Empowerment in Focus: How Professional Headshots Are Helping Women with Justice Involvement Reclaim Their Professional Identity

Finding meaningful work with adequate pay is a challenge for many of us, but particularly for women with justice involvement. "Re-entering society after incarceration can be challenging for women, as time incarcerated can significantly impact self-perception,” Raquel Nicholson, the Director of our Women’s Justice Program, acknowledges. There are so many barriers for these women to find employment and Associate Board President, Cassie Siskovic, knew she had the resources to help these residents overcome at least one. 

As an Artistic Director at Moroccanoil, Cassie has many close connections with the beauty and fashion world. She invited Photographer, Nathalie Hair and Makeup Artist, Brittany to come to our Prospect-Lefferts Gardens Women’s Justice Residence to help provide our residents with professional headshots they could be proud of. 

“It was really important to everyone that volunteered for this project to create an environment of empowerment and comfort,” says Cassie, “Stepping in front of the camera can be intimidating for even the most confident, but because the room was full of uplifting energy everyone radiated confidence and had so much fun with it.”

Volunteers from left to right: Tempestt, Nathalie, Cassie, and Brittany

Ten residents participated in the event, walking away with a great set of photos and a renewed sense of confidence. That day, eight of the participants worked with Tempestt Hutchinson, Manager of Professional Education Events at Moroccanoil, to create their very first Linkedin profiles featuring the photos, providing immediate actionable professional development all in one fun and productive afternoon.

“Our event aimed to help our residents feel valued and enable them to envision themselves as professionals preparing for their future in the workforce. During the event, they fostered an atmosphere rooted in sisterhood and empowerment. The residents cheered each other on and shared positive affirmations whenever there was doubt or skewed self-perception, particularly while they were styling their hair, doing their makeup, and taking their professional headshots." - Raquel Nicholson

Thanks to all who volunteered their time and energy to help organize and implement this wonderful initiative!

Linked In Registration: Tempestt Hutchinson @tempesttsade

Photographer: Nathalie Garcia @nathaliegphoto 

Hair/Makeup: Brittany @idreamofbrittany_hair 

Cassie Siskovic @cassiskovic