In 2012, Ivy picked up the book “The Ragged Edge of the World”, by Eugene Linden, describing the loss of natural and cultural legacy when ancient traditions and the natural world collide with modernity. Linden’s words ignited her to travel and explore the cultural and humanitarian aspects of developing countries and investigate the multifaceted edges of this collision. In addition to photographing cultures in transition, Ivy has worked with Non Profits in San Diego documenting refugee resettlement, homelessness, and digital education for underserved youth. Other projects focused on saving sacred ground in Native American communities and protecting habitat and social equality in Uganda. Ivy seeks multiple ways to help her fulfill her purpose of "helping people see a bigger picture." Ivy has a B.A. in Psychology from the State University of NY at Stony Brook and an  MSOD in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University.