The Mirror Awards

Receiving the Lorraine Branham Award from The Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026 the Maynard Institute was honored to receive the Lorraine Branham Award from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. Named for former Newhouse dean and Maynard alum Lorraine Branham, who attended the Summer Program for Minority Journalists in 1977 before the Institute received its first official name, the award “recognizes a media organization that has worked to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in the news media over the previous year.”

Maynard Institute Board Chair John X. Miller spoke at the awards, and later wrote on the experience of attending the ceremony and reception hosted by Syracuse University.

“It was my honor and privilege to represent the Maynard Institute and introduce Evelyn and Martin at the Mirror Awards, where they accepted the Lorraine Branham Award on behalf of the Institute,” Miller wrote after the awards ceremony.

“Being recognized on the national stage as an organization that continues the work of inclusion, equity and truth-based journalism acknowledges Maynard’s decades-long commitment to expand  the community of journalists who aspire to live up to the words and aspirations of Bob Maynard and the founders.

It was a milestone moment for Maynard. In my remarks as the award presenter, I lauded Martin and Eveyln’s stewardship, vision, leadership, adaptability and humanity as they help carry forward Maynard’s mission with urgency and purpose. 

As board chair, I am very appreciative of the recognition because it champions the Institute’s persistent work. I share congratulations with the staff and board, too, because the award acknowledges your dedication.

Thank you to the Newhouse School of Public Communications for the Lorraine Branham Award, presented at a fantastic event where NBC News’ Lester Holt was among the six honorees, as the recipient of the Fred Dressler Leadership Award.”

On legacy: Evelyn Hsu

On accepting the Lorraine Branham Award, Co-Executive Director Evelyn Hsu recalled founders Bob and Nancy Maynard, and Bob’s daughter and Institute President Dori J. Maynard.

“We stand on the shoulders of our founders, including Bob Maynard and Nancy Hicks Maynard,” Hsu said. “And we carry deep appreciation for the leadership of our former president, Dori Maynard, who left us far too soon just over a decade ago. I know Dori would have been proud to see the Institute receive an award named for Lorraine Branham, a Maynard graduate whose life and work reflected the power of this legacy.”

Hsu expounded on carrying forward the legacy of the founders, and the generational mantle carried forward by Maynard Institute faculty, staff, fellows and trainees.

“That work has never belonged to one person or one generation. It has been carried by mentors, trainers, editors, reporters, board members, funders and alumni who kept showing up because they believed journalism matters — and because they believed who gets to shape journalism matters, too.”

On the future of belonging: Martin G. Reynolds

Co-Executive Director Martin G. Reynolds spoke on past and future visions of belonging in news.

“Nearly 50 years ago, the founders of the Institute believed something simple and profound: the beacons of news in this country should reflect the full diversity of the nation. That mission has always mattered. But it meets this moment with particular urgency,” Marting G. Reynolds said, referencing recent attacks on diversity not only as a practice, but as an ideal and as a reality in America.

“…this honor feels like more than recognition. It is a deeply appreciated act of affirmation for our board, our staff, and especially our graduates, who remain the most powerful reflection of our legacy. Because this work has never been only about who is represented inside newsrooms. It is also about whether the people in our communities are seen fully, heard clearly, and understood for who they are.”

Reynolds hit on the most desired outcome of representation in news: true belonging and investment in communities, and investment in the belonging of each individual within the collective.

“Our hope is that our shared humanity will prevail — and that corrosive attempts to divide us will be met by stories that reveal the beauty, complexity and authenticity of the person beside you.

They do belong. And you belong. Because we belong.”

For Maynard Regional Training faculty and participants, journalism leadership is “more than a profession”

by Alice Finno, Maynard Institute reporting intern

This post contains promotional material for the Maynard Regional Training Series in Chicago.

The Maynard Institute will host a free training for entry- and mid-level editors and managers in Chicago, Illinois, on June 4 through 5, as part of its regional training series.

In partnership with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, the training will provide coaching and mentoring to help editors and managers working in print, broadcast and digital platforms navigate the complexities of newsroom leadership. Northwestern will cover the standard registration fee on behalf of registrants. Two meals will be provided each day, and limited discounted hotel rooms will be available.

Anyone from the Chicago regional area is invited to attend the training. Registration is open until Tuesday, May 26. Anyone with questions can contact Maynard Regional Training Series Director Odette Alcazaren-Keeley. 

Award-winning journalists and Medill professors will lead workshops and discussions together with Maynard Institute faculty.

Empathy

Martin Reynolds, co-executive director at the Maynard Institute, said that people often start managerial positions without receiving any training, especially when transitioning from a reporter role to a manager or editor position. 

However, Reynolds said, only one in ten people have the skills to be a successful manager, according to Gallup, a research and polling organization. During the Chicago training, Reynolds will hold a session about “The Manager’s Mindset” and core aspects of leadership roles, including authority, influence and empathy.  

“Having empathy and compassion for your people is really one of the elements that I think is essential,” Reynolds said. “If you don’t have that, it’s very difficult to be an effective manager, a good manager, where your colleagues will thrive under your leadership.”

Integrity

Mei-Ling Hopgood, journalism professor at Northwestern, will hold a session on using AI with integrity, where participants will discuss newsrooms’ standards and practices when using large language models, such as ChatGPT and Gemini.

“They’re going to be part of newsrooms, they’re going to be part of our workflow, but to be able to say aloud  — or to have in writing  — this is my philosophy, these are the values that are guiding my use, is very important,” Hopgood said, adding that she hopes people will leave the session having a sense of the guiding principles they want to follow when using AI.

Complexity

Deborah Douglas, director of the Medill Solutions Journalism Hub, will hold a session called “Complicating the Narrative,” where she will teach people a deep listening technique used in interviewing developed by journalist Amanda Ripley, who currently partners with Maynard alum Hélène Biandudi Hoffer at Good Conflict, guiding and facilitating communication by reimagining conflict “to help people listen and be heard in times of profound disagreement.”

