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Wednesday, August 8
 

12:30pm CDT

IRE: Level Up Your Watchdog Game
In this half-day workshop, an Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) trainer will lead a discussion on proven strategies for becoming a better watchdog journalist. We'll talk about how to find key data and documents on your beat, how to pry loose the public records you need to get the story and how to use online tools to find and verify information.

Register for this workshop at bit.ly/AAJA18IRE
Speakers
avatar for Cody Winchester

Cody Winchester

Training Director, Investigative Reporters and Editors
Cody Winchester has been a reporter, data specialist and web developer for daily newspapers in South Dakota, Nebraska and Texas. Before joining IRE as a training director in April 2017, he was a news applications specialist at the Austin American-Statesman.

Sponsors
avatar for Gannett Foundation
avatar for TEGNA Foundation

Wednesday August 8, 2018 12:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Montgomery
  Wednesday Workshop

1:00pm CDT

Registration
Wednesday August 8, 2018 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Houston Foyer
  AAJA18 Convention Event

4:00pm CDT

New Attendee Meet & Greet
Wednesday August 8, 2018 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Liberty
  AAJA18 Convention Event

5:00pm CDT

Mentor Match Reception
INVITE ONLY:
AAJA is hosting a reception for the AAJA Mentor Match class of 2018. This is an invite-only event for mentors and mentees who were selected to take part in the yearlong program. As a benefit, you will mix and mingle with AAJA members in the program from around the world, exchange best practices and share mentor/mentee success stories. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. We will collectively head to the opening reception after this event.
Wednesday August 8, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  AAJA18 Convention Event

6:00pm CDT

Opening Reception
Wednesday August 8, 2018 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Houston I-III
  AAJA18 Convention Event

8:00pm CDT

Crazy Rich Asians Screening
Join us for an exclusive screening of Warner Brothers' Crazy Rich Asians! AAJA will provide transportation to and from the screening venue and the Marriott Marquis. All attendees must be registrants of #AAJA18. Pre-registration required.

Wednesday August 8, 2018 8:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
AMC Houston 8 510 Texas St., Houston, TX
  Sponsored Event
 
Thursday, August 9
 

8:00am CDT

Registration
Thursday August 9, 2018 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Houston Foyer
  AAJA18 Convention Event

9:00am CDT

Freelancing: The Business of Going Solo
Freelancing is becoming more common and it requires navigation around areas outside of the industry. This panel will help navigate these areas from accounting and insurance, to marketing and understanding the types of skills editors look for in a freelancer. There are pros and cons to being on your own. Whether this position is a choice or due to economic circumstances, the panelists will give tips on creating a positive experience.
Speakers
avatar for E Samantha Cheng

E Samantha Cheng

Executive Producer, Heritage Series, LLC
E. Samantha Cheng is a broadcast veteran in national news and television production. She is an experienced journalist and documentarian and has devoted much of her career to raising the visibility of Women in Technology, APIAs (Asian and Pacific Islander Americans) and their contributions... Read More →
avatar for Justin Ching

Justin Ching

Founder + Filmmaker, j-school
Justin Ching is an award-winning showrunner, known for producing hit series at Amazon, FOX and YouTube. Currently the Supervising Producer on Amazon’s Ritual, Ching began his career at YouTube Originals, launching channels like VICE, AwesomenessTV and Tastemade. He led the FOX/Facebook... Read More →
avatar for Darrell Miho

Darrell Miho

Photographer, the eyeScream factory
Darrell Miho is a freelance photographer based in Las Vegas. He started out in 1985 as a photojournalist specializing in sports. His editorial clients include Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, Golf Digest and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. With the digital revolution, his work... Read More →
avatar for Emily Tan

Emily Tan

Web Producer, Simons Foundation
Emily Tan is a longtime freelance writer and photographer. She is also a web producer for the Simons Foundation. She has contributed to the Village Voice, MySpace and NBC Asian America and worked with Samsung, YSL Beauty and Yondr. You can find out more about her adventures, fave... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Montgomery
  In the Know

9:00am CDT

The Art of Criticism
A panel featuring seasoned critics in various entertainment and cultural fields delve into how to write a solid critical piece that engages your publication in the global conversation.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Fung

Lisa Fung

Editor/Writer
Writer and editor Lisa Fung is a longtime journalist and AAJA member. During her 24-year tenure at The Los Angeles Times, she served as Arts & Entertainment Editor, Arts & Culture Editor, Assistant Business Editor and an editor on the paper’s national edition and Metro desks... Read More →
avatar for Neal Justin

Neal Justin

Media critic, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Neal Justin is the media critic for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He previously covered music and nightlife for the paper and was a crime reporter at the Rockford Register Star. He is currently president of UNITY, Journalists for Diversity, and a former governing board member for... Read More →
avatar for Mariecar Mendoza

Mariecar Mendoza

Arts Content Editor, San Francisco Chronicle
Mariecar is the arts content editor for The San Francisco Chronicle where she oversees the pop music and pop culture beats. Along with helping manage the production of The Chronicle's daily entertainment section, she spearheads live coverage of events such as San Francisco's annual... Read More →
avatar for Frank Shyong

Frank Shyong

Reporter, Los Angeles Times
I write about Asian communities in Los Angeles for the LA Times.

Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Brazoria
  Leadership/Entrepreneurship, Features Forum Affinity Group

9:00am CDT

Queer Voices in AAPI Media
Hear from emerging queer voices who are telling their stories in podcasting, film and other outlets. From the challenges they face to how they’re changing the media narrative to include their voices, learn how to bring attention to these types of stories and how the spaces for these stories are evolving and growing in the media.
Speakers
avatar for Patrick G Lee

Patrick G Lee

filmmaker-journalist, freelance
Patrick G. Lee is a queer Korean American filmmaker-journalist. He's working on films about queer Asian history, LGBTQ self-representation, and Asian American coming out stories. His reporting has appeared in The Atlantic, Mother Jones, ProPublica, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg... Read More →
avatar for Tobin Low

Tobin Low

Co-host and Co-managing editor of "Nancy", NY Public Radio
Tobin Low is the co-host and co-managing editor of Nancy. His work has also appeared on More Perfect, Marketplace, Studio 360, and the Codebreaker podcast.
avatar for Kathy Tu

Kathy Tu

Host, Nancy, WNYC
Kathy Tu is the co-host and co-managing editor of Nancy, the critically-acclaimed podcast from WNYC Studios featuring queer stories and conversations about how we define ourselves and the journey it takes to get there. Kathy is based in Los Angeles, but is frequently in New York... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Liberty
  Race/Identity

9:00am CDT

Crafting a Narrative
The appetite for digital narratives continues to thrive and continuously progress how journalists tell stories. From creating an interactive experience to producing a long-form podcast, the numerous mediums for longform storytelling necessitate strategic thinking to create a compelling narrative. This session will explore new formats of narrative storytelling and walk through the process, from pitch to execution.
Speakers
avatar for Dolly Li

Dolly Li

Content Director, Goldthread (SCMP)
Dolly Li is an Emmy Award-winning video producer. Currently, she is the Content Director of Goldthread, a new digital publication that covers Chinese food and culture for the internet age. Previously, Dolly worked at AJ+ where she created viral short documentaries such as “The... Read More →
avatar for Lyndsey Read

Lyndsey Read

Senior Producer, CNN
CNN Senior Producer Lyndsey Read focuses on digital video production, programming and strategy. Over the last 2 years, she has launched dozens of special projects across core and emerging platforms including short documentaries, episodic series and sponsored campaigns. Prior to CNN... Read More →
avatar for Neena Satija

Neena Satija

Investigative Reporter, Texas Tribune
avatar for Jim Schachter

Jim Schachter

Vice President - News, WNYC
Jim Schachter is Vice President for News at WNYC, where he is responsible for an enterprise-focused multiplatform newsroom, as well as programs, podcasts and websites including On The Media, The Takeaway, The Brian Lehrer Show, Midday on WNYC, Gothamist, There Goes the Neighborhood... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Young

Lauren Young

Science Journalist and Digital Producer, Science Friday
Lauren J. Young is a journalist and web producer on the digital team at Science Friday. She crafts pre- and post-show articles so that listeners can get their fill of science stories throughout the week. She specializes in writing long form features and helps manage SciFri's social... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Skillbuilding

9:00am CDT

The Aging America
Census Population Projections show adults 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 for the first time in U.S. history by the year 2035. With America’s rapidly changing demographics, it is increasingly important to understand what an aging population means for individuals, communities and the nation. This workshop will dive into the issues affecting this growing and influential group with insights and data on how communities are preparing for older adults, the growing responsibilities of family caregivers and the current state of long-term care, and the future of work and retirement.
Speakers
avatar for Wendy Fox-Grage

Wendy Fox-Grage

Senior Policy Advisor, AARP PPI
Wendy Fox-Grage has provided policy research, analysis, and guidance for the AARP Public Policy Institute since 2004. Her areas of focus are state long-term services and supports reforms, Medicaid-managed long-term services and supports, and home- and community-based services. Before... Read More →
avatar for Scott Pham

