We Are Stamford
Immigrants in
Photography Exhibit organized by
Building One Community
featuring immigrant photo stories
by John Moore
Location: 417 Shippan Avenue, Stamford
Please note: Through a $20 donation, you will receive your own copy of the We Are Stamford book. Please email [email protected] to coordinate picking up your book or if you have any questions.
Join us in celebrating the vibrant contributions of immigrants in Stamford! Our neighbors from all over the world offer a unique perspective, rich traditions, and amazing talents that are woven into the very fabric of our community. They truly bring our city to life with their diverse cultures and fuel our economy in important ways.
We invite you to explore this captivating photo exhibit and witness first-hand how immigrants invigorate every aspect of our society. With their entrepreneurial spirit, skilled labor, and innovative thinking, immigrants drive economic growth and create significant opportunities for our city. Step into the world of these remarkable individuals as you delve into their stories, struggles, aspirations, and, most importantly, their invaluable impact on Stamford's past, present, and future.
Stamford flourishes as an opportunity-filled hub, in great part thanks to the influx of diverse minds and backgrounds. Let's pause and recognize immigrants’ immense contributions and celebrate our shared successes. Together, we build one amazing community!
Adriana Molina
Today, Adriana is a Sergeant in the Stamford Police Department, assigned to its Behavioral Health Unit.
Adriana became a police officer at the age of 37. She absolutely loves her job. She can be found all over town interacting with people on the streets and helping in every way she can. As a Sergeant in charge of the Behavioral Health Unit, Adriana and her team are often engaging with families and individuals, who are in need. She says, “ we talk to them and get to know them, and we do our best to identify and meet their needs. My job has been totally rewarding. I have met many amazing people during my career.”
She believes that Stamford provides a vast number of opportunities and resources for all members of the community: “It’s inspiring to see the tremendous collaboration between the many local agencies and the Stamford Police Department. This type of unity provides the opportunity to empower all members of our community.”
Adriana Molina
Today, Adriana is a Sergeant in the Stamford Police Department, assigned to its Behavioral Health Unit.
Adriana became a police officer at the age of 37. She absolutely loves her job. She can be found all over town interacting with people on the streets and helping in every way she can. As a Sergeant in charge of the Behavioral Health Unit, Adriana and her team are often engaging with families and individuals, who are in need. She says, “ we talk to them and get to know them, and we do our best to identify and meet their needs. My job has been totally rewarding. I have met many amazing people during my career.”
She believes that Stamford provides a vast number of opportunities and resources for all members of the community: “It’s inspiring to see the tremendous collaboration between the many local agencies and the Stamford Police Department. This type of unity provides the opportunity to empower all members of our community.”
Juan Rave
Today, Reginald is an artist, working now as a home health aide.
Reggie was a university-trained artist when he came to Boston in 2015 to be part of a painting exhibition at the Haitian consulate office. That exhibition never happened, and the political situation in Haiti made it too dangerous to return home. So, Reggie decided to make a new home with his mom already here. It was hard. He had left behind his family. He says, "I had to start over. It is so crazy how one day you are a professionally recognized painter making a good living and suddenly everything you have worked for has no value. You have to start from the bottom again."
He reminisces about how much Building One Community helped him. "I came to B1C with little English. They helped me learn the language, they helped me train for jobs, they helped me with a lot of other things. I am sincerely grateful."
Reginald Boursiquot
Today, Reginald is an artist, working now as a home health aide.
Reggie was a university-trained artist when he came to Boston in 2015 to be part of a painting exhibition at the Haitian consulate office. That exhibition never happened, and the political situation in Haiti made it too dangerous to return home. So, Reggie decided to make a new home with his mom already here. It was hard. He had left behind his family. He says, "I had to start over. It is so crazy how one day you are a professionally recognized painter making a good living and suddenly everything you have worked for has no value. You have to start from the bottom again."
He reminisces about how much Building One Community helped him. "I came to B1C with little English. They helped me learn the language, they helped me train for jobs, they helped me with a lot of other things. I am sincerely grateful."
Today, Reginald is an artist, working now as a home health aide.
Reggie was a university-trained artist when he came to Boston in 2015 to be part of a painting exhibition at the Haitian consulate office. That exhibition never happened, and the political situation in Haiti made it too dangerous to return home. So, Reggie decided to make a new home with his mom already here. It was hard. He had left behind his family. He says, "I had to start over. It is so crazy how one day you are a professionally recognized painter making a good living and suddenly everything you have worked for has no value. You have to start from the bottom again."
He reminisces about how much Building One Community helped him. "I came to B1C with little English. They helped me learn the language, they helped me train for jobs, they helped me with a lot of other things. I am sincerely grateful."
Reginald Boursiquot
Juan Rave
Today, Juan is an architectural metal worker and owner of Rave’s W Services, LLC.
Looping lines of gleaming, stainless steel climb a staircase. Intricate interesting rectangles create a spectacular entry door. Juan Rave, a master metal worker, makes many wonders for lucky homeowners. Juan learned his trade in Colombia, but when he came to the U.S., he started off as a house painter. He says, “When you go to the Colombian Embassy to get your visa, they should hand you a paintbrush along with it. Every Colombian around here seems to start off as a house painter.”
When he started his business, Juan went from gig to gig as a freelance worker. Now he doesn’t need to; everyone comes to him for one of his beautiful creations. He spends his time, teaching his nephew, Gus, the next generation, all about the craft, the art, and the business of architectural fabrication. Juan has been a participant of B1C’s Skills Development Program and now is running its welding course as an instructor.
American photojournalist John Moore is a senior staff photographer and special correspondent for Getty Images. Moore has been honored in the profession throughout his career, including a Pulitzer Prize, a Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, and the World Press Photo of the Year.
His most long-term photo reportage has been to put a human face on the issue of immigration, both within the U.S. and throughout Latin America. He lives with his family in Stamford, CT. Instagram and X @jbmoorephoto
Our Sincere Thanks to All Those Supporting this Photo Exhibition
A huge thank you to our photo subjects
who generously dedicated their time and shared their stories.
Storytelling and Translations:
Sonia Alcantarilla, Angelica Arce, Leni Borges, Simon Desras, Peter Dupuy, Eleanor Riemer, Bianca Shinn, and Ellen Williams
Photography Support, Design and Installation:
Alphagraphics, Graham Jordan, JPG of Stamford, and Gretchen Kraus
A Very Special Thanks to Our Friend, John Moore,
for bringing the stories of our immigrant neighbors to life. We are so grateful for your talent and dedication to this special project.