“In a time of deep polarization and shrinking trust, I want to introduce a deep listening technique that models deep listening so that people feel heard and so that they feel safe enough to open up and give us the real answer, not just the surface level answers that people tend to give,” she said.

Trust

At the training, Mackenzie Warren, interim executive director of the Medill Local News Initiative, will also present the findings of a study about how Chicago gets its news. The researchers surveyed 1,101 adults in the Chicago metropolitan area and examined consumer behavior, obtaining insights about audiences’ evolving habits and interests.

Warren said the survey focused on 14 counties and included urban, suburban and rural communities in proportions roughly mirroring the United States’ population while also taking race, class and socio-economic status into account to have a representative index. 

“I feel somewhat confident in using it as a directional information about how the United States as a whole is getting local news,” he added.

Warren also shared that the Medill Local News Initiative is designed to help the local news ecosystem thrive and highlighted the correlation between positive performance in local news and in democratic norms. 

“Without trusted local journalism, it’s not as possible for ordinary people to make good decisions in their lives,” he said.

Perspective

Doris Truong, deputy director of the Fire Up Entrepreneurship Program at the Maynard Institute, will lead a session on listening and identifying personal values. Truong will talk about interviewing people you disagree with without expressing judgement. 

“When you’re talking to sources, it’s really important for them to understand that you’re just trying to understand them, not trying to change their minds,” she said. “You may end up having to interview somebody that you can say ‘I don’t agree with this, but I really want to help my audience understand your perspective.’”

Felecia Henderson, senior director of strategic initiatives at the Maynard Institute, will hold a session about navigating difficult conversations, providing useful steps managers can follow and then role-playing scenarios.

“When you’re a manager, you really have to find a way to strike the right tone, the right setting, the right approach. And a lot of people don’t know what that is,” Henderson said.

Henderson added that when people finish a regional training, they become part of the Maynard Communities of Practice, a program that connects people working in the same field and provides continuous training across different curriculum tracks.

Community

Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of the Maynard Regional Training and Communities of Practice Programs, shared that the training will include a roundtable with news leaders from the region to talk about the state of the media in the region.

Alcazaren-Keeley said what participants always appreciate about the programs is sharing the room with other journalists who face the same challenges and be able to learn from each other. 

“What we hope is that when they leave, they feel they are not alone, that they have us, and they have each other, and they grow the community with us: they become part of the Maynard family that endures,” she said.

Jasmine Barnes, program manager at the Maynard Institute, said she enjoys creating the vision for a Maynard training and thinking about all the details that will enhance the participants’ experience.

“I’m really hoping that the Chicago training can be a really good opportunity for Northwestern’s network and broader community, as well as some Maynard alumni and some folks who haven’t really been involved with either of those institutions to meet and to really talk about the region and the unique challenges and opportunities that are present in Chicago,” she said.

Calling

Mackenzie Warren expressed his excitement for having frontline editors and leaders in journalism come together for the training. 

“There’s going be a room full of people who have signed on to this mission and dedicated themselves to this profession that’s more than a profession, it’s a calling,” Warren said.

“Our contributions to journalism will outlast ourselves if we do it right — I’m really encouraged that there’s a room full of people, the next generation of people, who see themselves that way and see this as not just their job, but their mission, and are invested in themselves to get better at their craft.”

What My Fault Lines Taught Me

A Maynard Institute training helped me understand my perspective — and the responsibility that comes with it

By Jeremy Garza, Managing Editor, Mustang Media Group, California Polytechnic State University.

Photos by Jennifer Shaevitz, SLO Media Creations.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – “The phone rang. It was my mom telling me my brother died.”

That’s how Joe Lambert, founder of StoryCenter, said he would start a story about his brother. By jumping right into it, I was immediately itching to hear his next word. I felt tears welling in my eyes, imagining my own mother calling me to tell me about a tragic loss.

I went up to him after his presentation at the Maynard Institute’s Propel Regional Training in San Luis Obispo, held April 24-25. I wanted to thank him for changing the way I see storytelling and sharing personal stories — to which he just said, “Of course, and a little emotional manipulation never hurts.”

As an involved journalism student, I’ve found myself at a lot of conferences. I’ve sat through professionals talking about their glory days and college students rehearsing for their glory days more times than I can count. After Lambert’s kickoff session, I knew Maynard was going to push me to think differently about storytelling — including how I will tackle stories after I graduate from my college sandbox.

Over the course of two days, I heard frank presentations about immigration reporting and investigative work. In partnership with Cal Poly Journalism, Maynard took a page out of Cal Poly’s playbook and had participants “Learn by Doing.” Peers workshopped current stories and tackled personal biases. 

Co‑executive director of the Maynard Institute Martin G. Reynolds, while teaching about the
Fault Lines® framework, tasked us to write down six people we trusted, beyond relatives. Then, based on the six fault lines — race, gender, generation, class, sexual orientation and geography — we placed check marks next to each person if we shared the same identity. 

Most of my names, ranging from childhood friends to current roommates, had three to four check marks. A subconscious truth came forward: I often surround myself with people who are eerily similar to me. This can’t be the case in a newsroom, and I hope that I am able to foster belonging in more spaces that I join. 

All of my trusted individuals lacked the check mark that represents sexual orientation. Not many people in my life are queer, and even fewer are gay men. I often find myself in gray areas — too gay for masculine spaces, but still too “man” for female spaces. I’m often perceived as white, but my last name and my grandfather’s immigration from Mexico shape experiences that don’t always align with that perception.

Fault Lines® taught me how to analyze spaces. Not only for myself, but for my peers and for sources. Where do more people need to be heard? When does my privilege need to stand up for others? And when does it need to sit and listen? This perspective will now shape my coverage as I search for a place in the industry.

