Shar Jossell (she/her) is an award-winning journalist, celebrated host/emcee, and overall media luminary hailing from the Chicagoland area. While arts and entertainment are her primary focus, she writes at the intersections of gender, politics, race, and pop culture. A veteran red carpet correspondent, in-demand media consultant, and noted cultural commentator with a keen eye for authenticity and critical assessment, she approaches her work with a fearless uniqueness as only she can. Shar is currently a full-time freelancing reporter contributing to a variety of media outlets including NPR.

Archie Jay Wilson (he/him) is a Los Angeles–based creative strategist, producer, and on-air host who specializes in building culturally resonant content and experiences. He has led social, digital, and experiential campaigns for brands and organizations including SiriusXM, the Golden Globes, Hulu, and Walmart. As creator and host of The Arch Effect and co-host of the reKap, he brings fresh, authentic storytelling to pop culture audiences while cultivating community. Archie also serves on the board of NABJLA, where he champions media diversity, engagement, and opportunities for emerging voices.

Tre'vell Anderson (they/them) is an award-winning journalist, noted podcast host, and authoress doing world-changing work around society and culture. A native of Charleston, SC, Tre'vell received their Bachelor's degree in sociology from “the nation's headquarters for Black male excellence,” Morehouse College. A year later, they earned their Master's degree in journalism from Stanford University. Past chapter president and former co-chair of NABJ’s LGBTQ+ Task Force, Tre’vell currently serves as NABJ’s Region IV Director on the national board.

Nadia R. Stanley (she/her) is a veteran global television producer with credits on networks including FOX, BRAVO, BET, & OWN. Her scope of work spans from co-producing Hell's Kitchen to producing the 1st ever Presidential Debate in Uganda. She received a BSBA from The American University, Nadia honed her journalistic skills attending Santa Monica College for sports broadcasting. After a 15-year career in television, Nadia pivoted to running a wealth management, financial services, and insurance solutions practice, partnered with New York Life serving the sports & entertainment community and beyond.

Niena Drake (she/her) is an Emmy Award-Winning Executive Producer, Career Coach + Strategist, Impact Leader, and Philanthropist who helps increase revenue, community, engagement, impact, and partnerships for organizations, major brands, media & tech companies. Her media and television expertise includes on-camera hosting, developing, producing & directing for companies including Apple, Netflix, Disney, and more. She was named one of Chicago's most influential leaders by the Chicago Tribune. As talent, she has worked with the world’s most powerful leaders and companies including Apple, NIKE, Jordan Brand, Rolls-Royce and many more. She is a Columbia College National Board member and Senior Director at the Emma Bowen Foundation, managing a community of 6,000+ professionals.

Jade Fox (she/her) is a creative multi-hyphenate from VA and a trusted voice on culture and genderless style. Featured in outlets like Paper Magazine and Forbes, Jade’s refreshing perspective blends her signature sense of humor with her strong sense of community to create engaging, conscious content. She has art directed campaigns for notable luxury and lifestyle brands, and continues to be a vital voice in today’s most exciting conversations on androgynous fashion and queer culture.

Martine Thompson (she/her) is a journalist who explores beauty culture, wellness, self-care, human connection, and community. She explores how we seek comfort, connection, and healing in everyday rituals—whether through becoming a pet parent, applying a swipe of lip gloss, or investing in a new hairstyle. With a keen interest in how we navigate the complexities of well-being, her work invites deeper reflection on the ways we pursue peace, pleasure, and relief in a challenging world.

Amir Vera (he/him) is a breaking news editor at CNN and the immediate past Vice President of Digital for NABJ. He was previously a writer on CNN Digital’s National News Desk where he earned a 2021 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Award in online features projects. Prior to CNN, Vera worked at two Virginia newspapers – The Progress-Index in Petersburg and The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk – where he won multiple awards from the Virginia Press Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Vera is an alumnus of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Danielle Nelson (she/her) is an Emmy-nominated journalist with a passion for news, pop culture and entertainment. A graduate of the University of Denver, she has experience working for several top companies including WESH 2 News, American Idol, Dick Clark Productions and CBS Newspath for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In addition to her work with NABJLA, Nelson has also volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival, Starz Denver Film Festival, Mile High Horror Film Festival and Aspen Film Festival.

Laarni Rosca Dacanay (she/her) is an award-winning internal/employee communications leader with 20 years of experience in media and entertainment. With a focus on Diversity, Equity + Inclusion (DEI), she is a trusted strategic partner to senior leadership and regularly advises on how DEI drives both culture and business needs. Currently, Laarni is Manager, DEI, Programs & Outreach for ABC's "The Bachelor" Franchise with NZK Productions/Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Born and raised in Ohio, she holds a B.A., Communications from California State University, Fullerton, where she was the Keynote Speaker at CSUF's 10th Pilipino American Graduation.

Ray Love Jr. (he/him) is a multi-hyphenate media professional with experience in publicity, television production, marketing, podcast production, photography, and graphic design. Currently, Ray works on the Marketing & Communications team with the Sundance Institute. Born and raised in Carol City (a neighborhood in Miami), he is a graduate of Florida A&M University's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, where he led the award-winning student-run magazine, Journey, as managing editor. Ray is a passionate purveyor of Black culture and stays engaged with the latest in films, scripted series, and podcasts.