We were lucky to catch up with Josué Petion recently and have shared our conversation below.
Josué, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
As a committed humanitarian, my life’s mission revolves around making a meaningful impact on the world while consistently extending a helping hand to those in need. Through my career as a documentarian, I wield my camera to capture stories and illuminate pressing social issues, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Alongside my documentary work, I actively engage with various non-profit organizations, all united in pursuing a brighter future for generations to come. A transformative experience took me to Kenya, Africa, where I immersed myself in supporting underprivileged youth. Witnessing their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity impacted me. In my documentary, “Dare to Dream”, I shed light on their struggles and advocated for the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Back home in Brooklyn, NY, I’ve combated gun violence by collaborating closely with a non-profit organization, “MJAF” Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation, to document illegal firearms’ devastating effects on disenfranchised communities. Through compelling storytelling, I’ve catalyzed support for stricter gun control measures and initiatives promoting peace, emphasizing the urgency of addressing systemic issues plaguing Black and Brown communities.
Moreover, I’ve dedicated myself to increasing diversity and representation in the advertising industry, working with a non-profit, “MPG,” The Marcus Graham Project, to advocate for inclusivity. Recognizing media’s profound influence, I’ve championed the inclusion of talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, striving to create a more authentic portrayal of our diverse world in advertising.
Through my humanitarian efforts and documentary work, I aspire to serve as a beacon of hope, raising awareness and inspiring action on issues of paramount importance. With every endeavor, I remain committed to reaching back and uplifting those who need it most, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
Josué, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Josué Petion “Josh,” and I’m a Creative Producer in the advertising world. However, my true passion lies in storytelling, which creates change and impacts lives. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, immersed me in a world of exceptional artists, entrepreneurs, and hustlers from a young age. This unique environment shaped my gritty, stylistic choices and instilled the determination to become a true visionary. I am a documentarian and humanitarian, giving a voice to those historically silenced or excluded. The opportunity to share the unique stories of underrepresented communities and cultures is my life’s mission. This commitment has taken me around the world, demonstrating my dedication to creating meaningful change through exceptional storytelling.
My passion for storytelling started in my early career when I had the incredible opportunity to partner with the United Nations and IMAX movie corporation, where I targeted the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. My aim was to expose the harsh reality of low-income communities in Brooklyn struggling to afford a nutritious lifestyle. In these neighborhoods, eating healthy has become a new form of segregation. My documentary explored the stark disparity in access to healthy food selections between low-income and higher-income communities. It exposed the glaring inequality, with affluent areas boasting an abundance of supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and health food stores, while impoverished neighborhoods were left as food deserts.
I witnessed firsthand the impacts of this inequality on society. Families in underprivileged areas are usually faced with the difficulty of spending their limited income on either expensive nutritious meals or more affordable, calorie-dense processed foods. This led to a vicious cycle of poor health, including higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related illnesses.
Through powerful visuals and poignant interviews, my film aimed to raise awareness about this often-overlooked issue. I hoped to spark a conversation about food injustice and the need for systemic changes to ensure all communities have equitable access to affordable, nutritious options, regardless of socioeconomic status.
This project led me to pursue storytelling full-time, and seeing the work’s firsthand impacts is the fuel that keeps me going.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to elevate as one of the premier storytellers in the corporate world. Through powerful visuals and narratives, I strive to move minds, provoke thought, and transform perspectives. I envision my work reaching thousands, if not millions, by capturing real, relevant, and reputable stories that transcend borders.
I’m inspired by the opportunity to share the unique stories of underrepresented communities and cultures. This commitment has taken me around the world, demonstrating my dedication to creating meaningful change through exceptional storytelling.
Whether producing client brand videos or documenting underrepresented groups, I aim to tap into the profound humanity that connects us all. With an urban edge, creative vision, and passion, I plan to leave an indelible mark on hearts and minds.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I knew about a Non-Profit Organization that offers diverse individuals a chance to break into the advertising world sooner.
The Marcus Graham Project’s iCR8™ programs are designed to provide diverse aspirants in the field of marketing and media, including advertising, PR & social media with the exposure and experience necessary to solidify careers within the industry.
Their theory is that by investing in the exposure, training, and mentorship of the next generation of talent, we will see a return in the development of a vast talent pool of marketplace leaders in the media and marketing industry.
This program is what propelled me in my early career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joshuepetion0.wixsite.com/petion-pictures
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petionpictures/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josue-petion
Image Credits
Image Credits: Petion Pictures
Here’s a short video about my story: https://drive.google.com/file/