Our Cal Poly Journalism Department chair, Professor Brady Teufel, moderated a panel of community-oriented newsrooms, including representatives from ethnic media organizations, such as Latino Media Collaborative and India Currents. These small, but mighty organizations are cracking open fault lines and making room for those who do not see themselves in traditional coverage.

This conversation was taking place in a town that looks different than many in California and hosted by a state university unlike any other — predominantly white. This training was an important reminder in 2026, very eloquently stated by Reynolds.

“Belonging in newsrooms is the essential outcome of deliberately confronting bias,” Reynolds said. “When we name and dismantle the identity‑based biases that shape our coverage and culture, we create spaces where journalists of all backgrounds can bring their full selves to their work.”

During the campus tour, I showed a group of attendees around KCPR 91.3 FM, Cal Poly’s student-run radio station. The station’s motto is “Where Different Matters.” The station is developing into a space for belonging, internally and externally, from the “boys club” it once was in the ’70s. 

I was proud to show my station off to attendees and speak of how we are able to serve our audiences. I was especially proud, and a little nervous, to show Ernesto Aguilar. As executive director of radio programming and content innovation initiatives at KQED Public Media, Aguilar taught us not only technique and style tips, but also encouraged us to have hope for the future.

Aguilar, kind with his words, told me to keep pushing, and my path will work out. This represents the best part about Maynard. The connections I formed with innovators and daily grinders inspire me as I’m leaving my college bubble. The Maynard Institute showed me that the journalism industry is alive and well, just as I needed the reminder that I belong in this space.

“Harnessing the power of journalists’ diverse lived experiences is the cornerstone of genuine belonging, and our humanity,” said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of the Maynard Regional Training Program.

About Jeremy Garza

Jeremy Garza is a journalism and political science student at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he serves as managing editor of Mustang Media Group and was previously a CalMatters fellow. His work has been republished by the Associated Press and earned two California College Media Association first-place awards. 

About Mustang Media Group

Mustang Media Group (MMG) is an award-winning, multi-platform news organization based at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Covering digital, print, radio and social media, the student-run organization works to tell campus and community stories accurately and equitably.

Jasmine Barnes

Jasmine Barnes (she/her) is a community builder, writer and program manager based on Potawatomi land on the South Side of Chicago. For many years, Jasmine served as the Community Engagement Director of an education non-profit, helping adults nationwide develop their relationship-building and collaborative communication skills. She applied similar strategies to the organization’s internal culture, co-leading its inaugural strategic DEI initiatives and developing foundational workplace culture practices. Jasmine has also worked as a consultant providing workplace culture training, facilitation, and program development services to values-driven organizations. 

With a degree in sociology and journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, Jasmine brings a human-centered approach to her work, helping organizations and individuals better understand themselves and others. She specializes in creating and facilitating trainings and programs grounded in a trauma-informed, healing-centered framework. Her greatest joy is creating supportive and inclusive environments that encourage people to take risks and grow.

Jasmine expands upon this relational work by amplifying and archiving everyday stories as a freelance journalist contributing to South Side Weekly, City Bureau, the Chicago Reader and other publications. 

The third round of the Maynard Regional Training Series – hosted by the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University (TCU)  in Fort Worth – brought a powerful close to the inaugural program, after dynamic convenings of media professionals in Detroit and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

At each training site, Maynard faculty sought to give frontline editors and mid-level managers tools they could immediately use to manage teams and coverage in a rapidly evolving landscape that’s shaped by industry upheaval and accelerating AI evolution.

The bespoke curriculum provided eight sessions and coaching from a distinguished faculty of news executives and academics, covering topics such as: 

• The Manager’s Mindset, an introduction to the role of a news leader. 
• Leaning Into Your Fault Lines® 
• Ethical Editorial Decision-Making
• Finding the Heart of the Story
• Managing Up, Down and Across Generations
• AI Best Practices and Ethics

Participating in the two-day workshop were two TCU students and 18 full-time journalists who work in a variety of editing roles representing the Fort Worth Report, The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, La Prensa de Houston, The Associated Press, Bloomberg Industry Group, The Oklahoman Media Company, Gannett and USA Today Network, TCU-Schieffer College and TCU 360 Media.

“I’m really thankful to have participated in this year’s Maynard Regional Training in Texas,” wrote Maya Earls, deputy team lead/environment and energy at Bloomberg Law
(Bloomberg Industry Group), in a LinkedIn post. “This program included great sessions on how to be a better manager and editor, and provided space to ask the big questions about AI and how we as journalists evolve for the moment.” 

Maynard Regional Training and Communities of Practice Director Odette Alcazaren-Keeley opened the training, saluting the long-standing relationship with TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication’s Dean Kristie Bunton, Ph.D; Jean Marie Brown, associate professor of professional practice and student media director; and John Tisdale, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the journalism department.

“As a college named for an award-winning, longtime journalist, our TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication is happy to provide a regional home for the Maynard Regional Training Series,” Dean Bunton said. “Our democracy needs well-trained journalists to lead newsrooms effectively and ethically in reporting news that is vital to citizens.”

Alcazaren-Keeley welcomed the participants, citing their impactful work and acknowledging their organizations’ investment in their career growth.

“We were invigorated by the latest outstanding journalists in the Maynard Regional Training – members of the next generation of news leaders who reflected the diversity of the Texas media ecosystem and beyond.They expressed appreciation for the skills they gained, coaching and conversations they engaged in, and affirmed they are applying these toolkits to their work,” said Alcazaren-Keeley.

Felecia D. Henderson, Maynard senior director of strategic initiatives, echoed that sentiment, reflecting on the impact across all three training programs.

“At each regional training, we saw mid-level editors and managers embrace new strategies for leadership, learn to conduct tough conversations, and explore how AI is reshaping journalism,” Henderson said. “These sessions weren’t just about skills; they were about building confidence and community. It was inspiring to see participants leave ready to lead with clarity and purpose.”

