NABJLA Elections 2024
Board Candidates
President
Shar Jossell (She/Her)
Freelance Journalist
Chapter Member Since 2017 - Current NABJLA Membership Director
Instagram
Vision Statement
I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for President of the National Association of Black Journalists, Los Angeles Chapter. As a member for nearly a decade, NABJLA has been an invaluable resource and a catalyst for connecting myself and countless others to numerous opportunities within the journalism field. Continuing this legacy of community building will be a cornerstone of my leadership.
As a proven team player, I have served on the Board of Directors, organized events, led panel discussions, and encouraged membership retention in my role as the current Membership Director. My deep respect and dedication to this organization are evident through my years of service.
If elected President, my primary goal will be to cultivate a rich environment for proficient networking and scholarly pursuits, encourage community engagement, and amplify marginalized voices within the profession. I am committed to building on our strong foundation and driving NABJLA toward a future of inclusivity and excellence.
Raya Clay (She/Her)
Digital Talent Producer
Chapter Member Since 2024
Instagram
Vision Statement
As President of NABJ-LA, my vision is to create a thriving, inclusive, and innovative community for our members. Here are my specific priorities and the initiatives I will champion:
Professional Development and Mentorship:
Mentorship Program: Pair seasoned journalists with emerging talents to provide guidance and career advice.
Workshops and Seminars:
Digital Storytelling and Multimedia Production: Hands-on training sessions on creating compelling digital content.
Resume Workshops: Sessions to help members craft standout resumes and cover letters tailored for the media industry.
Media Training: Training on how to effectively communicate and present on various media platforms.
Financial Literacy Events: Workshops on budgeting, financial planning, and understanding contracts and salaries in the media industry.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Advocacy for Representation: Advocate for increased representation of Black journalists in leadership positions.
Networking Events:
Annual NABJ-LA Gala:
Description: A prestigious event celebrating the achievements of our members, featuring keynote speakers, award presentations, and a networking dinner. Details: The Gala will include an awards ceremony to honor outstanding contributions in journalism, a keynote address from a prominent media figure, and a networking dinner where members can connect with industry leaders and peers.
Career Fair:
Description: Connect members with potential employers in the media industry.
Details: Employers will have booths where they can meet with members, review resumes, and discuss job opportunities.
Pitch Night:
Description: An event where members can pitch their story ideas or projects to a panel of editors and producers.
Details: Participants will receive feedback and potentially secure support or funding for their projects.
General Board Member
Archie Jay (He/Him)
Multimedia Producer
Chapter Member Since 2019
Instagram
Vision Statement
During my tenure with NABJLA, I aim to enhance the content and events board by implementing a strategic plan to increase engagement and visibility for our organization. I will focus on creating and curating high-quality, relevant content that resonates with our members and reflects the latest trends in journalism and media. Additionally, I would like to collaborate to organize and execute a series of impactful events and networking opportunities designed to foster professional growth within our community. By leveraging data-driven insights, I will ensure that our content and events align with member interests and industry developments. Ultimately, my goal is to strengthen our platform's role as a vital resource for journalists and media professionals, driving both participation and professional development.
Reggie Elzey (He/Him)
Associate Producer/Editor
Chapter Member Since 2023
Instagram
As a board member of NABJLA, my goal would be to strengthen our organization by focusing on key areas that will drive growth and engagement. My top priority would be to increase our membership by reaching out to students and professionals across the media landscape and show the value of being part of our organization. I would take part in organizing events that resonate with a wide range of media professionals, ensuring that our programming is inclusive and reflective of the varied interests and roles within our industry.
I would love to see us provide more practical workshops that equip up-and-coming journalists and media professionals with the necessary tools and skills to successfully enter and stay in the ever-changing job market. From learning skill based tools like Premiere Pro to learning how to pitch your portfolio as a freelance journalist/host/reporter, these workshops would be designed to address the evolving demands of the journalism industry, offering hands-on experience and valuable insights from seasoned professionals.
Central to my overall approach is the value and belief in true teamwork, collaboration and integrity. I am dedicated to working closely with board members and our broader membership to foster a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and collective efforts lead to impactful outcomes. By working together, we can raise the profile of NABJLA and make it a vital resource for media professionals across Los Angeles.
Simone Corbett (She/Her)
Segment/Field Producer
Chapter Member Since 2024
Instagram
In my time on the board of NABJ LA I would love to see/be apart of more routine events happening to bring the chapter together and foster new relationships between new and veteran members. These events could range from community outreach and events promoting wellness within the black community, to group activities to help members a part of this chapter feel welcomed and connected.