Generation Distinct

Generation Distinct is a non-profit organization founded by Hannah G. Barnett with one mission, to help the next generation find the wrong they were born to make right.

At 20 years old she started a conversation with God. She looked around her generation and the one that came after her. She began to ask questions, she began to seek God for the desire to help others step into more. Generation Distinct started as a blog, she wrote about her passion for helping young adults step into their callings. At the time, she was still working on the side full-time, writing early in the morning, on her lunch breaks, or late at night. Her blog turned into something much bigger and greater than she could have ever imagined. She started an organization and a few weeks later she ran into someone who asked her “What are you doing now?” She told her. “I am starting an organization.” A couple of weeks later they sat in a coffee shop, sharing ideas, visions, and dreams. Fast forward to the present day Hannah and her team host monthly cohorts, a yearly conference, where they mentor and equip young leaders to step into their callings. Generation Distinct started as a blog and turned into an organization that helps others seek the heart and desire of God for their own lives. She is joined by her husband Aaron Barnett, and her team in Chicago, IL.

In the summer of 2023, I was asked to photograph a few of their young leaders and listen to their stories.

I posed the question,

“What did Generation Distinct bring back to life for you?”

I was inspired by the heartfelt responses I received. It was an honor to be part of this event and see the passion, drive, and belief instilled within these young leaders of tomorrow.

Check out their stories below.

Hannah G. Barnett, Aaron Barnett, Faith Schiller, Ashley Ephraim, Mason Runkel, Milo Swain, Maddie Swain, Michael Mims, and Jessica Bartucci were the visionaries behind 2023’s conference along with many other volunteers and creatives.