Leia Maminta (Smith) was born in Batangas City, studied at Philippine Science High School and completed her BS Biology at the University of the Philippines. She moved to the US in pursuit of science and completed her PhD in Tumor Cell Biology from Northwestern University. She trained in molecular biology at Washington University and at the National Cancer Institute. She worked in both academic and biotech organizations as a cancer biologist. At the crossroads of her career, she decided to explore her love of photography. She immersed herself in learning more about the history, techniques and business of photography. She received her Photography Certificate from University of Washington and started showing her art at various local venues including Shoreline Arts Festival, Annual Arts of the Terrace (Montlake Terrace), and Northwest Council Camera Clubs (NWCCC). She is an active member of Seattle Photographic Society and the Seattle Working Photographers Alliance. Her photo essays have been awarded first place by NWCCC for two consecutive years. The first one was on “Conversations between Moms and Sons” (2014) and the most recent one was entitled “Love and Laughter: Filipino Families in Washington State” (2015). Leia’s contemporary photography collection of Filipino families were featured at 2015 Pagdiriwang as part of her solo photography exhibit “Larawan” and as part of the Philippine Cultural exhibit at Shoreline Arts Festival (June 2015). More recently, she had an art show with another artist in Manila entitled “Tubig at Ilaw” (Renaissance Gallery, January 2016), featuring her floral photographs. Part of her collection are currently on display at Essence salon in Seattle. She lives in Seattle with her spouse and 2 sons and enjoys traveling with family. To see more of her works, visit www.leiasmithphotography.com.