DEI certificate
If DEI is a priority for you and your staff, prove it!
Earn JEA’s DEI certificate by attending four out of 20 special breakout sessions geared toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Take the lead and put these sessions on your schedule so you can come away with new strategies and insights. Below is information for all 20 sessions in the special DEI strand. If you attend at least four, you’ll earn a certificate from JEA based on your participation. Sessions — and the certificate — are open to all! Those earning the special DEI certificate will receive it by Nov. 25, 2024.
There are more than 80 sessions in the program that incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion, but only these 20 comprise JEA’s DEI certificate.
DEI certificate sessions
Friday sessions
LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
Serving people with disabilities — in your stories, on your staff
How are you covering students with disabilities? In this interactive, student-led session, we will explore your knowledge of this type of journalistic work. Editors will share resources while facilitating discussion to improve representation and inclusivity in stories and to support students with disabilities in our student media programs.
Sarah Nichols, MJE; Desiree Montejano and Isabella Tomasini, Whitney High School, Rocklin, California
9 a.m. Friday, Salon B, Level 5 (180)
GENERAL INTEREST
The Caitlin Clark effect: How it impacts journalism
Using local and national media examples, this session will explore how Caitlin Clark transformed the coverage of women’s sports. Through stories, statistics and insights from Indiana Fever front office staff, we will highlight how Clark not only changed basketball but also influenced the future of journalism.
Brian Shelton, Calix Inc., Bloomington, Indiana;
Cricket Shelton, The Herald-Times, Bloomington, Indiana
9 a.m. Friday, Salon H, Level 5 (500)
[NHSJC Film festival]
PhotoJOURNALISM
“A Choice of Weapons: Inspired By Gordon Parks”
This film explores the enduring legacy of photographer, writer, composer, activist and filmmaker Gordon Parks, and spotlights his visionary work and its impact on artists working today, celebrating the power of images in advancing racial, economic and social equality. Read more on page 39.
10 a.m. to noon Friday, Salon G, Level 5 (500)
General interest
Keep it going: Next steps in your DEI journey
Our important work centered on diversity, equity and inclusion is never finished. Whether you’re looking for resources and ways to get started or want to gain strategies for deeper work with sourcing, story ideas, recruitment and relationships, we’re here for you. With tips, discussion and opportunities to interact, you’ll leave this session ready to move the needle.
Sarah Nichols, MJE, Whitney High School, Rocklin, California, and David Ragsdale, CJE, Clarke Central HS, Athens, Georgia
10 a.m. Friday, Meeting Room 401-402, Level 4 (90)
General INTEREST
Fred Ross: American Agitator
The Foundation for Systemic Change has produced a new documentary titled “American Agitator,” which highlights the life and work of activist Fred Ross. We invite you to an informational session featuring clips from the documentary, along with discussions on how Ross’s teachings can be applied to today’s pressing issues and the journalists who cover them.
John Heffernan, Washington, D.C., and Morgan McDonough, Chicago, both of Foundation for Systemic Change
11 a.m. Friday, Salon K, Level 5 (120)
GENERAL INTEREST
Data wizardry for diversity
Learn how to access Census Bureau data online and transform it into engaging, interactive graphics and maps that highlight your community’s diversity, economy and culture using the powerful R programming language.
Ken Blake, Middle Tennessee State University School of Journalism and Strategic Media, Murfreesboro
Noon Friday, Salon B, Level 5 (180)
GENERAL INTEREST
Sports journalism at the Paris Paralympic Games
Interested in becoming a sports journalist? In this session, you will hear from Penn State students about their coverage of the Paralympic Games in Paris. With 500 medal events in 22 sports, the Paralympics offer many coverage challenges and storylines. Learn about the art of interviewing and the power of storytelling through this international event.
John Affleck, Pennsylvania State University, Bellisario College of Communications, State College
Noon Friday, Salon H, Level 5 (500)
GENERAL INTEREST
Journalism for marginalized communities
Journalism has historically been an elite institution that often alienates marginalized communities. However, a renewed focus on storytelling from within these communities is creating new opportunities for those who have long been neglected by mainstream media.
Shaheen Pasha, Pennsylvania State University, State College
1 p.m. Friday, Salon E, Fifth Floor (500)
LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
Minorities in the media: Let’s connect
In this session, we will explore our expectations and responsibilities in telling the stories of our communities while balancing representation of perspective and truth. As journalists, are we storytellers? What types of stories do you prefer to tell? How do you perceive the representation of minorities in today’s media? We will also discuss ways to foster greater visibility for all members of our school communities, both in our staff and our content.