Leaning Into Your Fault Lines®: Managing News Coverage and Managing Time While Building Genuine Relationships
Jean Marie Brown, Associate Professor of Professional Practice, TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication

Professor Jean Marie Brown kicked off the training with  “Leaning Into Your Fault Lines®,” focused on Maynard’s signature Fault Lines® framework, which helps editors understand how their biases – unconscious and conscious – inform the ways they manage news coverage. She also facilitated the workshop “Managing Time while Building Genuine Relationships.”

One participant wrote when surveyed: “I appreciated the candid discussion about Fault Lines. It made me step back and consider all the different fault lines that exist in my life and how those show up daily as a manager.”

The Manager’s Mindset: Stepping into your Leadership Role
Martin G. Reynolds, Maynard Institute Co-Executive Director

Maynard Co-Executive Director Martin G. Reynolds led the session “The Manager’s Mindset”, focused on what editors and managers need to consider when stepping into leadership roles.

“It’s exciting to provide management training to editors — many of whom have had limited access to the kind of sustained support that helps them grow as leaders,” said Martin G. Reynolds, Maynard Institute co-executive director, who leads the Manager’s Mindset session for each Regional Training cohort. “Managing is about helping others thrive and fueling the success of the whole organization. In a moment of transformation and uncertainty for journalism, the quality of managers often determines whether innovation thrives or fades — and whether morale improves or erodes. Our program helps editors build the awareness, tools, and community they need to lead with care and confidence.”

Ethical Editorial Decision-Making and Coach for Story and Building Trust.
Maria Carrillo, Consultant and Coach

Coach and consultant Maria Carrillo led two workshops: Ethical Editorial Decision Making and Coaching for Story and Building Trust.

In “Ethical Editorial Decision-Making,” Carrillo led discussions with trainees highlighting real-world news coverage ethical dilemmas. She said this session showed that our moral code can help us to make decisions when we are faced with tough calls, which happens often in any newsroom.

“My hope is that the editors in these classes walk away feeling empowered to make tough decisions and to execute more powerful stories,” Carillo said.

Carrillo also facilitated the workshop “Coaching for Story & Building Trust” where she shared lessons about developing relationships and trust with reporters as well as best practices for vetting ideas and executing stronger stories.

Finding the Heart of the Story and Tactical Frameworks for Editors
Tom Huang, Assistant Managing Editor, The Dallas Morning News and Adjunct Faculty, The Poynter Institute

Tom Huang centered this workshop on story focus, introducing five questions that will help editors and reporters focus their stories and identify underlying themes. He used the movie Titanic to illustrate how stories can have a central theme and secondary themes. An interactive exercise helped participants understand how stories can often have strong emotions lying beneath the surface.

“I hope the editors in the class took away the idea that they can and should coach their reporters and discuss what their stories are truly about. Most stories should just be told simply and in a straightforward way. But some stories deserve a little more time in exploring themes and meaning. That’s the fun part of storytelling,” Huang said.

AI: Best Practices and Ethics
Marisa Porto, Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

In the workshop “AI: Best Practices and Ethics,” Professor Marisa Porto explored how AI is transforming newsrooms, focusing on ethics and innovation. Participants discussed real-world examples and practical ways to use AI that is grounded in journalistic values.  

“I hope participants left ready to use AI in their news organizations with purpose and transparency, guided by a commitment to public trust,” Porto said.

Managing Up, Down and Across Generations
P. Kim Bui, Consultant and Founder, Quen Media

This workshop led by audience engagement consultant and newsroom management expert P. Kim Bui was centered on her observation that newsrooms are now multi-generational and each generation has its own working style. In this interactive workshop, she examined how today’s managers and leaders cross generational differences to lead more empathetic and valuable newsrooms. 

“It is always such a joy to work with others in the Maynard family to create better workplaces for us all in turbulent times,” Bui said. “Attendees always approach tough problems with deep solutions as well as humor and hope.” 

Regional Roundtable: Panel of Texas News Leaders
Moderator: Dorothy Bland, Ph.D.
Professor, University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism. Board Member, Maynard Institute. Author.

Panelists: 

• Cheryl Smith: Publisher and Editor, I Messenger Media
• Evelyn Castro: Publisher, La Prensa de Houston
• Rebekah Allen: Managing Editor, The Texas Tribune
• Steve Coffman: President and Editor, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• Tom Huang: Assistant Managing Editor, the Dallas Morning News and Adjunct Faculty, The Poynter Institute

The regional roundtable of news leaders highlighted the state of Texas media and each editors’ perspectives on building a culture of courage and integrity in newsrooms in defense of democracy. Executives of legacy, nonprofit, ethnic and local media discussed challenges that news organizations are facing, including in covering federal and state policies impacting their audiences.

They shared innovations and approaches that are crucial in this era of political division. The panel was moderated by professor, author and Maynard board member Dr. Dorothy Bland.

Panelist Evelyn Castro of La Prensa de Houston, who also participated in the training, shared with her LinkedIn network that “The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education continues to set the standard for leadership, collaboration, and integrity in journalism. [I am] grateful for the opportunity to learn, share, and connect with so many passionate newsroom leaders committed to truth and community.”

Participants in the regional training programs are automatically eligible to access the benefits of the peer-to-peer learning and coaching hub, the Maynard Communities of Practice.

Program director Alcazaren-Keeley said the insights shared by trainees during session conversations and office hours consultations drive the impact of each training.
They value the space to be seen, heard and supported, and give that support to each other.

She sees the training programs embodying hope as the industry forges forward.

“The program is vital in helping journalists unlock their full leadership potential, to navigate this inflection point in our history and the tide of AI disruption. Our newest journalism cohort carries the professional advancement and movement-building legacy of the Maynard Institute. Together we bring our collective mission of integrity and courage to the future,” Alcazaren-Keeley said.

About the Maynard Institute

For more than 45 years, the Maynard Institute has fought to push back against the systemic lack of diversity in the news industry through training, collaborations and convenings. We are creating better representation in U.S. newsrooms through our programs which give media professionals the tools to become skilled storytellers, empowered executives and inspired entrepreneurs.

