Sam is a Richmond, VA-based artist, abolitionist, and activist. During their time in New York City, Sam was listed by VICE as part of "the next generation of New York's greatest young photographer's," and their work was featured by Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, VICE, Marie Claire Daily Mail UK, METRO UK, Stylist Magazine, and more. They hold a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Administration, Planning and Policy from Virginia Commonwealth University, where their research focused on healing-centered design, trauma-informed practices, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and individuals currently and/or formerly incarcerated. In 2023, they participated in a two week, social justice and culture-based study abroad experience in Ghana with others from the VCU School of Social Work. Sam currently works for Richmond-based non-profit Assisting Families of Inmates, where they completed their first field placement for their master’s program, as a Program Facilitator for the Family Reunification House, located on the Virginia Correctional Center for Women campus in Goochland, VA.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (with Honors) Photography, Parsons the New School for Design, NY; 2014-2018
Master of Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA; 2022-2025
Exhibitions
Parsons BFA Photography Senior Thesis Show, Aperture Gallery, Spring 2018
FEAST Pinup Show, The New School, Spring 2016
Work Experience
MSW Intern at GrantFlow, January 2025-August 2025
Program Facilitator at Assisting Families of Inmates, 2024-present
After School/Summer Counselor and Arts Specialist at Weinstein JCC, 2019-2022
Arts and Crafts Specialist at JCC Camp Hilbert, Summer 2019
Post Production Assistant at Stomping Ground Photo, 2018-2020
Photography Instructor and Teaching Assistant at 92Y, 2018-2019
Photo Intern at Saturday Night Live, 2017
Photo Intern at Universal Music Group, 2016-2017
Lifestyle Photographer and Writer for Acentric Magazine, 2016-2021
Music Photographer for Plugged in Promotions (Online Publication), 2012-2017
Volunteer Experience
Clinic Escort at Richmond Medical Center for Women, 2023-2024
Awards
Parsons the New School for Design, Dean's BFA Scholarship, 2014-2018
Parsons the New School for Design, Dean's List Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016
Honorable Mention in Photographer's Forum Best of High School and College Photography, 2015
Finalist in Photographer's Forum Best of Photography, 2014-2015
©Samantha Lichtenstein. All Rights Reserved.