Eighteen University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) students have been offered positions in the inaugural cohort of the NBCU Academy Fellowship for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The highly competitive program allows students to participate in and help shape a truth and fact-based news process that accurately and fairly represents diverse global, national, and local communities.

The fellowship is the result of a partnership between UFCJC and the NBCU Academy, NBCU News Group’s multi-platform journalism training and development program. UFCJC was one 13 higher education institutions to join the program in 2022. NBCU committed the funding, mentorship, educational resources, and internship and job opportunities to support the future of professional journalists and communicators who are committed to bringing the stories of overlooked communities to the masses.

2022 cohort participants come from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds in the U.S. and from other countries. They are:

• Desiree Anello, Public Relations senior
• Isabella Barnett, Media Production, Management, and Technology senior
• Anna Bernstein, Public Relations senior
• Kendall Brandt, Journalism senior
• Cherie Chick, Media Production, Management, and Technology senior
• Anushka Dakshit, Journalism senior
• Neha Dakshit, Media Production, Management, and Technology senior
• Cristina Santiago Espinet, Journalism senior
• Vanessa Flores, Master’s student
• Shawn Humphrey, Journalism senior
• Katrina Lee, Media Production, Management, and Technology senior
• Shane Ramsey, Master’s student
• Maria Dickson Rodriguez, Journalism senior
• Estefania Pinto Ruis, Master’s student
• Angelina Silva, Media Production, Management, and Technology senior
• Ana Trias, Journalism senior
• Elliot Tritto, Journalism senior
• Sarah Zephir, Public Relations senior

All students chosen for the cohort have a 3.0 grade point average or higher and provided work samples as a part of the application process. They also have displayed a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the communications industry.

The program includes up to $10,000 of scholarship funding for each participant, special event and workshop access, access to mentorship from industry professionals, access to recruitment events for competitive internship and job opportunities, and the opportunity to expand professional networks.

Posted: August 30, 2022
Category: College News, Student News
Tagged as: Equity and Inclusion, NBCU Academy Fellowship for Diversity