Scott Pham

Data Reporter, BuzzFeed News
Scott Pham is a data reporter for the BuzzFeed News investigations team. Previously he was a news applications developer for the Center for Investigation Reporting. He got his start in public radio before becoming interested in investigative news. His work centers on using documents... Read More →
avatar for Matt Sedensky

Matt Sedensky

National Writer, The Associated Press
Matt Sedensky is a New York-based member of the global enterprise team at The Associated Press. As an AP reporter and correspondent, he’s also been based in Hartford, Honolulu, Kansas City, Miami and West Palm Beach, covering everything from hurricanes and mass shootings to politics... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for AARP

Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Kingwood A
  Sponsored Event

9:00am CDT

Media Institute
The media needs more diverse sources. Are you one of them? Join the AAJA Media Institute for an intense two-and-a-half-day workshop that will coach you on how to tell your story and share your expertise with the media. Pre-registration is required for this selective training.

More: https://www.aaja.org/media_institute_2018
Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Houston II
  Media Institute

9:00am CDT

Career Fair & Expo
Thursday August 9, 2018 9:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Houston IV-VII
  Expo Hall & Career Fair

9:30am CDT

ELP Presents The New York Times Executive Breakfast Salon
Invitation Only

An intimate conversation with Carolyn Ryan, Assistant Managing Editor, on leadership, newsroom management and lessons learned.

Thursday August 9, 2018 9:30am - 11:00am CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

10:00am CDT

SAG-AFTRA Office Hours
What is SAG-AFTRA all about? What does the union mean to me and my career? SAG-AFTRA invites you to join their expert staff — from the Broadcast and EEO & Diversity departments — during their office hours at #AAJA18 in Houston. Applying for a job at a union station? Moving to a different market? Wondering about getting an agent? Have questions about your personal service contract? You can book a time for a private conversation (20 minutes) and ask them all these employment-related questions as well as about any aspect of the business no matter what market you are in or what stage of career you find yourself.

RSVP: https://www.aaja18.org/sagaftra-office-hours/
Sponsors
avatar for SAG-AFTRA

Thursday August 9, 2018 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
Galveston A
  Sponsored Event

10:00am CDT

Photo Portrait Studio
Get your professional headshot taken at the Fox News Photo Portrait Studio! Time slots available on a first come, first serve basis. A $20 donation is suggested to help support AAJA student photojournalists. All donations can be made at the second floor registration desk with AAJA staff.
Sponsors
avatar for FOX News

Thursday August 9, 2018 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Houston IV-VII
  Sponsored Event

10:30am CDT

#ProTip: Networking 101
For students and early to mid-career journalists, come to this session to learn how to build a network of mentors and colleagues.
Speakers
avatar for Bobby Caina Calvan

Bobby Caina Calvan

Newsperson, Associated Press
Bobby Caina Calvan is a reporter with the Associated Press, covering state government and politics in Florida. He was previously operations directors for the Fund for Investigative Journalism. Over his career, Calvan has worked in some of the country's best newsrooms. In addition... Read More →
avatar for Benjamin Pu

Benjamin Pu

Associate Producer, MSNBC
Benjamin Pu is an associate producer with MSNBC. He serves on the AAJA-New York chapter board as social media chair, webmaster and Trivia Bowl chair. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016 with a Bachelor's in global studies.
avatar for Bhumika Tharoor

Bhumika Tharoor

Recruiter, CNN
Bhumika Tharoor is the DC-based recruiter helping to build CNN’s newsrooms and show teams. She currently supports CNN Digital and programming across DC, New York, and Atlanta including teams such as The Lead with Jake Tapper, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, CNNPolitics, CNNMoney... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Expo Hall Stage
  #ProTip, Yung AAJA Affinity Group

11:00am CDT

ELP Presents: Negotiation I
Invitation Only

Negotiating a salary can be intimidating. Whether you’re at your current job, making a leap to the next or discussing an employment separation agreement, this two-part coaching session will help shape realistic expectations. You’ll learn not just when to discuss your salary, but when not to. You’ll also learn how to negotiate an entire compensation package, including additional benefits and in some cases severance and separation.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Career expert, SixFigureStart
Caroline Ceniza-Levine specializes in career change and has reinvented herself multiple times from traditional employee to co-founder of SixFigureStart® career coaching and CostaRicaFIRE.com, a travel, real estate and FIRE blog. Caroline is the creator and facilitator of Behind... Read More →
avatar for Virgil L. Smith

Virgil L. Smith

Principal, Smith Edwards Group, LLC
Virgil Smith is a retired media executive having spent 20 years with McClatchy Newspapers and the 24 years with Gannett, where he served numerous roles, including president and publisher and corporate HR executive. He has recruited, mentored and coached hundreds of professionals from... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

