ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2022) – In partnership with The Washington Post, the Poynter Institute is proud to announce the 29 journalists of color selected for the 2022 Leadership Academy for Diversity in Media.
These leaders emerged from more than 150 applicants. They represent some of America’s most innovative and influential newsrooms, including international organizations, Spanish-language outlets, public media, nonprofit news, local newspapers, digital newsrooms and startups.
“It’s an honor to provide a safe space and springboard to journalists of color from a wide range of organizations to be even more effective leaders,” said Doris Truong, director of training and diversity strategies at Poynter and co-lead of the diversity leadership academy. “Many of us know what it’s like to be the First and Only. This academy provides kinship and furthers our shared mission to broaden inclusion so journalism can evolve to be as inclusive as our audiences deserve.”
Poynter began the Leadership Academy for Diversity in Media at Poynter six years ago and partnered with The Post in 2019. In total, Poynter has connected and empowered nearly 200 journalists of color to be self-aware managers, visionary leaders and change agents through this program.
“It has never been more essential to prepare and develop leaders with the tools to create inclusive work environments,” said Carla Broyles, senior editor for career development at The Post. “Partnering with Poynter, we’ve created an indispensable training that puts the merits of having diverse news organizations and effective leadership at the forefront.”
2022 academy line-up
The 2022 academy begins Oct. 9 with a keynote address from Katrice Hardy, executive editor at The Dallas Morning News. In conversation with NPR TV critic Eric Deggans at Poynter in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hardy will share insights from her 27-year career in journalism. She rose from an intern to managing editor at the Virginian-Pilot, oversaw Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting as executive editor of The Indianapolis Star, and then became the first woman and Black journalist to lead The Morning News.
Every year, Poynter and The Post review industry trends and design the academy based on the participants’ needs. The most requested topic for 2022 is how to get buy-in on big ideas, which will be led by Poynter adjunct Omar Gallaga. He will also host a workshop on trauma and resiliency. Other sessions throughout the week include:
- Ethical leadership, with Poynter senior vice president and Craig Newmark Ethics Center chair Kelly McBride
- Audience engagement and community building, with Post assignment editor Jason Murray
- Recruiting and retaining talent, as well as having fair conversations, with Poynter’s Truong
- Caring for your team, with CNN senior politics editor and 2019 diversity leadership academy graduate Joe Ruiz
- Leading authentically while navigating structural change, with CNN Digital senior vice president of content strategy and global programming Marcus Mabry
- Intentional delegation, with executive coach Sushil Cheema
- Customized approaches to leadership, with Post deputy managing editor Monica Norton
During the academy, participants will receive one-on-one coaching and spend quality time with their fellow participants over meals, activities and outings. The group will also have the opportunity to go to Tampa to attend Poynter’s first speaker series event in partnership with the Straz Center for Performing Arts, featuring Associated Press executive editor Julie Pace.
On the final night of the academy, participants will explore the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg during a private reception. Joanie Vasiliadis, vice president of content at TEGNA, will close out the last full day of programming during a keynote conversation with Truong about leaning into the responsibility of leadership. The Forbes 30 Under 30 award winner focuses on transforming digital in traditionally broadcast newsrooms, from people to product to content. She also co-leads TEGNA’s inclusive journalism programming, helping to make content more reflective of all communities they serve.
Meet the 2022 cohort
This group was selected with an emphasis on ensuring diversity across race and ethnicity, geography, technology platforms, organization size and skill sets. Applications for the 2023 academy will open in January.