For more information about the Regional Training Series, please reach out to Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, Maynard Regional Training Series Director at okeeley@mije.org.

About the Maynard Regional Training Series

The Maynard Regional Training Series is a new training program advancing the Maynard Institute’s efforts to expand the diversity pipeline in news media and dismantle structural racism in its newsrooms. It is designed for and serves the next generation of frontline managers and editors in order to advance their career growth and leadership power in newsrooms and organizations.

Maynard Institute programs are open to all. We are committed to addressing the under-representation of people of color and other historically disadvantaged groups in media-related professions.

This professional development program provides customized training courses, resources and 1:1 mentorship by industry professionals, to fellows who have represented a wide spectrum of racial, gender and geographic backgrounds. The Maynard Institute’s new training programs are supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and The Hearthland Foundation.

Questions?

For more information about the Maynard Regional Training Series, please reach out to:

Director of Maynard Regional Training and Communities of Practice, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley at okeeley@mije.org.

Remembering our dear friend and colleague, Michael Days.

We are heartbroken at the loss of our friend, Michael Days.

Michael’s connection to the Maynard Institute spans decades. He was an exceptional teacher, a generous mentor to up-and-coming professionals, and a wise strategic adviser to the institute’s leaders.
His positive approach uplifted all of us during stressful times. It was a gift to be in his presence.

Michael mentored so many. He was officially matched with Martin as a mentor by Evelyn at the conclusion of the 2005 Maynard Media Academy at Northwestern University. They stayed connected ever since and spoke just last month.

This loss hits so close to home for both of us. We are deeply saddened and send our condolences to Michael’s family and to all who knew and loved him.

-Evelyn Hsu and Martin G. Reynolds

News, Growth, Awards, Accolades and Impact.

Every so often we get to highlight the incredible ongoing work and accomplishments of our Maynard Institute alumni and faculty, and for the first time we’re touting their achievements on our new website!

Maynard Institute faculty and alumni from our legacy programming continue to amaze us with their impactful work, their effect on their colleagues and peers, and the way they continue to shape journalism and the news.

Here are just some of the many achievements, awards, and career transitions of our extended network of Maynard Family.

Awards, Grants and Fellowships

Jahna Berry (Maynard 200 class of 2019), Chief Operating Officer at the Center for Investigative Reporting, received the 2025 NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists Leadership Award. The award recognizes those who have positively affected their newsrooms, increasing diversity and improving news coverage of the LGBTQ+ community. Berry will be presented with the award at the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists’ annual National Convention, taking place in Atlanta from Sept. 4-7.  

Helina Selemon (Maynard 200 class of 2023) was awarded a National Press Foundation grant for Environmental Justice Reporting. Helina and fellow reporter Jordan Gass-Pooré will receive $10,000 for their four-part multimedia project investigating the human and economic toll of extreme heat on communities of color in New York City. “Their stories will explore efforts to expand mitigation and adaptation efforts to communities most in need, spotlight the systemic issues driving these deadly outcomes, and provide evidence-based responses that can be used to address them.” Their solutions-oriented reporting on one of the nation’s “most intense urban heat islands” are the actionable climate journalism that creates lasting community benefit.

Lottie Joiner Maynard (200 class of 2021) became a Carter Center Mental Health Journalism Fellow. Fellows “receive training and mentorship to responsibly report on a variety of topics related to mental health and substance use disorders.” As a freelance/independent journalist, Lottie will use this fellowship to “explore the link between response to stress and childhood trauma, including what stress looks like for Black women — at work, at home and in the community, and Black women’s response to that stress.”

In a landscape of rampant medical racism and the defunding of health data science, Lottie’s reporting on this topic is critically important to Black women’s health in America.

Kaila Philo (Maynard 200 class of 2023) became an African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Fellow working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This fellowship supports work surrounding the preservation of Black history and culture in the United States, helping fellows develop and implement innovative approaches to preservation. Past cohorts have created documentary photography exhibitions, work supporting HBCUs, published work, and the preservation of historical sites.

Sudeep Reddy joined MSNBC as their Washington Bureau Chief after having been at Politico for 8 years as Managing Editor in North America. The Maynard 200 Mentor led a staff of 150 journalists at Politico and “launched dozens of new products, including newsletters, podcasts, live events and digital offerings; guided strategy and operations for Politico Playbook during the first Trump administration; and built the newsroom’s first audio team from the ground up,”  Scott Matthews, senior VP of newsgathering for MSNBC, said in a memo to staffers. Reddy will report to Matthews and work with Erin Zimmerman, vice president of newsgathering.

P. Kenneth Burns (Maynard 200 Class of 2022) was awarded First Place for an Education Feature from the Public Media Journalists Association for his story on Princeton High students building a STEM project to preserve an Indigenous Guatemalan Language. 

The article profiled students at Princeton High School utilizing AI and applied technology to save one of the world’s disappearing languages, and using their findings to enter the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition. Over 7,000 languages are currently being spoken in the world, but as many as 90% of them could disappear over the next century.

Esmy Jimenez (Maynard 200 Class of 2018) won yet another award for Lost Patients. A podcast, Lost Patients is “a deeply-reported, six-part docuseries examining the difficulties of treating serious mental illness through the lens of one city’s past, present and future.” Produced by KUOW and The Seattle Times, “with real-life testimonials from patients, families, and professionals on the front lines,” Lost Patients is solutions-oriented journalism that seeks to remedy a health system that is, itself, sick.

Dr. John Paul Higgins (Maynard 200 Class of 2018) was featured in ABC’s Our America series. On the heels of the successful release of their book “Black. Fat. Femme. Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself” in March, Higgins embarked on a speaking tour and joined the ABC feature to highlight diversity within the LGBTQIA+ Community.