11:00am CDT

How to Report From a Disaster
Disaster reporting is difficult; it’s unpredictable and dangerous. What should you know? What should you consider? And how do you prepare for a disaster if it’s approaching your area? A panel of experienced reporters will answer these questions and share their own experiences reporting from disasters.
Speakers
avatar for Keri Blakinger

Keri Blakinger

Reporter for the Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle
Keri Blakinger covers breaking news and criminal justice at the Houston Chronicle. She was hired through the Hearst Fellows program. She graduated from Cornell University and covered county and town government at the Ithaca Times before moving to breaking news at the New York Daily... Read More →
avatar for Curtiss Kim

Curtiss Kim

Anchor/Reporter, KCBS Radio SF
Anchor/Reporter KCBS-AM/FM All News, CBS Affiliated Radio Station in San Francisco. Assignments include anchoring newscasts, breaking news and general assignment. Curtiss is the the recipient of numerous awards including AP, Radio Television News Directors Asso., Peninsula Press Club... Read More →
avatar for Brandi Smith

Brandi Smith

Reporter/anchor, KHOU 11
Brandi got her start in news when she applied for an internship with the local TV station and the general manager ended up offering her a job instead. She fell in love with journalism and has been telling the stories of her community ever since.
avatar for Adam Yamaguchi

Adam Yamaguchi

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND CORRESPONDENT, CBS NEWS
Adam Yamaguchi is Executive Producer and Correspondent with CBS News Originals, a documentary series that takes a deep dive into today's most important issues, told through uniquely immersive and intimate storytelling.

Sponsors
avatar for CBS News

Thursday August 9, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Montgomery
  In the Know

11:00am CDT

ELP Presents How Do We Make Money in Digital? Discussions About the Business of Journalism
The News Company is a legacy print organization with declining print subscriptions/ad revenue. The company’s goal is to have its digital product be the main revenue generator by 2020. What business models or revenue streams would you recommend to help The News Company reach its goal? Come brainstorm this problem real-time with experts from companies that have built new revenue streams in the digital media age. Each will share a specific example of a business model that is working to build a future for journalism.
Speakers
SP

Sharon Pian Chan

Vice President of Philanthropy, New York Times
avatar for Lance Davis

Lance Davis

Senior Content Strategist, Bankrate.com
Lance Davis is the senior content strategist for Bankrate.com. Lance sets the vision for the editorial team to ensure Bankrate helps its readers make smarter personal finance decisions. Previously, he worked as the optimization editor and social media and newsletter editor. He joined... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Bankrate

Thursday August 9, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Liberty
  Leadership/Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership Program (ELP)

11:00am CDT

The Business of Asian American Athletes: The Olympics And Beyond
Following the Winter Olympics with Chloe Kim’s gold medal success and a record number of Asian American figure skaters, advertisers have flocked towards these AAPI athletes making waves in the mainstream media. Although they’ve become more marketable, a question remains: are they perceived as American? We explore the business of branding athletes, the history of exclusion and racism towards Asian Americans, and ask: are things changing?
Speakers
avatar for James Koh

James Koh

Broadcaster, DIRECTV
A four-time Emmy winner, Koh is currently a NFL analyst and host for DIRECTV, a play-by-play voice for EA Sports and a writer for both Yahoo! Sports and the New York Daily News. He previously held various broadcasting positions at NFL Network and at local news affiliates in Los Angeles... Read More →
avatar for Annie Park

Annie Park

Professional Golfer, Ladies Professional Golf Association
Professional golfer on the LPGA Tour from Levittown, N.Y. Winner of the 2018 ShopRite LPGA Classic. Symetra Tour Player of the Year in 2015 after winning three times. As a freshman at USC, led the Trojans to its third NCAA title while winning four events, including the 2013 NCAA Women's... Read More →
avatar for Anita Sehgal

Anita Sehgal

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Houston Astros
Anita Sehgal joined the Astros as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications in January 2015. In her fourth season with the ballclub, Anita provides strategic leadership for the ballclub’s advertising, marketing, communications, broadcasting and alumni relations, including... Read More →
avatar for Ken Sheirr

Ken Sheirr

VP of Marketing, Houston Rockets
Ken Sheirr is in his 18th season with the Houston Rockets. As Vice President of Marketing, he’s responsible for Brand Management, Creative Services, Media Strategy and Planning, Digital Marketing and Communications, Community Relations, Game Presentation, Event Production and... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Brazoria
  Race/Identity, Sports Task Force Affinity Group

11:00am CDT

Utilizing Free Web Tools to Empower Your Reporting
Take a peek behind the scenes to see what tools reporters are using for their research and newsgathering. From Google search hacks to identifying misinformation, come hear how reporters from several organizations utilize free web tools.
Speakers
avatar for Frank Bi

