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Humankind founder presents inclusive photo clinics to Revere Commission on Disabilities
Summary
Kristie Raymond of Humankind told the Revere Commission on Disabilities about low-cost, mobile photo clinics that provide professional headshots and modeling workshops for people with disabilities, a program she says has run more than 20 clinics since April 2023 and grown a talent pool of about 75 people.
Kristie Raymond, founder and agency director of Humankind, told the Revere Commission on Disabilities that her New England–based talent and casting agency represents children and adults with disabilities and runs a program called "Beauty Has No Limits" to build an inclusive talent pool.
“My name is Kristie Raymond and my company is Humankind,” she said, describing a program of low-cost photo clinics, professional headshots, and workshops that she said has run more than 20 clinics since April 2023 and grown a talent pool of roughly 75 people. Raymond said the clinics include a photographer, hair and makeup, wardrobe assistance and coaching sessions such as modeling 101 and acting 101 so participants understand what to expect at shoots.
Raymond recounted the program’s personal impact with a participant story: she said a mother called after receiving clinic photos and told Raymond her 7-year-old son with autism looked at his image and said, “I’m beautiful.” Raymond said moments like that are central to the program’s goal of strengthening confidence and providing a professional tool—headshots—that help participants present themselves in job-seeking and public-facing contexts.
Commissioners praised the work. Vice Chair Pauline Perno said she had been following Humankind’s work on social media and called the program “absolutely floored” by its reach and quality. Commissioners asked practical questions about age range, session length and cost; Raymond said clinics have served infants through older adults, typically run workshops and shoots during an all-day event, and offer a clinic package including hair/makeup and photography at $79.
Raymond said Humankind partners with disability organizations and workforce programs, bringing clinics directly to organizations that support those transitioning to work. She said the program is designed to lower barriers to participation in modeling and mainstream media production and to provide a lasting portfolio asset for participants.
The commission thanked Raymond and noted the presentation would be available through Revere TV and the city’s YouTube channel.
