Photojournalism Alumnus Chosen for Prestigious Review

San Francisco State University photojournalism alumnus Joel Angel Juarez’s (’18) project “Discharged and Deported: Exiled Veterans of America” examining the deportation of U.S. military veterans was selected for the 7th Annual New York Portfolio Review.

The review gives photographers the chance to connect with 75 of the top editors, publishers, video producers and gallery owners over two days in March. Only 160 out of 3,500 applications were accepted. Juarez said that he applied for the review once before and did not get in, and added that many people apply and never get in. The review is produced by The New York Times Lens column, the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism and United Photo Industries.

“It’s a huge thing,” he said. “I’m definitely excited.”

Juarez received the Fran Ortiz Photojournalism Grant in 2018 from the Journalism Department while working on the project. It enabled him to tell more veterans’ stories than he could have without the grant.

“The ones who do deserve recognition are the individuals that allow us to amplify their story,” Juarez said.

Juarez also just became an associate member of the American Reportage mentorship program, where he will mentor rising documentary photojournalists and offer guidance on long-term projects and career development. The Reportage is committed to shedding light on economic, social and cultural issues across the United States.

Juarez also just won second place in the Hearst Journalism Awards program for 2018-2019 in the Photojournalism 2-Picture Story/Series Competition. There were 86 entries from 51 schools across the nation.

“He’s one of the most hardworking and driven students I’ve ever had,” said photojournalism professor Kim Komenich.

Juarez continues to focus his work on issues surrounding immigration and America’s military veterans, and credits his journalism training at SF State with some of his success.

“I’ve had a lot of great professors and mentors at SF State,” said Juarez. “I owe a lot to them.”

Photo Caption: Juarez’s 2nd place photo from the Hearst 2-Picture Story/Series Competition