Frank Bi

Director of Tools & Technology, Star Tribune
Frank Bi is senior journalist, technologist, educator and nonprofit leader passionate about the intersection of media and technology. He is the Director of Tools & Technology at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Frank is also the president of the New York chapter of the Asian American... Read More →
avatar for Matt Dempsey

Matt Dempsey

Data Editor, Houston Chronicle
Matt Dempsey is the data editor at the Houston Chronicle. He worked on projects involving wildfires, state pensions, and the chemical industry. His passion for public records frequently leads to disclosure of data from all levels of government. His series Chemical Breakdown won the... Read More →
avatar for Rachael Gleason

Rachael Gleason

Deputy Digital Editor, Houston Chronicle
Rachael Gleason is an award-winning data journalist and digital storyteller for the Houston Chronicle. She previously worked as a reporter and online editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram in West Texas and a data visualization journalist for the San Antonio Express-News._x000D... Read More →
avatar for Ted Han

Ted Han

Director of Technology, DocumentCloud
Ted Han is a leader in development and strategy for journalism products. He’s led DocumentCloud's technology efforts since 2011, working with journalists and news organizations across the globe during his time with Investigative Reporters and Editors. Ted has worked in the... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Skillbuilding

11:00am CDT

NBCUniversity
Pre-registration is required for this day-long workshop. More: https://www.aaja18.org/nbc-university/
Sponsors
avatar for Comcast NBCUniversal

Thursday August 9, 2018 11:00am - 5:00pm CDT
River Oaks AB
  Sponsored Event

12:00pm CDT

ELP Presents Knight Foundation Executive Lunch Salon with Nancy Barnes and Don Shelton
Invitation Only

Nancy Barnes and Don Shelton will discuss how their newsroom applies the learning from Knight-Temple Table Stakes Project, a national initiative, to transform Metro newsrooms to become digital first and audience focused and to become self-sustaining by monetizing digital content.
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Barnes

Nancy Barnes

Executive Editor and VP, Houston Chronicle
Nancy Barnes has been editor and executive vice president of the Houston Chronicle since October, 2013. The Houston Chronicle is the largest newspaper in Texas with Sunday circulation of about 350,000, a daily circulation of about 200,000, and a large daily digital footprint across... Read More →
avatar for Don Shelton

Don Shelton

Executive Editor, Seattle Times
Don Shelton has been the Executive Editor of The Seattle Times since 2016. The University of Idaho graduate has been a journalist for more than 40 years and a manager for more than 30. He previously was Sports Editor at The Seattle Times, Santa Rose Press-Democrat and Bellevue Jo... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

12:30pm CDT

AAJA Membership Meeting
Thursday August 9, 2018 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Brazoria
  AAJA18 Convention Event

1:00pm CDT

SAG-AFTRA Office Hours
What is SAG-AFTRA all about? What does the union mean to me and my career? SAG-AFTRA invites you to join their expert staff — from the Broadcast and EEO & Diversity departments — during their office hours at #AAJA18 in Houston. Applying for a job at a union station? Moving to a different market? Wondering about getting an agent? Have questions about your personal service contract? You can book a time for a private conversation (20 minutes) and ask them all these employment-related questions as well as about any aspect of the business no matter what market you are in or what stage of career you find yourself.

RSVP: https://www.aaja18.org/sagaftra-office-hours/
Sponsors
avatar for SAG-AFTRA

Thursday August 9, 2018 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Galveston A
  Sponsored Event

1:30pm CDT

#ProTip: Facebook Tools & Products
Sponsored by Facebook Journalism Project

About the Facebook Journalism Project:
The Facebook Journalism Project was created in January 2017 to ensure that quality news thrives on Facebook. FJP focuses on three pillars: collaborative development of new products; tools and trainings for newsrooms; and tools and trainings for people. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/get-started/facebook-journalism-project. In 2018, Facebook partnered with SPJ to train a network of professionals to teach Facebook Tools for Journalists at conferences, workshops and newsrooms around the country. Facebook and SPJ are committed to creating opportunities for journalists everywhere to learn about the ways Facebook tools can help create and share incredible works of journalism, as well as engaging the public in the stories about their communities. Visit: https://www.spj.org/facebook.asp

About Raymond: 
Raymond Ruiz (@EGMNRay) is executive director and founder of El Gato Media Network, a nonprofit that provides career services to college students and young media professionals from multicultural backgrounds. He is based in Houston. 
Speakers
avatar for Raymond Ruiz

Raymond Ruiz

Executive Director and Founder, El Gato Media Network


Thursday August 9, 2018 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Expo Hall Stage
  Sponsored Event

