About Me

Tina Friedman turned to photography and storytelling early on. Her passion for capturing moments and experiences led her to being selected by National Geographic magazine to participate in a 10-day hands-on training as a photojournalist. She has carried this passion when traveling solo through 35 developing countries with her backpack, Nikon camera, a journal, a fierce determination, and her adventurous spirit. She has published both stories and photos in newspapers, magazines, and books. When she returned from her first trip to Africa in 1996, she created Global Village, a nonprofit craft, cultural, and education center for her community that opened its doors to more than 3,000 children. Through this center, she raised enough money to begin building a secondary school in Siachilaba, Zimbabwe. In 2008, she published her first book, Sandpoint: A Small Town with a Big Heart (a 264-page four-color coffee-table book), which was a huge success. All profits from book sales were donated back into the community. Echoes of Africa: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey into the Heart of Africa chronicles an almost year-long backpacking journey with her adopted biracial child. She has plans to publish several more books featuring the stories and photographs of her world travels.