MCJR Week 2025
Pass the Mic:
Mentoring the Next Generation
March 31 - April 3, 2025
Department of Mass Communications & Journalism
"We, the Storytellers"
Welcome to MCJR WEEK 2025!
Welcome MCJR students. Every year we organize this series of events to help MCJR students jump start their career in media and communications. Please take advantage of these opportunities, participate in events, and get to know MCJR alumni and other special guests.
Welcome back MCJR alumni. Thank you for sharing with current MCJR students what you have learned in your media careers. We are proud of your accomplishments and appreciate you coming back and giving back.
Welcome media professionals. We appreciate you volunteering your valuable time to help our students. Say "hello" to a future co-worker?
Welcome all. Most events are open to all NSU students, faculty, administrators and staff, as well as, guests from the community. MCJR Week events are open to all, unless otherwise indicated below.
Jump to a particular day: Monday || Tuesday || Wednesday || Thursday
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@mcjrnsu 
@mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2025
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Brown Hall, BMH230)
- Panel – "Young Black Men in Media: Challenges and Opportunities"
- Moderators: Deanna Latimore, MCJR faculty and Dr. Robert K. Perkins, Sociology faculty.
- Panelists: Eugene Daniel, 13News Now; Occasio Gee, Sentara Healthcare; Lawrence Rubama, The Virginian-Pilot; Antonio Dowe, Global Music Touring.
- Description: In this session we will showcase various successful African American male media professionals and have them share their journey to career success in their respective fields. We will also offer advice on how to navigate the potential challenges that are faced by black men in the media industry while demonstrating the importance of mentorship in the business. In addition, we will discuss the importance of mental wellness throughout the student's academic and professional careers.
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Brown Hall, BMH230)
- Panel – "Shattered Minds: Navigating Mental Health in Media"
- Moderator: April Woodard, MCJR faculty
- Special Guest: Kendis Gibson, former CNN, ABC, and MSNBC anchor.
- Other Panelists: Erika Cook, CEO Mantra Aesthetic; Adrian Woodard, Pastor FavorNation/Counselor; Dr. Robert K. Perkins, Sociology faculty.
- Description: Join us for a compelling panel discussion that delves into the critical intersection of media and mental health. Featuring national journalist Kendis Gibson, author of the poignant book Five Trips: An Investigative Journey into Mental Health, Psychedelic Healing, and Saving a Life. The conversation will explore the often-unseen struggles faced by those on the front lines of journalism. We’ll hear from a nurse and partner of a journalist who has witnessed mental health issues, shedding light on the wider implications for frontline workers. Together, we'll examine the pressures of the industry and share insights on promoting mental well-being in a high-stakes environment.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Brown Hall, BMH230)
- Workshop – "Mentoring Young Filmmakers"
- Screening: Short film by Denetra Hampton.
- Moderator: Dr. Proshot Kalami, MCJR faculty.
- Description: This interactive workshop invites media students to explore the power of “filmmaking with a cause.” Through open discussion, participants will reflect on key themes presented by the facilitator and consider how their creative voices can spark change and inspire impact through film. Ms. Hampton will also share insights from her powerful film The Dixie 3, using it as a catalyst for dialogue.
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2025
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (Student Center, SC 138B)
- Panel – “Women in Sports Media: Alternative Occupations and Opportunities”
- Moderator: Alauna Marable, MCJR student, Spartan Echo Sports Editor.
- Panelists: Jessica Radford, Associate Director of Strategic Communications, Conference USA; Yolanda Roberts, Norfolk State Athletics Learning Specialist; Indya Richards, MEAC Championship and Compliance Intern.