2:00pm CDT

ELP Presents: Negotiation II
Invitation Only

Negotiating a salary can be intimidating. Whether you’re at your current job, making a leap to the next or discussing an employment separation agreement, this two-part coaching session will help shape realistic expectations. You’ll learn not just when to discuss your salary, but when not to. You’ll also learn how to negotiate an entire compensation package, including additional benefits and in some cases severance and separation.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Career expert, SixFigureStart
Caroline Ceniza-Levine specializes in career change and has reinvented herself multiple times from traditional employee to co-founder of SixFigureStart® career coaching and CostaRicaFIRE.com, a travel, real estate and FIRE blog. Caroline is the creator and facilitator of Behind... Read More →
avatar for Virgil L. Smith

Virgil L. Smith

Principal, Smith Edwards Group, LLC
Virgil Smith is a retired media executive having spent 20 years with McClatchy Newspapers and the 24 years with Gannett, where he served numerous roles, including president and publisher and corporate HR executive. He has recruited, mentored and coached hundreds of professionals from... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

2:00pm CDT

ELP Presents Making Moves: Finding and Transitioning to Your Next TV Market
Your contract is up and you're ready to move to a different market. When is the right time to start applying? Where do you look? How do you get your foot in the door and ace the interview?
Speakers
avatar for Natasha Chen

Natasha Chen

National Correspondent, CNN
I'm currently a national correspondent for CNN out of Los Angeles. I'm also a spreadsheet enthusiast, a soprano, a tap dancer, a mentor, an AAJA member, and a Disney nut. Winner of karaoke and eating contests. Less-chill sibling of Pico CEO Nick Chen. I most recently covered COVID-19... Read More →
avatar for Shawn Chitnis

Shawn Chitnis

Reporter / MMJ, KCNC-TV
Shawn Chitnis joined KPIX-TV in 2021. Shawn reports for the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts on KPIX 5 on CBS News Bay Area as an MMJ. Before moving to San Francisco, he worked in Denver for six years at the KPIX's sister station, KCNC-TV. Shawn started his career in eastern Washington working... Read More →
avatar for Elaine Kong

Elaine Kong

Reporter/MMJ, Local 12 WKRC
Elaine Kong joined the Local 12 team in April 2018 as a reporter/multimedia journalist. _x000D_ Elaine moved to WKRC after two years with KFDM/KBTV in Beaumont, Texas, where she reported live during breaking news situations including Hurricane Harvey and the World Series in Houst... Read More →
avatar for Joanne Po

Joanne Po

Managing Director, Fox News Digital
Joanne Po is Managing Director at Fox News Digital. She joined Fox News in May 2017 bringing over 20 years of television and digital video journalism experience. _x000D_ In her current role, Joanne manages teams of reporters, editors, video and multimedia journalists with a focus... Read More →
avatar for Elaine Quijano

Elaine Quijano

Correspondent and Anchor, CBS News
Elaine Quijano is a correspondent for CBS News contributing to all CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Her reporting is regularly featured on "CBS This Morning" and the "CBS Evening News." She also anchors the Sunday edition of the "CBS Weekend News" and is an anchor for CBSN, CBS... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for FOX News

Thursday August 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Liberty
  Leadership/Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership Program (ELP)

2:00pm CDT

Libel and Invasion of Privacy Plenary
This workshop will focus on the legal problems which can arise from your content: How you can avoid getting sued for defamation and invasion of privacy. What the plaintiff has to prove to make out a libel case, your common law and constitutional defenses, the differences in defending cases brought by public and private figures, privileges for opinion and using public records, and the effect of corrections, denials, libelous implications and using anonymous sources will all be discussed. Lawsuits for publishing truthful but embarrassing private facts will also be considered.
Thursday August 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Houston I
  Plenary

2:00pm CDT

Writing Op-Eds On Race
A panel of columnists and op-ed writers of color will discuss the pressures they face when confronting race in their work. As people of color writing opinions about communities of color, the panelists will share methods for how they cope with backlash from trolls, concerned readers and even their own editors and colleagues. They'll also talk about how to pitch and publish race-related op-eds.
Speakers
avatar for Sameer Rao

Sameer Rao

Editor, Technical.ly
I'm a Baltimore-based journalist and spent most of my career as an arts and culture reporter (with detours in other beats) for outlets like The Baltimore Sun and Colorlines. I'm currently an editor for Technical.ly, a tech- and entrepreneurship-focused digital media outlet with dedicated... Read More →
avatar for Monica Rhor

