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Table of Contents
Click on the text to jump to a specific section.
Inspiration………………………...........................5
Student Testimonials………………………......6 – 7
The Impact………………….………………….8 -– 13
The How…........................................……..14 – 15
Overview of Workshop Packages.…….…..16 – 17
Overview of Personal Interview Packages..18 – 19
Package Breakdown………………………...20 – 25
Project Timeline……………………………...26 – 27
About Me……………………………….……..……28
Schedule a Consultation………..………………..29
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Inspiration behind the Project
A note from the creator and photographer
After hundreds of conversations and hours spent listening to students, it became clear that the narrow lens through which Jewish narratives have been and continue to be told was a problem that left many students feeling as though they struggled to belong. Realizing this problem needed to be addressed, I created The Portrait Identity Project, which uses portraiture photography, reflective interviews, and storytelling to amplify and celebrate underrepresented students' stories, stimulate reflection on intersectional identities, and leverage the arts to build community.
Photography is the chosen medium because it allows viewers to see a part of themselves in others’ stories, instigates radical perspective shifts about what being Jewish “looks like,” and celebrates the dynamic diversity of Jewish traditions and identities. Exploring intersectional Jewish identities, in greater depth, creates the space for students to process the full range of their experiences with Judaism, allows them to dig deep into their own personal beliefs and values, and presents viewers with the many different ways there are to be Jewish.
The Portrait Identity Project also provides us with invaluable insights that ensure Hillels learns, in a deeply meaningful way, what students are passionate about, what their needs are, and how we might support them. We, at Tulane Hillel, are excited to expand the scope and impact of this initiative by sharing your students’ stories and sparking Jewish joy through this important project.
— Julia Mattis
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Share your Organization’s Story through student voices
The Portrait Identity Project facilitates personal interviews to create authentic content that can be used to amplify underrepresented voices in your community, enrich programmatic offerings, boost engagement numbers, enhance stakeholder engagement, and provide relevant insights that can be implemented to create change within organizations.
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Strengthen identity Formation
The project empowers students to reflect on “the big questions,” such as how Jewish identity intersects with other facets of their identity, how environment impacts the way Judaism is viewed and embraced, and how stereotypes affect how Jewish identity is conveyed or internalized. This process shows students that questioning, reflecting, and learning are inherently Jewish practices.
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Foster Leadership through learning and Transformation
Fostering leadership is complex and not only requires discrete skills and nuance, but an ability to reflect and be empathetic. The Portrait Identity Project encourages students to tell their own stories and think critically about who they are and who they want to be.
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The Portrait Identity Project is driven by the desire to diversify the lens through which Jewish narratives have been and continue to be told. The project amplifies the voices and experiences of underrepresented Jews, catalyzes important conversations about the effects of stereotypes in our society, and creates visibility for representation.
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Understand that each student is unique
And, we remain committed to:
at the center of our process is the question, “What does it look like to be Jewish in America today?”
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Together we will identify your priorities and develop a package to meet your goals
Facilitate interviews and source meaningful reflections, interviews, and insights.
Transform interview content into compelling narratives paired with professional portraits
Host an opening reception, discussion groups, and/or community programming.
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Project Timeline
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Project Timeline
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Julia Mattis
Director of Special Projects
Phone number: (513) 265-3042
Email: jmattis@tulane.edu
Website: Tulane Hillel
About Julia
As the Director of Special Projects at Tulane Hillel, Julia applies her training in the design thinking methodology to discover and address the most pressing needs of students on campus. Julia develops student leadership opportunities and designs programs, such as the Portrait Identity Project, which build inclusive communities with an articulated purpose and through a human-centered approach.
Julia graduated in May 2019, from The Ohio State University with Distinction and Honors in the Arts and a B.F.A in Photography. In her work, she uses photography and storytelling to evoke empathy, share thought provoking stories, and draw attention to the power of an image to shape our thoughts; thus, encouraging viewers to question their personal identity.
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To Schedule a Consultation, Click Here. or contact: Julia at jmattis@tulane. edu 29