- Description: The sports industry offers far more career paths than just playing on the field. This panel brings together accomplished women working in Conference USA, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), and Norfolk State University Athletics to discuss alternative career opportunities in sports. These professionals will share insights into their roles and career journeys and will highlight the diverse opportunities available behind the scenes, the challenges women face in the field, and advice for breaking into the industry. Designed for college students interested in pursuing careers in sports, this panel will provide valuable guidance on how to navigate and thrive in the world of sports.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Student Center, SC 138B)
- Panel – “Beyond the Story: The Power of Community Reporting”
- Moderator: A’lauren Gilchrist, MCJR student, President, NSU chapter of NABJ.
- Panelists: Ahmad Garnett, Reporter, Star Democrat Publishing Group; Kiahnna Patterson, Weekend Morning Anchor and Reporter, WAVY-TV 10; Jessica Larché, Evening News Anchor and Investigative Journalist, WTKR- News 3; Don Roberts, former Anchor, WAVY TV 10
- Description: This panel explores the vital role of journalism in shaping, informing, and uplifting communities. Panelists will discuss how impactful storytelling goes beyond just reporting facts—it builds trust, drives change, and amplifies voices that often go unheard. Key topics include ethical storytelling, engagement strategies, and the evolving responsibilities of journalists in local and digital spaces. Attendees will gain insights into how journalists can serve as catalysts for meaningful conversations and real-world impact in the communities they cover.
1:30 PM – 2:50 PM (Student Center, SC 138B)
- Panel – “The Power of Policy: Media Tech and Politics”
- Moderator: Dr. Alisa Valentin, MCJR faculty and Broadband Policy Director, Public Knowledge.
- Panelists: Lauren Samuel, Policy Associate, National Urban League; Prince Albert III, Founder and President, Goldwater Ventures; Yosef Getachew, Senior Policy Counsel, Reset Tech; Justice Ukadike, Google.
- Description: In an era where technology shapes every aspect of our lives, policy decisions in media, telecommunications, and tech have the power to drive meaningful change, especially in underrepresented communities. This panel brings together leading experts, advocates, and professionals who have built careers at the intersection of policy and social impact. Students will gain insight into the career pathways in policy and learn how they can use policy as a tool to advance digital equity, media justice, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Panelists will share their journeys, offer practical advice, and discuss the urgent need for diverse voices in shaping policies that govern the digital world. Whether you're interested in advocacy, research, law, or media, this conversation will empower you to use media, tech, and telecom policy as a force for inclusion.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Student Center, SC 138 B&C)
- Special Panel – "Speed Mentoring: From MCJR You Can Go Anywhere"
- Moderator: Dr. Cathy Jackson, MCJR faculty.
- Description: This panel will focus on traditional/non-traditional jobs and workplaces where our alumni found careers. Instead of a standard panel setup, this panel will be styled like a speed-dating session. Students will spend 10-15 minutes with each panelist to network and learn about their career paths since graduation.
- Mentors/Alumni:
- Ashley Dillard, Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Newport News Shipbuilding.
- Krystal Searcy, Marketing Communications Manager, Hampton Roads Workforce Council.
- Treasure Ricks, Freelance Producer and Multimedia Specialist.
- Keshara McGee, Assistant Attorney General, Washington DC - Baltimore Area.
- Lt. General Zuri Grace, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Original Black Panther Party
- Candace Shoates-Perkins, Brand Marketing Manager, Virginia Opera.
- Dana Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, Buttar Cups 9.
- Ebony Fleming, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, City of Alexandria, VA.
- Rasool Shabazz, Associate Director of Academic Technology, Information Technology Services, NSU.
- Jasmine McKeiver, Senior Channel Manager - Salesforce, Email and Direct to Consumer, Edward Jones.
- Mahogany Waldon, Director of University Communications, Hampton University.
- Brion Humphrey, Video Broadcast and Public Relations Specialist, Sumitomo Drive Technologies.
- Eric Harrell, State Director, Marketing and Communications, Bryant & Stratton College.
- Maya Dawson, Assistant Director, Sports Communications, NSU.
- Karolyn J. Hairston, Social Media Marketing Specialist III, WAVY-10/Nexstar.
