Public Speaking.
Associate Professor
Howard University
Washington, DC
Professional Experience
Media Consulting
& Public Speaking.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I spent more than 25 years as a professional journalist, ten years in local news and more than ten years at the network level, NBC and then CNN. At CNN, I was the 9am newscast producer on September 11, 2001 and helped lead coverage of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. I was also senior producer for NBC's overnight newscast during the 1996 Olympic Park Games/ Bombing. I led field coverage of the one-year anniversaries of Hurricane Katrina and the Oklahoma City Bombing, as well as on-location specials. I also served as a regional manager in charges of NBC affiliates in the Great Lakes region. My editorial experience also includes producing positions at ABC and New York Times O&O television stations. In addition to various producing roles, I have also worked as reporter, talk show host, and radio personality.
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As Executive Producer, I helped conceptualize and create design, content and lead editorial and production staff for 3 hours of programming at CNN Headline News. I also hosted the "JT the EP" live news segment on HLN. Over the years I also spearheaded new newscast programs, on-location specials, produced news specials, and met a variety of interesting people.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
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I have been honored with notable industry recognition in the forms of a George Foster Peabody Award, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognition, Alfred I. duPont recognition and national award recognition from the National Association of Black Journalists
MEDIA CONSULTING
I accepted a buyout from CNN and launched MediaReady Consulting, LLC a boutique consulting firm. I worked on successful political campaigns, advised individual and corporate clients on media training and campaigns, website and social media development, as well as managing and producing high-level events. I currently consult with C-Suite executives, organizations and institutions on media 101 and strategies, crisis communication and production.
PREVIOUS CLIENTS
PUBLIC SPEAKING
I have been invited to speak at a plethora of presentations and events, panels and moderating activities, ranging from professional association meetings, scholarly conventions, conferences and lectures, and to youth and children. I have highlighted a few below.
Additional Public Speaking Opportunities
Featured Guest, Weeklong Lecturer, South Africa Media Freedom Week. Guest of U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy South Africa, and U.S. Consulate Cape Town
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Keynote Speaker, Breakfast of Scholars, The Pearls of Hope Community Foundation, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Xi Sigma Omega Chapter
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Keynote Speaker, President’s Dinner - The National Beauty Culturists' League 2018 Convention, Institute and Trade Show
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Commencement Speaker, Washington Global Public Charter School
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Keynote Speaker, Jacksonville State University Communications Week
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Moderator, COVID- Coping and Anxiety Survey Findings in Black and Latinx Communities webinar Howard Initiative on Public Opinion
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Moderator, Reporting While Black: Journalists on the Front Lines webinar, Journalism Sequence, Dept. of Media, Journalism and Film, Howard University
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Presenter, Beyond the Classroom: Comparative Approaches to Fostering the Faculty/Student Relationship 2020 AEJMC Annual Conference San Francisco, CA (virtual)
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Featured Virtual Speaker, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Topic Responsible journalism in difficult circumstances.
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Moderator, “COVID-19: From the Newsroom to the Classroom” – Live Twitter Chat, Dept. of Media, Journalism and Film, Howard University
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Moderator, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Headquarters, Washington, DC Topic: "Eye of the Storm- Broadcasters' Role in Emergencies” with featured remarks by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
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Moderator, "TEACH US ALL" Parallel/ARRAY Premiere, Washington, DC. The documentary on de-facto segregation in American Public Schools, in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the "Little Rock Nine."
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Mistress of Ceremonies, Howard University All Classes Reunion Luncheon, aimed to celebrate the reunion classes, foster more alumni support, as well as provide a backdrop for future programs and initiatives.
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Mistress of Ceremony, Changing the Face of STEM: A Transformational Journey – STEM forum, National Academy of Sciences featuring former U.S. homeland security secretary Governor Tom Ridge.
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Mistress of Ceremony, For Such A Time As This Celebratory Luncheon honoring Dr. Glenda Glover, 30th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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