“I think representation is important to me because I didn’t have it when I was a kid,” they said in the special. “When I was growing up, I felt very isolated and alone in many of my own experiences. And so, when you start to feel like you’re the only person that’s going through something, you oftentimes feel like no one is truly going to understand your walk or what you’re going through.”

Angela Dennis (Maynard 200 Class of 2023) won three Golden Press Card Awards from the East Tennessee Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, First Place in General Reporting (Digital Only) for her story on the tragic burning of Elnathan Hall, a historic building on the campus of Black Knoxville College, First Place in Sports Reporting for a feature story on NFL prospect Zack Dobson and his struggle after losing his brother to gun violence, and Second Place in General Reporting for her story on Muslims who said their religious freedom was violated by the Sheriff’s office after University of Tennessee arrest during a protest against the genocide in Gaza.

Changing roles

Emily Elena Dugdale (Maynard 200 Class of 2022) became Managing Editor of the LA Public Press. After having utilized her investigative prowess at LAist, The Guardian, ProPublica, NPR and the LA Times covering the carceral system and law enforcement misconduct, Dugdale will turn her talents towards crafting a newsroom and investigative coverage that reflects the diversity of LA.

“Many newsrooms claim to want to write for a young, local BIPOC audience — LA Public Press not only does that, but the newsroom actually reflects what LA looks and feels like,” Dugdale said in the article by the LA Public Press announcing her role change. “There’s something not only special, but deeply necessary about a journalism organization full of people who are from the communities they write about.”

Michelle Zenarosa (Maynard 200 Class of 2023) also moved up in the LA Public Press, and is the new Editor In Chief of the local publication. After nearly three years as Deputy Editor at Reckon News, Zenarosa is excited to serve her home city and the “thousands of stories” that make up LA.

“Los Angeles isn’t just where I work—it’s home. I grew up here with parents who, together with their collective 15 siblings, are scattered across every corner of LA County. This means I know the city not just as a journalist, but as someone whose family is woven into its fabric,” Zenarosa said in an LA Public Press article.

Juan Michael Porter II (Maynard 200 Class of 2024) started a new position as the Communications Lead and Spokesperson at U.S. PLHIV Caucus. The group is made up of networks of people living with HIV (PLHIV), and works to abolish systems of oppression and center the experiences of people living with HIV.

Juan has been a vocal advocate for people living with HIV, and has documented his own experiences living with HIV and navigating the still-rampant stigma surrounding the medical condition, which often serves to denigrate or criminalize people living with HIV or AIDS, especially Black and gay men. Juan is the perfect fit for an agency that advocates for human rights and dignity for people often faulted for contracting a medical condition.

Making an Impact

Nancy Flores (Maynard 200 Class of 2022) won a “Texas Women Making a Difference” award from the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce for her work as publisher of Austin Vida. Nancy revived Austin Vida in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reimagining the digital Latinx news and culture site to amplify, inform and celebrate the Latinidad of the Austin community with culturally-competent news that centers the voices of nuestra gente,” the Latinx audience that makes up about 33% of the population of Austin, Texas.

Since Nancy took the helm, Austin Vida has also won the 2023 Best Latino Media Award from HABLA (Hispanic Business Advocates Business Leaders of Austin) and was a 2023 Finalist for Product of the Year from LION (Local Independent Online News Publishers) Local Journalism Awards.

Aallyah Wright (Maynard 200 Class of 2022) brought Sinners to Clarksdale and interviewed director Ryan Coogler, and became an Obama Foundation USA Leader.

After community organizer Tyler Yarbrough penned an open letter to the cast and crew of Sinners, the groundbreaking horror film set in Clarksdale, Mississippi and helmed by visionary director Ryan Coogler, Clarksdale native Aallyah joined in the efforts to bring the film to the town that gave it place. Although Sinners, which broke box office records shortly after its release in April, was set in Clarksdale, the Mississippi Delta town doesn’t have a movie theater, and residents would need to travel nearly 80 miles to see the film.

Their efforts paid off, and the cast and crew paid a visit to Clarksdale. Sinners was shown in multiple free screenings for several audiences of 1500 people at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium and Aallyah, working for Capital B, hosted the Q&A session in her home town.

For this and her constant dedication to reporting on marginalized and majority-Black communities in the rural South, Aallyah became an Obama Foundation USA Leader. The program “for emerging leaders working in government, civil society, and the private sector who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good,” connects cohorts of people working to make change in their communities, amplifying their impact.

Maynard 200 faculty and Maynard Communities of Practice Storytellers Community Co-Lead Advisor Aaron Glantz is once again working with the Guardian, investigating issues related to Trump administration policies and veterans. In August, Aaron published a piece abortion bans through the department of Veterans Affairs which would not include exemptions for rape or incest. This month, Aaron wrote about veterans decrying the arrest of a former Army sergeant after a protest against ICE, as well as the Trump administration rolling back federal efforts to combat human trafficking, threatening decades of progress in the fight against sexual slavery, forced labor, and child sex trafficking.

Aaron’s work highlights issues facing veterans and active-duty service members and those within the armed services who face challenges due to gender discrimination.

Maynard alumni and faculty continue to make us proud with their contributions to the field of journalism and to their communities, broadening our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tapestry of American news.

The Maynard Institute is proud to announce the hiring of Nadia Campbell-Mitchell as our new Director of Development. As Director of Development, Nadia will be a strategic partner to Co-Executive Directors Evelyn Hsu and Martin G. Reynolds.

With a focus on expanding relationships with existing donors and identifying new philanthropic partners, her expertise in fundraising and nonprofit management is invaluable to the institute.

“This is a major milestone for the Institute,” said Reynolds. “It reflects the remarkable growth our team has achieved, especially since 2018, when we launched Maynard 200.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nadia, who founded her own nonprofit at just 11 years old. Even then, she was focused on helping others and solving real problems. We’re lucky to have her, and we look forward to supporting her—as we work together to expand the Institute’s reach and strengthen journalism that truly reflects all of us.”

