Michele Zousmer is a humanitarian and fine art photographer. The camera is her tool to give voice to marginalized communities and witness the human experience. Michele’s work celebrates each individual’s strength and beauty, as well as their vulnerability and spirit, going beyond how one presents oneself to the world.

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Michele believes a photograph can create a lasting impression of emotion, curiosity, love and ultimately, hope of mankind. It can help people heal, give them dignity and feel empowered. Her photographs reveal insights into the lives of people we wouldn’t otherwise meet.

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Through her world travels, Michele Zousmer meets people from different walks of life, listening to their stories and sharing intimate moments with them. The permission they grant and openness they offer by inviting her into their world never ceases to move Michele. The soulfulness of her images comes from developing relationships with the people she engages with. Michele truly believes that even though we may have differences on the outside, inside we are all the same.

ABOUT

My mind, my eyes, and my heart have been opened by my experiences. My life has been forever changed. I hope my work inspires others to feel we all matter and to care more profoundly. Engaging in the world and becoming open to different cultures and traditions allows for more conversation on diversity and equality. Photographs hold the power to connect people and create understanding. This is why I do what I do. – Michele Zousmer

LOCAL / NATIONAL

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• Kitchens for Good – Equipping people labeled as “unemployable” to launch meaningful careers

• Family Justice Center – Domestic Violence Survivors/Human Trafficking

• Shyne San Diego – ‘Seen’ – Human Trafficking Survivors

• Jail Guitar Doors – Donovan State Prison

• Art, Conflict Resolution and Community Engagement Project

• Genesis at the Crossroads – Academy for Global Leadership – Peace Photojournalism

• Sun and Moon Vision Productions

• Tariq Khamisa Foundation

• Operation Reinvent – San Diego Military Women

• Westcare Custody to Community Transitional Reeentry Program

• Voices of Our City Choir

• Welcome Home Ministries

• Shoah Foundation – Institute of Visual History – University of Southern California

• Stand With Us

• International Rescue Committee

• Project Concern International

• The Mission Continues

• I Support Vets

• Patriotic Hearts

• FreshStart Surgical

• San Diego J.C.C. – Davka

• Casa de Amparo

• Angels Foster Family Network

• Computer 2 San Diego Kids

• PAWS – Pets Are Wonderful Support

• Wreaths Across America – Miramar National Cemetery

• Women Peacemakers – Institute of Peace and Justice, University of San Diego

• WorldLink, University of San Diego – Youth Town Meeting – Institute of Peace and Justice

• Clinton Global Initiative – University San Diego – Foodbank/The Mission Continues

• SHE – Strong, Healthy and Empowered

INTERNATIONAL

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• ROMABOOTS – Romania

• Irish Travellers – Ireland

• Documentary on “Children of the Coffee” – Costa Rica

• Child Labor and Healthcare for Indigenous – Costa Rica

• Yao Ming Foundation – China

• Aegis Trust – Rwanda

• Omo Child – Ethiopia

• Project Concern International – Ethiopia

• Egbok – Cambodia

• Salai Bai – Cambodia

• Umbrella Cinema Potential – Rwanda

• PA Nepal – Nepal

PUBLICATIONS

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• Sounds from the Sidewalk –   Book on Voices Of Our City Choir

• Shadow & Light Magazine - Cover and Article on Irish Travellers

• Letai apie pasulj - Lithuanian digital magazine article on Irish Travellers

• ZEKE Magazine - Irish Travellers in Cashel County and Tipperary 

• ALLABOUTPHOTO Magazine - Abandoned Elderly Post-Communism

• – GLOBAL VANTAGE MAGAZINE - OMO VALLEY, The Fragile Soul of the Omo

MULTIMEDIA

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• Bella Vista Social Club - Expressions 

• Gaiaprotection.org - Berlin - Children of the Coffee  

• Welcome Home Ministries promotional video

• Foundation for Women – Stirring the Fire Link

• Outside the Lens

• Reel Change Youth Participatory Video – Sun and Moon Vision Productions