Dr. Rasheda L Weaver | International Institute for Social Entrepreneurship (IISE)

Meet my client, Dr. Rasheda L. Weaver.

Dr. Weaver is the founder of the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurship (IISE), a global expert in social entrepreneurship, an award-winning author, and she speaks around the world.

Her dissertation is the first large-scale study on the social, economic, and legal activities of social enterprises in the United States.

She was sponsored by the Biden-Harris Administration’s African Descent Social Entrepreneurship Network, wherein she works with 100 social entrepreneurs of African descent from 25 countries to develop social innovations and enterprises that advance economic prosperity in the United States and beyond. 

Her book “Social Entrepreneurship: A Practical Introduction.” is now being used in over 10 university classrooms around the world.

I worked with Dr. Weaver in 2023 when she found me on a Facebook group. Dr. Weaver wanted personal branding photos and videos that would help her share what she does and most importantly, where she came from. She also wanted to show others that it doesn’t matter what your circumstances or where you came from, you have the power to change your life and make a difference.

We did a 2-day video and photo production where I collaborated with a videographer. On the first day, I did Dr. Weaver’s branding photoshoot (headshots and movement photos) at a local park and the videographer captured some B-rolls. Then we head over to a rented studio to capture some in-action shots of Dr. Weaver working on the computer, with her book, and hosting her bootcamp with some attendees. In the meantime, the videographer capture some b-rolls. Then we ended the day with some business brand videos that highlights her bootcamp and her book.

On the second day, we went to Dr. Weaver’s hometown in the Bronx to capture some photos of her at the train station where she rode to school in mid-town Manhattan and on the street where she grew up.

This year (2025), Dr. Weaver came back for some fresh branding photos. While she still love the photos from our last session, she needed new ones to reflect who she is now.

From our conversation, she’s looking for more personal branding photos focusing on lifestyle headshots with minimal props, primarily showcasing her book.

I setup the studio space with different areas to offer a variety of backdrop and furniture, including a desk/office area, a couch area, plain wall area, along with some plants and neutral props to enhance the background look. We did different poses while focus on capturing her fun personality with her book. Dr. Weaver’s energy was amazing!

Since we had worked together, Dr. Weaver had been using her photos on her website, social media, and even on an online feature – Canvas Rebel.

Working with Dr. Weaver was one of the most inspiring experiences. This is why I love what I do! I love being around other business owners, hearing their stories, their challenges, and learning from them.

Learn more about Dr. Weaver’s work and upcoming events at www.rashedaweaver.com.

Are you interested in a personal branding photoshoot in the Northern or Central New Jersey area? Schedule a discovery call and let’s create strategic, scroll-stopping photos that tell your story and grow your business.