Nadia Campbell-Mitchell is a respected nonprofit leader, fundraiser, advocate, and founder whose commitment to service began at the age of eleven. Known among peers and community leaders for her integrity, leadership, and results-driven approach, she brings decades of experience building relationships, driving growth, and amplifying mission-driven work.

Inspired to action in the nonprofit sphere at a young age, Campbell-Mitchell’s strong desire to foster community, her investment in social justice, and her connection-building interpersonal interactions make her a natural fit for our organization and its many alumni and partners. She started her first nonprofit at only 11 years old, when after hearing about incidences of elder abuse and neglect in New York nursing homes, she started Victorian Hands, and connected youth volunteers to care homes and elderly patients.

With a strong foundation in both nonprofit development and sales, she combines strategic thinking with a natural ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Throughout her career, Campbell-Mitchell has led successful fundraising initiatives, supported organizational growth, and expanded access to resources for underserved communities. As a nonprofit founder, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build sustainable, community-centered programs from the ground up.

Her contributions have earned her numerous awards and honors, recognizing her leadership as well as her ability to inspire others to give generously and act with purpose.

An active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), she proudly served for several years on the board of AFP Long Island (AFPLI), where she mentored emerging fundraisers and contributed to strengthening standards across the field.

Whether working behind the scenes or engaging directly with donors, foundations, board members, or community partners, Nadia is known for her collaborative spirit, thoughtful communication, and unwavering dedication to creating lasting, positive changes in the communities she serves.

“I am honored to step into the inaugural role of Director of Development at the Maynard Institute,” Campbell-Mitchell said. “Being part of the legacy of Robert C. Maynard and the visionary founders who built this organization is deeply meaningful to me. The Institute has long been a trusted source of support for journalists of color and a champion for equity in media. I’m excited to help grow its impact and carry this mission forward with care, purpose, and gratitude.”

We look forward to Nadia Campbell-Mitchell’s contributions to the growth of the institute and the continued stewardship of its mission to diversify journalism and news.

Please join us in welcoming Nadia Campbell-Mitchell to the Maynard Family!

Changing Staff Roles

In addition to welcoming Nadia Campbell-Mitchell to the Maynard Family we would like to formally announce the evolution of other roles within the Maynard team.

Felecia D. Henderson, who was executive-in-residence for the Maynard 200 fellowship in 2024 and the institute’s Director of Cultural Competency, is now Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, once the director of the Maynard 200 program, is now Director of the Maynard Communities of Practice and the Maynard Regional Training Series.

Alida Birnam is now our Operations Manager.

Amani Hamed is our Community Engagement Manager and Staff Correspondent.

The Maynard Regional Training Series kicked off April 5 and 6 in Detroit in partnership with the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity on the campus of Wayne State University.

The inaugural weekend-long training, led by 21 veteran journalists and educators, brought together an impressive cohort of nearly 20 emerging news leaders representing varied backgrounds from across the United States.

They represented a wide spectrum of media affiliations, including the Kansas City Defender, EducationNC, The Detroit News, The Associated Press, Detroit Free Press, The Conversation US, Telegram Newspaper, PBS News Hour, independent journalists, media consultants and students from WSU’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity.

“The training sessions, helmed by executive-level faculty, aimed to advance their proficiency, confidence and resilience as frontline editors and mid-level managers in U.S. newsrooms,” said Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, director of two Maynard Institute programs – Regional Training and Communities of Practice.

“Their diverse perspectives are driving courageous news coverage and discourse, informing and emboldening audiences. Their work is vital especially in this volatile time, with relentless assaults on our industry, First Amendment rights, and truth.”

Trainees engaged in customized workshops, panels and group office hours led by faculty with extensive newsroom experience.

The Manager’s Mindset

Maynard Co-Executive Director Martin G. Reynolds set the tone for the weekend with a session on “The Manager’s Mindset” and what editors need to consider when stepping into leadership roles.

“I especially appreciated that Martin Reynolds emphasized the interpersonal aspects of management — that leadership is not just a title or a set of responsibilities, but a mindset you embody and uphold,” one participant wrote in a post-training survey. “His slideshow also offered thoughtful guidance on fostering belonging within a team, which really resonated with me.”

Leaning into your Fault Lines®

Maynard Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Felecia D. Henderson facilitated a problem-solving discussion on management issues with Jean Marie Brown, associate professor of professional practice at TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communications.

Professor Brown led a session on “Leaning Into Your Fault Lines®,” built around the Maynard Institute’s signature Fault Lines® framework, which helps editors understand how their biases – unconscious and conscious – inform the ways they manage news coverage.

“This was my favorite presentation,” a participant wrote of the session. “I really appreciated that the approach to this topic wasn’t to villainize fault lines or personal identity in journalism, but rather to recognize that we all have them, and that they can be an asset in our coverage.”

Reporting on Race, Gender, and Culture

Alicia Nails, director of Wayne State’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity, moderated a discussion on race, gender and culture reporting with panelists Laurén Abdel Razzaq of Bridge Detroit, Kat Stafford, global race and justice editor at Reuters, and anchor/reporter Demond Fernandez of WDIV-TV in Detroit.

“I thought this session was great,” an attendee wrote in the survey comments. “The panelists reinforced the aspect of belonging, which Martin had introduced the day before. I have tried to be intentional about looking out for and checking in with new people in the newsroom, particularly those who may be the only ones they see who look like themselves. I realize I need to do that more frequently and in a more sustained manner.”

Ethical Editorial Decision Making

Coach and consultant Maria Carrillo led two sessions: Ethical Editorial Decision Making and Coaching for Story and Building Trust.

“I hope to be as thoughtful to the people I mentor/supervise,” an attendee wrote of Carrillo. “She really drove home that managers are there to serve their people.”

