TWU alumna Nitashia Johnson wins Sony Creator-in-Residence Award

Nitashia Johnson, TWU alumna (B.F.A. ‘12) and winner of the 2019 Sony Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Award.

"Arnelle." Photo by Nitashia Johnson.

"Alpha." Photo by Nitashia Johnson.

"SonyA7III." Photo by Nitashia Johnson.

June 13, 2019 —DENTON—Texas Woman’s University alumna Nitashia Johnson recently completed her residency in the 2019 Sony Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Award Program, which included $25,000 in grant money, $5,000 in film and photography gear as well as mentorship, networking, exhibition and educational opportunities.

Johnson, who graduated from TWU in 2012 with a B.F.A. in art and cum laude honors, has worked as an educator, designer and photographer. "Studying at TWU was essential to my life as an educator and artist. I learned so much about myself there, and my experiences in the art program lead me down this amazing path. It’s where my journey began as a creator and an educator driven to help others," Johnson said.

With the Alpha Female program grant and resources, including mentorship from renowned photographer MeRa Koh, she was able to expand her photography business and launch an after-school mentorship program for creative teens, The Smart Project, which will begin its pilot session in Fall 2019 at North Dallas High School. She also completed two books in her photography series, The Self Publication, which provides people of color with a platform to express themselves and reflect upon their hardships and triumphs.

Launched in 2018, Sony’s Alpha Female Program provides opportunities for creators in the imaging industry to advance their careers through networking and collaboration. Each year, five women photographers and filmmakers are selected to receive six-month grants, which fund creative projects and professional activities that will help them take their careers to the next level.

I use my photography and design to make others feel good about themselves. Inspiring others is why I love creating so much. Nitashia Johnson

Page last updated 12:46 PM, February 23, 2022