Society of American Travel Writers
September 12, 2025
Return to EventsJoin renowned National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and writer Ami Vitale for an unforgettable journey through stories that illuminate the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope. With a career spanning 108 countries, Ami has borne witness to some of the most profound intersections of culture, nature, and conflict and emerged with a belief not in despair, but in possibility.
Through her lens and words, Ami invites us into the heart of communities learning from and working with wildlife—stories of rescuing rhinos, protecting elephants, and reintroducing pandas to the wild. But this talk is more than just about endangered species; it’s about the people risking everything to save them, and what we can learn from them about empathy, courage, and collective action.
From war zones to wildlife sanctuaries, Ami’s storytelling reveals how travel and deep engagement with people across the globe can change our understanding of the world—and our place within it. Her images and insights challenge us to rethink what’s possible, and to bring the same spirit of purpose and connection into our communities.
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