Annie Griffiths—a Minneapolis native, world-renowned photographer and founder of Ripple Effect Images, a nonprofit collective of photographers dedicated to documenting the stories of women and girls in the developing world—will serve as Grand Marshal for the University of Minnesota’s 2024 Homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 25. A 1976 graduate of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota, Griffiths’ trailblazing career has inspired photographers and humanitarian advocates alike.
At just 25 years old, Griffiths joined the prestigious ranks of National Geographic photographers, making her the youngest and one of the first women to do so at the time. Over the course of three decades, she has captured breathtaking images across every continent and in more than 100 countries. In addition to dozens of National Geographic projects, Griffiths’ work has appeared in many other publications, including LIFE, Geo, Smithsonian, Fortune and Stern. Her work has received awards from the National Press Photographers Association, Heifer International, the National Organization of Women and the White House News Photographers Association.
Griffiths has published a number of books, including "Simply Beautiful Photographs," which was named the top photo/art book of the year in 2014, and A Camera, Two Kids and a Camel," a photo memoir about balance and the joy of creating a meaningful life. She is currently writing a memoir and provides her reflections on life and art in a newsletter titled You’re Not That Nice (via Substack).
“Growing up in Minneapolis, it's an honor to come home and be recognized as this year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal,” said Griffiths. “‘I have such wonderful memories of the U of M, especially The Minnesota Daily. I am so grateful for that student newspaper because it launched my career and was the greatest gift to me as a young photographer.”
“Annie exemplifies the remarkable achievements of U of M alumni who are making groundbreaking contributions and inspiring global change,” said Lisa Lewis, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. “Her visionary work as a photojournalist and her dedicated philanthropy have profoundly impacted the lives of women, children and our planet.”
Griffiths sat down to answer more questions about her U of M connections and her advice for future graduates in this video Q&A.
In addition to her magazine work, Griffiths is deeply committed to photographing for aid organizations around the world. She’s the Founder of Ripple Effect Images, a collective of photographers who document programs that empower women and girls in the developing world. Ripple has produced more than 50 films and built a photo archive of over 50,000 images, helping aid organizations raise over $10 million to support women and children.
A frequent guest on NPR, The Today Show and Good Morning America, Griffiths is also a celebrated speaker, having shared her experiences at the United Nations, the Skoll World Forum and TEDx. She has also worked with brands like Microsoft and Procter & Gamble to teach teams how to connect across cultural divides.
Since its founding 120 years ago in 1904, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) has supported the University’s homecoming festivities. This includes selecting a graduate to be Grand Marshal. To be selected, the individual has to have demonstrated a passion for the U of M, become an aspirational role model for students and made a significant impact in their chosen profession.
The 2024 Homecoming celebrations will begin Oct. 21. For current Homecoming event information, visit UMNalumni.org/Homecoming.
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