- Tracie Paige, Communications Manager, Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
- Lexus Wheeler, Technical Management Director, Program Executive Office Enterprise – U.S. Army, founder of SheSTEM.
- Octavia M. Hinds, Program Analyst Team Manager, SAIC, a Fortune-500 technology company.
- Jasmine Painter, Television Station Manager/TV Production Teacher, Norcom High School.
- Keisha Reynolds, CEO, K&R Communications, LLC, Digital Marketing Strategist.
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Student Center, SC 138B)
- Workshop – “Lights, Camera, Mentor: Guiding Young Filmmakers”
- Instructor: MCJR alumnus William Bagwell, director/producer, and special guests via Zoom and in-person (Jeremiah Caldwell, Jayden Hodby, Ricky Robinson Jr., Madisun McNair, Issa Bolden, William Jefferson Jr. and Josèa Stanford).
- Description: In this dynamic workshop, filmmaker William Bagwell Peele shares his journey from student filmmaker to award-winning director and producer. Drawing from his experience across over 60 film projects—including Bullied, The Black Walnut, and CBS’s Blue Bloods—Peele will guide students through the realities of independent filmmaking, career building, and staying creatively inspired. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical insights into navigating the industry while staying true to their voice.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Student Center, SC 138B)
- Workshop – "Directing/Producing a TV Series"
- Screening: Episode of Big Girl Love
- Instructor: MCJR alumna RaJeana Price and special guests via Zoom and in-person.
- Description: Join director and producer Rajeana Price for an inspiring workshop on building bold, authentic stories for the screen. As the creative force behind the television series Big Girl Love, Price will share her journey in bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of television and offer insights into the creative and production processes behind developing a successful series. Students will gain practical advice on storytelling, pitching, and carving out their own space in the media industry.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Student Center, SC 138B)
- Panel – "Sage Advice on Your Media Career"
- Moderator: Dr. Stanley Tickton, MCJR
- Panelists: Leon H. Carter, The Athletic; Tom Morris, Traveling Hat Productions; Troy Lemon, ODU Media Specialist; Cheryl Wilkerson, WVST-FM -VSU; Lindsay Robinson, Office of State Superintendent of Education, Washington, DC
- Description: This engaging panel features accomplished MCJR alumni from the 1980s who will share their insights on building a strong foundation while in school and navigating the transition into the professional world. Drawing from decades of experience in media and communications, these graduates will offer practical advice on making the most of your time at NSU and strategies for landing your first job after graduation. Don’t miss this chance to gain wisdom, perspective, and encouragement from those who’ve walked the path before you.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Madison Hall, WNSB Hot91 Studios)
- Event – “Alumni Mixer (at WNSB HOT91)”
- Open to alumni, faculty and MCJR students.
- Host: Maynard Scales, WNSB General Manager and MCJR alumnus.
- Description: The MCJR Mixer has become an annual celebration for the week allowing current students and alum to let their hair down, enjoy some refreshments and network. WNSB HOT91 will host this event Wednesday evening, April 2nd at 6pm. Be prepared to reconnect with friends, reminisce about the past and dream about the future ahead. All are welcome.
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media.
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2025
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (Student Center, SC 149)
- Event – “MCJR Awards Luncheon”
- By invitation only. Business casual attire.
- Description: The MCJR Awards Luncheon is our annual celebration of excellence and dedication within the Department of Mass Communications and Journalism. This special event honors the students, faculty, and staff whose hard work and achievements have helped make MCJR one of the most dynamic and distinguished departments on campus. Invited guests, please join us as we reflect on the past year and recognize the individuals who continue to elevate our legacy.
Legend
BMH = Brown Memorial Hall, SC = Student Center
Norfolk State University campus map
Questions?
Call 757-823-2261, email mcjr@nsu.edu
or send DM on @mcjrnsu or on @mcjrnsu.
Follow and post about MCJR Week on social media
@mcjrnsu @mcjrnsu hashtag: #mcjrweek2025
Note: Schedule subject to slight change. Check back for updates.
