A documentary photographer shares how her passion for photography and career in nonprofit arts administration became unexpected partners, teaching her that creative fulfillment and financial stability need not compete.
Verified Member
Influential Woman · Nonprofit
Kamille Medina-Estrella, MBA
Director of Business Operations, TADA! Youth Theater
Bronx, NY 10459
1Article published
5Awards received
Her Story
About Kamille
Kamille Medina-Estrella, MBA, serves as Director of Business Operations at TADA! Youth Theater, a nonprofit youth theater organization with more than 40 years of history dedicated to providing young people with access to the performing arts. With more than 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kamille began her career as a caseworker with Help USA, a New York City homeless services organization, where she spent approximately two years supporting clients as they pursued housing stability, savings goals, and career development. She later transitioned into business operations with Madison Strategies Group, where she developed expertise in accounting and human resources. After earning her MBA in 2018, she continued to advance her career and now oversees the organization’s business operations, financial management, and administrative practices.
In addition to her leadership in nonprofit operations, Kamille is an accomplished documentary photographer with nearly a decade of experience. Her photography reflects her passion for capturing authentic stories, community connections, and the growth and potential of the people she photographs. She volunteers twice a month with the Hunts Point Alliance for Children, documenting the Ballet in the Bronx program and creating visual records that celebrate the accomplishments of its young dancers. Through her ongoing creative work, Kamille uses photography as a means of highlighting community, identity, artistic expression, and the transformative power of the arts.
Kamille attributes her professional success to perseverance and her ability to overcome imposter syndrome by consistently reminding herself of the hard work, experience, and accomplishments that have shaped her career. She believes in recognizing her own growth while continuing to learn and develop professionally. Commitment is one of the values she holds most deeply, both in her professional and personal life, guiding her approach to leadership, community engagement, and creative expression. Through her work in nonprofit management, financial operations, youth mentorship, and documentary photography, Kamille demonstrates a multifaceted commitment to empowering people and strengthening the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kamille
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to push past imposter syndrome and remain grounded in the knowledge that I have worked hard to reach where I am today. I continually remind myself that I deserve the opportunities and spaces I occupy, and that my accomplishments have been earned through dedication, perseverance, and consistent effort in both my professional and artistic pursuits.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is not to be afraid of change or remain in situations simply because they are comfortable. My sister reminded me that comfort does not always equate to success or security, and that taking a calculated leap of faith can open the door to opportunities that are far better than what I could have imagined. Her advice has encouraged me to embrace change, trust my abilities, and remain open to new possibilities for growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to ask thoughtful questions about employee development, professional growth, and funding for career advancement during the interview process. It is also important to build a strong network both within and outside of your organization. Do not be afraid to network, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, because meaningful connections can lead to mentorship, new opportunities, and long-term professional growth.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit sector right now is securing adequate funding, particularly for employee development and professional growth, which are often overlooked in organizational budgets. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity for organizations to invest in their employees through paid training, professional development, and career advancement initiatives. When nonprofits prioritize these investments, they not only strengthen their teams but also create opportunities for employees to grow, develop new skills, and build long-term careers within the sector.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Commitment is one of the most important values in both my professional and personal life. When I say I am going to do something, I hold myself accountable to that commitment and give 100 percent to fulfilling it. I believe that consistently showing up, following through, and honoring my word has played a significant role in my growth and success, both in my career and in my personal life.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Kamille
When Your Career and Creative Passion Finally Meet
How a nonprofit leader discovered that passion and profession aren't opposites—they're partners in building a meaningful life.
People often assume your career and your passion have to compete. Mine didn't. They became partners.
I am a documentary photographer, but my journey has been anything but linear. Like many artists, I stepped away from my creative practice more than once. Some of those pauses lasted years. Even then, I never stopped carrying a camera. Photography remained a quiet part of my life, waiting patiently until I was ready to return.
That return came unexpectedly when my daughter joined Ballet in the Bronx, a free ballet program operated by The Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC). The program had limited resources, and I realized I could contribute through photography. Every month, I documented the dancers performing the same movements, creating a visual record of their growth. Watching them gain confidence reminded me why I fell in love with photography. My camera wasn't just documenting progress-it was helping celebrate it.
A few years later, my professional career brought me to arts administration. Today, I serve as the Director of Business Operations at TADA! Youth Theater. My role centers on budgets, audits, payroll, contracts, and financial planning. Photography isn't part of my job description, but I had learned something at HPAC: sometimes your greatest contribution isn't the one listed on your business card.
So, I started bringing my camera.
I photograph performances, rehearsals, educational programs, and special events. Before long, my colleagues trusted me not only to manage operations but also to tell our organization's story through images.
For years, I believed I had to choose between financial stability and creative fulfillment. I don't believe that anymore.
My work in nonprofit leadership has made me a stronger photographer, and photography has made me a better leader. One teaches strategy and stewardship. The other teaches observation, empathy, and connection.
Looking back, I don't think I ever had two separate careers. I was building one life, and it simply took time for the pieces to find each other.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.