Imani McCray shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Imani, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I’m learning the most from my classmates at Hyper Island in the Content Developer program. We come from different ages, cultures, and backgrounds, but what connects us is creativity. That shared drive makes us genuinely curious about one another and creates an environment where we can all take turns leading, sharing our strengths, and just as importantly, stepping back to listen and learn. It feels like a constant exchange, which is shaping not only my skills but also how I see collaboration.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Imani McCray, an international award-winning photographer and the creator of Be the Change Photo—a platform dedicated to using art as a catalyst for active, positive change in the communities it serves. Through my work, I aim to document, inspire, and spark conversations that encourage both reflection and action.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe that bad communication and misinformation are two of the biggest forces that break bonds between people. Misinformation—whether small misunderstandings or larger false narratives—can distort trust and create division. When this is paired with poor communication, like the inability to reach out, to truly listen, or to hear without judgment and preconceived notions, connections start to unravel. For me, open and empathetic communication is essential to building and maintaining genuine relationships.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me the importance of constant adaptation and perseverance in life. Success is amazing, of course, and something we all strive toward. But it’s the suffering—the challenges and low points—that truly shape us. It’s in those moments, when things don’t go our way (as they often don’t), that we discover who we really are and what we’re capable of enduring.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My best friend, Peter Leto, has been a constant in my life. From serving tables in restaurants together to doing emergency aid work in the U.S. and abroad, he’s never changed from being the steadfast, reliable, and deeply thoughtful person he has always been. He’s the type of person who would give a stranger the shirt off his back in the cold, simply because that’s who he is. Through both success and tragedy, Peter has remained as steady and dependable as the sun rising.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel like I’m doing what I was born to do. But without the guidance of positive influences in my life—and without actively applying the principles of ikigai—I could have easily ended up just doing what I was told to do instead of pursuing what truly gives me purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bethechangephoto.com/
- Instagram: @imanicmccray
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-mccray-583164105
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imani.c.mccray/
Image Credits
Imani C. McCray
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