difficult decision to close the nonprofit in 2014, and I began searching for new ways to make an impact. Reflecting on the skills I’d gained over those years, I realized the value I could bring to others with similar missions: the art of storytelling through photography. There’s a magic in it that just works—it connects, inspires, and brings people together."

So now…. let’s talk about you.

Your story….your work….that’s why you’re here, right?

It takes a special kind of person to run an NGO, someone with dedication that reaches far beyond a typical 8-to-5. Long hours, sometimes juggling roles as manager, volunteer coordinator, and fundraiser, all driven by a single, powerful vision. You know your heart and the possibilities for change—you just need to be heard.

That’s where I come in. I’ve walked in your shoes, and I know the joys, struggles, and quiet victories that shape each day. Give me a few weeks by your side. I’ll listen to your story, meet those whose lives you’re changing, see the challenges up close, and celebrate your successes—capturing it all in images that reflect the heart of your mission. And all those images are then yours—yours to share, use in grants, showcase on websites, and elevate your work to new heights. With these visuals, your research and impact reach a broader audience, enhancing the visibility and credibility of your projects.

Photography is more than just a tool; it’s a way to amplify your voice and invite others to join your journey. So reach out and say hello. Let’s make something powerful together—I have a feeling we might be the perfect fit."

~ Professional headshots taken by Decroce Photography