In partnership with The Washington Post, the Poynter Institute is looking for the next 30 journalists of color to participate in its sixth Leadership Academy for Diversity in Media. This group will join a network of 150+ graduates who regularly describe their experience in the diversity leadership academy as “life-changing.”
Part of that trademark experience comes from having honest conversations about the challenges for journalists of color in management roles — with fellow journalists and leaders of color. For many participants, this transparent environment offers what they don’t always get in their daily work: understanding and opportunities to unburden and heal.
The program structure and curriculum also provide participants the connections, confidence and skills to confront their challenges. Sessions are designed fresh each year to respond to industry trends, participant needs and evolving management challenges. Underscoring everything is Poynter’s expertise in leadership training and The Post’s expertise in digital innovation.
Doris Truong, director of training and diversity at the Poynter Institute, and Carla Broyles, senior editor for recruitment and training at The Post, will return to lead Poynter’s 2022 program.
Throughout the weeklong program, accepted applicants will have direct access to top media executives, receive practical advice on career planning and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully lead today’s digital news organizations.
Undoubtedly some of the important lessons I learned at Poynter played a central role in me securing the new title and pay bump. Based on the advice we received to foster our relationships, I more intentionally cultivated relationships with people I previously hadn’t sought to, who later heavily advocated for my promotion.
— Karen Hao, artificial intelligence reporter for MIT Technology Review and graduate of the 2019 diversity leadership academy
Participants will walk away with not only strong leadership skills but also a built-in support system for the future. All participants will get one-on-one coaching, seek and analyze 360-degree feedback, and create a personal leadership strategy.
This program has the potential to dramatically change participants’ careers, as well as how they approach their day-to-day work life. A survey following up with participants from the 2018 academy found:
- 100% apply something they learned at least once a week
- 91% tap into their cohort for ideas and support
- 75% are better at giving feedback to their direct reports
Questions?
Check out our FAQs. Or hear from our alumni: Suleman Din wrote about his experience in the cohort, “no code switching required,” and Eva-Maria Ayala wrote about overcoming her imposter syndrome.
If you still have questions, please email us at info@poynter.org.