Irene Moulton, Lightridge High School, Aldie, Virginia
1 p.m. Friday, Salon D, Level 4 (180)
LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
Getting it right: Accurate representation
In the fast-paced world of journalism, thorough representation can often be overlooked. However, with some guidance, your publication can accurately depict those you cover. This session will address common mistakes and encourage collaborative efforts to overcome fears and misconceptions when addressing identity issues.
David Ragsdale, CJE; Peter Atchley and Wyatt Meyer, Clarke Central High School, Athens, Georgia
2 p.m. Friday, Salon E, Level 5 (500)
Saturday sessions
MULTIMEDIA BROADCAST, LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
Crafting compelling stories for
diverse audiences
In today’s digital age, multimedia storytelling is essential. This session focuses on creating engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. Learn how to incorporate visuals, audio and video into your students’ work to enhance storytelling and reach a wider audience.
Natasha Welcome, Metamorphosis Education Consultants, Piscataway, New Jersey
9 a.m. Saturday, Salon A, Level 5 (180)
LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
Queer quotes: How to tell queer stories
In this session, you will learn how scholastic journalists can engage in queer storytelling to better include the LGBTQIA+ community in their coverage.
A.J. Chambers, Horse Creek Academy, Columbia, South Carolina
9 a.m. Saturday, Franklin 2, Level 4 (200)
A more inclusive newsroom:
Why diversity matters
Imagine a world where news stories only reflect the experiences of a select few. Boring, right? That’s why diverse voices in journalism matter. We’re talking about hearing from people of all colors, genders, backgrounds and walks of life. It’s like adding a sprinkle of spice to a bland meal. Diverse perspectives make news more interesting, accurate and relevant to everyone. So, let’s dive into how we can make journalism a more inclusive and exciting place for all!
Sandra Coyer, MJE, Puyallup (Washington) HS and Debra Klevens, CJE, Parkway West HS, Chesterfield, Missouri
10 a.m. Saturday, Salon C, Level 5 (500)
Leadership & Team Building
Developing a commitment to diversity
Clearly communicating what you stand for as a student media program is essential for gaining readers’ trust. This student-led session will explore how one staff approached this process as part of its commitment to diversity. We will share why we did it and how, and then use a workshop model to help you start or revise your own.
Sarah Nichols, MJE; Emerson Kibby and Carson Nichols, Whitney High School, Rocklin, California
10 a.m. Saturday, Franklin 2, Fourth Floor
LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
#MoreLatinosInNews
Along with JEA’s Commitment to Diversity, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists is fighting for more Latinos in newsrooms and advocating for fair and accurate coverage of Hispanic communities. Part of that starts with high school student journalists. Come find out what NAHJ has to offer our student members.
Adriana Chavira, MJE, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School, Lake Balboa, California; P.J. Cabrera, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, San Antonio, Texas
10 a.m. Saturday, Salon J, Level 5 (120)
LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING
Intentionally bringing DEI into your newsroom
Journalism should inherently address diversity, equity and inclusion in its reporting practices, but this has not always been the case, especially in scholastic journalism. This session will provide practical DEI strategies that can be
incorporated into journalism courses to enhance student agency and amplify all voices.
Ron Steinschriber, Ritenour High School, St. Louis, Missouri
11 a.m. Saturday, Franklin 2, Level 4 (200)
[NHSJC Film festival]
PhotoJOURNALISM
“Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story”
For 50 years, Chinese American photographer Corky Lee documented the celebrations, struggles and daily lives of Asian American Pacific Islanders with epic focus. Jennifer Takaki’s intimate portrait reveals the triumphs and tragedies of the man behind the lens.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Salon G, Level 5 (500)
Newsgathering
Delving deep: Navigating sensitive interviews
Interviews about sensitive topics can be difficult to navigate with empathy and respect. Focused on newspapers, yearbooks and websites, this session will teach techniques to create a welcoming space and ask thoughtful questions while maintaining integrity to handle these conversations with care.
Madison Powers, Elon (North Carolina) University School of Communications
Noon Saturday, Franklin 2, Level 4 (200)
GENERAL INTEREST
Developing a diverse newsroom and readership
As our school’s demographics are shifting, we prioritized welcoming students with different backgrounds into the newsroom and engaging their peers through student writing. We’ll walk you through how we are working to report about, represent and reach our diverse students.
Kerry Cooper, West Potomac HS, Alexandria, Virginia West
2 p.m. Saturday, Franklin 12, Level 4 (140)
NEWSGATHERING
Reporting tips from NABJ: What you need to know
Have you ever struggled to find the perfect story? Join three members of the National Association of Black Journalists as they share strategies for engaging with your school and community to uncover the right stories. Discover why community engagement is essential for effective journalism.
Letrell Crittendon, American Press Institute, Philadelphia; George Daniels, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa; Mason Smith, The Pocono Record, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
2 p.m. Saturday, Salon D, Level 5 (180)