The Poynter Institute is looking for the next cohort of BIPOC journalists to participate in its eighth Leadership Academy for Diversity in Media in September 2024. Through this program, Poynter has coached nearly 200 journalists of color as they focus on becoming more effective managers, visionary leaders and change agents.
Part of that trademark experience comes from having honest conversations with fellow BIPOC journalists and leaders about the challenges they encounter in management roles.
The program structure and curriculum also provide participants the connections, confidence and skills to address their challenges. Sessions are designed to respond to industry trends, participant needs and evolving management challenges. Underscoring everything is Poynter’s expertise in leadership and ethics training.
Poynter faculty Tony Elkins will co-lead the 2024 program with Kathy Lu, Poynter adjunct and founder of Audiencibility.com. Guest instructors, keynote speakers and coaches will be announced closer to the start of the program. See the 2023 line up here for an idea of what to expect.
Throughout the weeklong program, the cohort 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.
“I am more confident in decisions I make because I now have a foundation of understanding for different scenarios I’m in. It’s a continuous journey, and I discover that with every new situation or opportunity that arises in my work, I am presented with options that weren’t possible for me to think about before attending the academy.” — Laura Albast, senior editor, digital content strategy, Institute for Palestine Studies, 2022 alum
“The leadership program really solidified my commitment to helping other journalists of color and living in my purpose. … I wanted to be at a place that valued the kind of journalism I was pushing for — and then I got a random text from Mitra Kalita that Capital B was looking for a national editor. Somehow things just aligned. A year later, I’m helping to build the kind of newsroom I wanted to be part of when I was younger.” — Dalila Johari-Paul, national editor, Capital B, 2022 alum
“I took the negotiation skills and applied them to a pitch for promotions on my team. My team got promotions within six months and I was elevated to vice president within 12 months.” — Stephanie Kuo, vice president of content, PRX, 2022 alum
Participants will walk away not only with strong leadership skills but also a support system for the future. All participants will get coaching, seek and analyze 360-degree feedback, and create a personal leadership strategy.
Monumental. Liberating. Life-changing: Read about graduates’ experiences in the 2022 program.
Questions?
Check out our FAQ. Or hear from our alumni: Suleman Din wrote about his experience in the cohort, “no code switching required”; Eva-Maria Ayala wrote about overcoming her imposter syndrome, and Ernest Owens wrote about how the academy powered his history-making promotion. If you need assistance, email us at info@poynter.org.