Monica Rhor

Narrative writer covering gender, sexuality, spirituality and race, Houston Chronicle
Monica Rhor is a narrative writer covering gender, sexuality, spirituality and race issues for the Houston Chronicle. She also has been a staff writer for the Associated Press, Boston Globe, Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Orange County Register. Monica’s work has won numerous... Read More →
avatar for Gracie Bonds Staples

Gracie Bonds Staples

Columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gracie Bonds Staples is an award-winning features writer and columnist with 39 years of experience writing for daily newspapers. She has spent the last 18 years at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she writes the “This Life with Gracie” column. Honors: 2018 GLAAD Media Award for Best Newspaper Article, Phillip Rush Community Builder Award from Georgia Equality, and 4-time best feature writing from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists. _x000D_... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Brazoria
  Race/Identity

2:00pm CDT

Audio Editing Like a Pro
Whether it’s a radio reporter trying to get a story from 42 seconds to 40 seconds, a TV reporter tracking a news package or if you just need the natural sound to come out better, attend this session to learn how to edit audio like a pro.
Speakers
avatar for Rahul Bali

Rahul Bali

Politics Reporter & Co-Host of Georgia Votes 2022, WABE
Rahul Bali is a Politics Reporter for WABE Radio, Atlanta's leading NPR affiliate. He is also Co-Host of the Georgia Votes 2022 Podcast.His extensive broadcast resume includes working as a reporter, producer and editor for CNN Radio, WSB Radio, WTOP Radio and Georgia Public Broadcasting... Read More →
avatar for Heidi Chang

Heidi Chang

Multimedia Journalist, Freelance Multimedia Journalist
Heidi Chang is an award-winning multimedia journalist, who's produced audio, video, and digital media stories for local, national and global media for many years.  Her work has aired on numerous networks and shows including: NPR, VOA, PBS, ABC, AP, CBC, The World, Living on Earth... Read More →
avatar for Brenda Stuart-Ryan

Brenda Stuart-Ryan

Morning Editor/Reporter, KOA Newsradio
Served as Morning Editor, Reporter and News Anchor for KOA Newsradio in Denver for the past 18 years. Before moving to radio, Brenda spent 16 years in TV news as a reporter, Anchor and News Director. She currently works for Wesley United Methodist Church I Austin as the Video and... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Eden Wallace

Sarah Eden Wallace

Chief content creator, Falling Star Studio
Sarah Eden Wallace is a reformed print editor (Phoenix New Times, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Magazine, The Bellingham Herald) who freelances for public radio and creates multimedia stories for her entrepreneurial journalism sites FlyingElephantSource.com and BlueRibbonStories... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Montgomery
  Skillbuilding, Radio & Podcasting Affinity Group

2:00pm CDT

MMJ Life: Surviving and Thriving
Being a multimedia journalist is tough but it's the reality of television news. This session will inspire journalists to embrace being a multimedia journalist. The panel will share tips and tricks on being an MMJ including how to spice up your creativity, how to get good lighting on the go and how to build a reel that will get you noticed.
Speakers
avatar for Elise Hu

Elise Hu

International Correspondent, NPR
I'm NPR's founding Seoul bureau chief, responsible for covering Japan and the Koreas. I host a travel video series called Elise Tries. Previously I helped launch The Texas Tribune and was a television reporter in Texas, Missouri and South Carolina. Proud Mizzou J-School alum and a... Read More →
avatar for Stephen Jiwanmall

Stephen Jiwanmall

Multimedia Journalist, WTXL ABC 27
Stephen has been a multimedia journalist at WTXL, the ABC affiliate in Florida's capital since 2015. He serves as the co-chair of the Small Market Broadcast Journalists affinity group and the vice president of AAJA Florida. He was a VOICES participant in 2013 and previously served... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Liou

Tiffany Liou

Multi-Media Journalist, WFAA
Tiffany Liou is a reporter at WFAA in Dallas. She loves working as a solo-journalist – shooting, writing and editing her work. It’s all part of her storytelling process. Tiffany’s roots are in the Bay Area, California, but she’s told stories across the... Read More →
avatar for Madeleine Rivera

Madeleine Rivera

Multimedia reporter, Fox News Network
Madeleine is a multimedia reporter with Fox News. She is based in Houston._x000D_ _x000D_ Before working at Fox News, she was a reporter at News 12 Connecticut. She was also a reporter at Spectrum News Albany._x000D_ _x000D_ As a reporter for Fox News, she’s covered the Austin... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Skillbuilding, Small Market Broadcast Journalists Affinity Group

3:30pm CDT

#ProTip: Speak Up: Voice Coaching Workshop
Bring your scripts and be ready to share your story. This workshop will explore the fundamentals of voice storytelling and how to express the essence of a story’s thesis. Expect tips and daily exercises to cultivate a unique voice and bring out the best storytelling.
Speakers
avatar for Niala Boodhoo

