Strong journalism starts with strong newsrooms: How one Maynard alum is investing in both

Strong journalism starts with strong newsrooms: How one Maynard alum is investing in both

Communities depend on healthy newsrooms and well-supported journalists to access reliable information, stay informed and participate in civic life. But strong journalism requires more than skilled reporters and editors. It also depends on the professionals who help journalists do their jobs well.

That’s why the Maynard Institute’s work extends beyond training journalists to supporting the people who help newsrooms thrive.

Marla Jones Newman, a 2022 Maynard 200 Fellow, is one example of that impact.

As vice president of people and culture at the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), home to Mother Jones and Reveal, Newman leads human resources for an organization producing investigative journalism that exposes wrongdoing, holds institutions accountable and informs the public.

Strengthening journalism through HR leadership

As an HR professional, Newman entered the Maynard 200 Fellowship with a perspective not always represented in journalism leadership programs.

The experience helped her better understand the industry and the journalists she supports.

“Maynard definitely deepened my knowledge of journalism,” Newman said. “I feel more confident when talking with journalists about how they can utilize HR better.”

She’s since shared her expertise at conferences hosted by NABJ, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and NLGJA, participating in discussions about newsroom mental health, workplace inclusion, managing up and HR practices.

Newman hopes to encourage more HR professionals to participate in journalism conferences, where they can better understand newsroom challenges and share knowledge that helps journalists succeed. She’s also brought her expertise back to Maynard through its Propel Regional Training Series in Burbank, CA.

Her work demonstrates how Maynard’s investment in one professional can extend to colleagues and newsrooms across the industry.

A lasting investment in journalism’s future

For Newman, Maynard’s impact didn’t end when her fellowship concluded.

She’s continued her professional development through the NABJ Leadership Academy, CUNY’s Nonprofit News Business Certificate program and Stanford University’s Executive Program for Nonprofit Professionals. She also maintains relationships with fellow alumni and participates in the Maynard Communities of Practice.

“Connections and friends matter,” Newman said.

Now, as a founding member of The Maynard Collective, Maynard’s new alumni giving circle, Newman is helping sustain opportunities for future journalism leaders.

Launching ahead of Maynard’s 50th anniversary in 2027, the Collective brings alumni together to support tuition-free leadership training, professional development and lasting professional connections. Membership begins at $25 per month or $300 per year.

Newman believes developing future journalists is a shared responsibility.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to grow the ranks of journalists as well as develop them,” she said. “This is the greatest gift a media leader can give to the sustainability of future journalists.”

Her story illustrates the lasting value of investing in people. Maynard’s training helps professionals strengthen their organizations, share their expertise and build relationships that extend well beyond the fellowship.

And through alumni-led initiatives like The Maynard Collective, those who benefited from Maynard’s investment are helping create opportunities for the next generation.