Strategizing Innovation, Engagement and Sustainability for Teams and News Organizations

During the panel discussion “Strategizing Innovation, Engagement and Sustainability for Teams and News Organizations,” Erin Perry, editor of Outlier Media, Ruby Bailey, editor-in-chief of the Illinois Answers Project, and Martina Guzman, director of the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative at the Damon J. Keith Law Center, discussed the changing face of journalism and local news audiences with moderator Hayg Oshagan, associate professor of communication at Wayne State University and founder of New Michigan Media.

“I was blown away by some of the examples of engagement that were given and the lengths that some of the newsrooms are going to support their communities,” a survey respondent wrote. “It opened my mind to how innovative a news organization must be to truly serve and inform its audience.”

Closing Roundtable Discussion

In the closing roundtable discussion moderated by Vincent McCraw, regional manager of Report for America and president of Detroit NABJ, local and statewide leaders of legacy print and broadcast, nonprofit, and ethnic media discussed the challenges of covering news in the midst of distrust of local and national media and government.

“This was amazing!” one participant responded. “It was just really great to see some of the regional news leaders in Detroit all in one place and they had very insightful comments to share about the future of news, especially for reporters of color.”

Panelists included Laurén Abdel Razzaq, executive director of Bridge Detroit, Jeremy Allen, executive editor of the Michigan Chronicle, Nicole Avery Nichols, vice president and editor of the Detroit Free Press, Martina Guzman of the Damon J. Keith Law Center and creator of Spanish-language app VERDAD, Gary Miles, editor and publisher of The Detroit News, Kennan Oliphant, VP news and station manager for CBS Detroit, Levi Rickert, editor, publisher, and founder of Tribal Business News ad Native News Online, and Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News.

“The training concluded with a stirring roundtable of leaders from local, state, mainstream, nonprofit, and ethnic media—each offering a unique lens shaped by their communities and coverage. Together, they explored the evolving landscape of news coverage, showcasing the vibrancy of the region’s media ecosystem,” Alcazaren-Keeley said.

Participants enthusiastically told organizers they enjoyed learning from veteran journalists and connecting with fellow editors.

“This training was overall an amazing experience!” one participant wrote in the post-training survey. “I enjoyed connecting with the Maynard team as well as the other journalists in attendance. As a first-time editor and news leader, this was just what I needed to move forward confidently in my new position!”

The Maynard Institute will provide more training for entry-level and mid-career editors and managers this year. The next Regional Training weekend will be hosted July 17-18 by the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media at Chapel Hill.

The Maynard Regional Training Series is made possible thanks to the support of our generous funders The Ford Foundation and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and donations from individuals who support our mission of diversifying journalism.

Questions?

 For more information about the Maynard Regional Training Series, please reach out to: Maynard Regional Training Series Director, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley at okeeley@mije.org.

The inaugural Maynard Regional Training Series launches on April 5-6, 2025 with the program’s university partner, the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University’s campus in Detroit, Michigan. The Maynard Regional Training Series is an ongoing in-person, weekendlong leadership and management training program for early- and mid-career journalists across the United States.

Faculty members will lead training sessions on ethical editorial decision making, reporting on race, gender and culture and strategizing innovation, engagement and sustainability for news organizations.

Guided by core Maynard training principles, these professionals lead the charge in building more inclusive, dynamic media spaces.

In partnership with universities, these sessions give entry- and mid-level editors and managers the tools and confidence they need to traverse the complexities of newsroom leadership.

Maynard Institute staff, journalism professors, award-winning journalists and subject-matter experts lead all trainings, which are focused on essential areas for news leaders.

Through this dynamic training series, the Maynard Institute continues to live out its mission to equip journalists with the skills, strategies and leadership mindset they need to thrive in an evolving media landscape.

Partners in the historic city of Detroit

This year’s program is made possible thanks to the generous partnership of Wayne State University and the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity.

The first full day of programming, April 5, will kick off with an assembly and breakfast followed by opening remarks by Professor Alicia Nails, Director of the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity as well as welcoming remarks from Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, Director of Maynard Regional Training and Communities of Practice programs, and Felecia D. Henderson, Maynard Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Professor Alicia Nails, Director of the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State, is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist with 40 years of experience in television, radio and print. She was named Journalism Educator of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists at the 2018 national NABJ convention in Detroit. During her several decades of experience,

Nails has reported breaking news and features, and worked as a writer and producer for broadcast news in Detroit, Atlanta, and New York City.

As a freelance journalist, her writing has also appeared in the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, the Michigan Chronicle, and BLAC magazine, where she also served on the advisory board. She also continues to freelance through her company, SaidWrite.

Nails also serves on the board of the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation.

The first training round is in partnership with Wayne State University’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity. Director and Professor Alicia Nails will moderate a panel on: “Reporting on Race, Gender & Culture.”

“The proactive training of media professionals has never been more vitally important than it is at this moment. Bombarded by messages that all seem urgent, important and true, today’s journalists will have to use discernment to decipher – separating valuable content from the distractions that masquerade as news,” Professor Nails said. “Our role in society demands that we pay close attention as we distinguish ourselves from other content creators and relay accurate information with the sensitivity and context that the public deserves.”

About the Maynard Regional Training Series

The Maynard Regional Training Series is a new training program advancing the Maynard Institute’s efforts to expand the diversity pipeline in news media and dismantle structural racism in its newsrooms. It is designed for and serves the next generation frontline managers and editors in order to advance their career growth and leadership power in newsrooms and organizations.

Maynard Institute programs are open to all. We are committed to addressing the under-representation of people of color and other historically disadvantaged groups in media-related professions.

This professional development program provides customized training courses, resources and 1:1 mentorship by industry professionals, to fellows who have represented a wide spectrum of racial, gender and geographic backgrounds. The Maynard Institute’s new training programs are supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and The Hearthland Foundation.

Questions?

For more information about the Maynard Regional Training Series, please reach out to: Director of Maynard Regional Training and Communities of Practice, Odette Alcazaren-Keeley at okeeley@mije.org.