The I’m Still Standing Movement brought women together on the evening of August 20 at Roger Robach Community Center at Ontario Beach Park for an empowerment photoshoot celebrating resilience, connection, and the strength found in standing together.
With Lake Ontario as the backdrop, participants proudly wore their I’m Still Standing shirts and gathered to capture more than a photograph. The evening gave women a chance to connect, celebrate their journeys, and recognize the strength that comes from standing together.
But the photoshoot was one expression of a growing movement in Rochester.
The I’m Still Standing Movement was created to provide women with an outlet to connect, share their experiences and recognize their strength. Its broader vision is to build a community where people can come together, access resources, share knowledge and support one another.
For participant Lauren, that vision is about creating something that extends beyond the present moment. She said, “I’m Still Standing is about leaving a legacy for all women to unite and choose to stand together. Because by ourselves, we can go fast, but together we can go far.”
The evening continued following the photoshoot with a gathering at Whiskeys Upper Deck at the Port of Rochester, where participants had an opportunity to relax, celebrate, and continue connecting beyond the camera. The gathering reflected an important part of the I’m Still Standing Movement: creating spaces where women can build relationships, encourage one another, and experience a sense of community that extends beyond a single event.
For participant Sonja, that sense of connection is at the heart of what the movement represents. “I’m Still Standing Women’s Support Team is a beautiful community centered on strength, encouragement, healing, sisterhood, and helping women rebuild after difficult seasons,” she said.
Founder Tamesha Beckford sees the photoshoot as an important step in building a movement that can reach beyond a single event or gathering.
“I’m Still Standing was born from a desire to remind people of something we can easily forget when life gets difficult: we are stronger than what we have been through, and we do not have to stand alone. Thursday’s photoshoot was more than putting on a shirt and taking pictures. It was about women seeing themselves, seeing one another, and recognizing the strength that exists when we choose to stand together. We are beginning by creating a space for women, but my vision for I’m Still Standing is much bigger. I want to build a movement that welcomes everyone to the table, connects people to the resources and support within our community, and creates a lasting legacy of people choosing to stand together.”
As the I’m Still Standing Movement grows, it plans to amplify the people, businesses, organizations and community resources already working to support individuals and families. The goal is to make those connections more visible and help people discover resources they may not otherwise know are available. The August photoshoot was one step in that work. The photographs help tell the stories behind the movement while continuing to raise awareness of its vision.
For more information about the I’m Still Standing Movement, email imstillstandingroc@gmail.com.
