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In this episode of Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez welcomes Jonathan, Executive Director of Seeing for Ourselves. From his childhood in the Bronx and career with New York City Transit to his work in books and PBS documentaries, Jonathan shares how storytelling became the thread connecting his life’s work.

Discover how participatory photography helps public housing residents, people serving probation, and young immigrants share their experiences beyond stereotypes. Jonathan also discusses My Climate Future, a film bringing young people’s perspectives into the climate conversation, and his commitment to continuing founder George Carrano’s legacy.

We finish with “Voices in Five,” revealing Jonathan’s favorite film, meaningful childhood memories, and reassuring advice to his younger self.

Watch or listen, share this conversation with someone who loves photography and storytelling, and subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices.

Learn more: Seeing for Ourselves

Chapters

These timestamps match your supplied transcript.
00:00 — Opening Preview: Dignity and Hope
00:42 — Meet Jonathan Fisher
02:03 — Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices
02:47 — Growing Up in the Bronx
05:36 — NYC Transit: Maps, MetroCards, and Storytelling
09:16 — Getting Around New York City
10:35 — George Carrano and Seeing for Ourselves
12:52 — What Is Participatory Photography?
15:07 — AI Images and Unrealistic Expectations
15:50 — Project Lives: Public Housing Through Residents’ Eyes
18:25 — Photography, Probation, and Second Chances
20:02 — Young Immigrants Tell Their Stories
22:27 — Community Arts and Opportunities for Youth
24:23 — Continuing George’s Legacy and My Climate Future
28:41 — Supporting the Film’s Impact Campaign
29:32 — Voices in Five: Getting to Know Jonathan
33:26 — Where to Connect and Support the Work
34:20 — Thank You and Closing

Keywords and tags

Jonathan Fisher, Seeing for Ourselves, Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez, participatory photography, visual storytelling, community photography, Project Lives, public housing photography, In a Whole New Way, criminal justice rehabilitation, photography and second chances, immigrant stories, Not From These Parts, My Climate Future, youth climate voices, George Carrano, PBS documentaries, photography nonprofit. Know in the comments how you find hope in your own daily experiences.

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