"I always loved photos, but never got too far into it."
But now, Amber Illescas is using her natural gift of photography to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Arizona kids in foster care, forming the non-profit E3 AZ.
The goal -- take photos of these kids to encourage, equip, and empower them through their time in foster care.
"Our focus or our impact is to be able to capture the children in those moments whether it's that moment where they're having that one quick little moment of happiness and capturing that or that's just how they are. We like to capture those photos and pictures."
The group also helps kids with vision boards, goal-setting, and special stuffed animals so they'll always remember someone cares.
"It's just amazing to watch her kind of break through to some of the kids who may feel nervous the day of the event," explains Mollie Mesaros with the Dept. of Child Safety.
"She is warm-hearted, she is caring, she is giving, she is passionate, she is loving. You're just an amazing human!" says Monica McPherson, who helps with E3 AZ.
Amber Illescas is helping Arizona foster kids see their lives through a different lens, and that is why you are one of Nick's Heroes.
All around us in the Valley, people go above and beyond to help make our community even better.
We want to know who they are! Nominate someone today and tell us why they should be one of Nick's Heroes. They could win a $500 gift card from our friends at Valley Toyota Dealers.
