Christan Leonard

Christan Leonard is a freelance journalist and photographer from Seattle, Washington. She has lived and worked in France, Kenya and Colombia and is eager to expand this list to include most of the known world. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2011 with degrees in international studies and economics. To see further examples of her work, visit her website at www.christanleonard.com.
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A volunteer handed out food from the patio of the Taksim Square Starbucks in Istanbul, Turkey last week. (Photo by Christan Leonard)

Starbucks lends a hand (and a toilet) to Turkish protesters

by Christan Leonard
Starbucks has long been a target of anti-corporate protests. But one store on Istanbul’s Taksim Square has quietly given aid to Turkish protestors.
Jun 13, 2013
Protesters attempt to stop a police truck from passing in Istanbul's Taksim Square on Tuesday. (Photo by Christan Leonard)

The view from Gezi Park

by Christan Leonard
Seattleite Christan Leonard is in Istanbul documenting a protest movement that is turning out to be about a lot more than saving a park.  
Jun 12, 2013

Hip Hop school is saving grace for Colombian students

by Christan Leonard
In Medellin, Colombia, the call to violence, prostitution and gang activity can be overwhelming for youth with limited options after school. The Eskeula 4 Elementos is a sanctuary in the middle of it all, offering lessons on hip hop, rap, DJing and graffiti art.   Seattle journalist Christan Leonard reports from South America. 
Sep 10, 2012