Niala Boodhoo

Startup Host/EP, The 21st, Illinois Public Media
Niala Boodhoo, is the Startup Host/Executive Producer for the radio show “The 21st” a statewide news and talk show produced by Illinois Public Media, broadcast on five NPR member stations throughout Illinois. She’s been a journalist since 2000 for The Miami Herald, Reuters in... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Expo Hall Stage
  #ProTip, Student Broadcast Journalists Affinity Group

3:30pm CDT

ELP Presents CBS Executive Salon
Invitation Only

As viewers shift from broadcast to digital TV and internet platforms, what does it take for traditional broadcasters to evolve the entire ecosystem from the inside out? CBS News President David Rhodes will share insights on how he and his team reimagine broadcast news.
Speakers
avatar for Elaine Quijano

Elaine Quijano

Correspondent and Anchor, CBS News
Elaine Quijano is a correspondent for CBS News contributing to all CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Her reporting is regularly featured on "CBS This Morning" and the "CBS Evening News." She also anchors the Sunday edition of the "CBS Weekend News" and is an anchor for CBSN, CBS... Read More →
avatar for David Rhodes

David Rhodes

President, CBS News
David Rhodes is President of CBS News, responsible for all CBS News content on television, digital and radio. Since joining CBS in 2011, he oversaw the launch of “CBS This Morning,” and CBSN, a streaming news network. Previously, Rhodes was an executive for Bloomberg LP and the... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

3:30pm CDT

ELP Presents The Wall Street Journal Executive Salon
Invitation Only

Executive salon with Phil Izzo, deputy news chief of The Wall Street Journal. He will share how to be intentional about innovative storytelling, greater integration between product and news teams and workflow.
Speakers
avatar for Philip Izzo

Philip Izzo

Deputy Chief News Editor, WSJ
Phil Izzo is The Wall Street Journal's deputy chief news editor, shepherding top stories across all platforms, including print, mobile and Web. Previously, he was mobile editor, leading the revamp of The Wall Street Journal's award-winning app. He covered economics for seven years... Read More →
avatar for Donna Tam

Donna Tam

Senior Project Manager, Marketplace
Donna Tam joined Marketplace in 2016 as its digital editor. She led the rapid expansion of the digital team, before stepping into Marketplace's first bridging role: senior project manager. In her role, she acts as a conduit between editorial and enterprise. Her past life includes... Read More →


Thursday August 9, 2018 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

4:00pm CDT

Audience Engagement and Analytics: What You Need to Know
The panel of experts will delve into everything you need to know about your analytics dashboard. They'll also share simple strategies to improve your audience engagement across platforms. Come with questions and leave with good examples of things you can do back in your newsroom.
Speakers
avatar for Julia B. Chan

Julia B. Chan

Editor in Chief, The 19th
avatar for Shirley Qiu

Shirley Qiu

Audience Engagement Strategist, American Press Institute
Shirley Qiu is the audience engagement strategist at the American Press Institute and the co-director of AAJA Women & Non-Binary Voices. Previously, she worked on audience engagement at The Seattle Times. She graduated from the University of Washington with a double degree in journalism... Read More →
avatar for Annie Z. Yu

Annie Z. Yu

Director of Engagement, POLITICO
Annie joined POLITICO in 2018 as its first director of engagement. She oversees the newsroom’s social presence, engagement strategy and off-platform storytelling. Before that, she spent three years as an engagement editor at the L.A. Times, where she specialized in creating engagement... Read More →

Thursday August 9, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Montgomery
  In the Know

4:00pm CDT

Everything You Need to Know About Unions
Several newsrooms have moved to unionize this year. What does it mean? How might managers and corporate react? What do you need to know? Hear from an informational panel on how other newsrooms put together their unions and their tips, tricks and missteps along the way.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Cavallaro

Mary Cavallaro

Chief Broadcast Officer, SAG-AFTRA
Mary Cavallaro is the Chief Broadcast Officer for the SAG-AFTRA News & Broadcast Department. Cavallaro is responsible for overseeing the negotiation and administration of more than 250 labor agreements between SAG-AFTRA and network and local broadcast employers nationwide. She received... Read More →
avatar for Cindy Chang

Cindy Chang

Staff writer, Los Angeles Times
Cindy Chang covers the Los Angeles Police Department for the Los Angeles Times and is a member of the L.A. Times Guild bargaining committee. She came to The Times in 2012, first covering immigration and ethnic communities before moving to the L.A. County sheriff’s beat. Previously... Read More →
avatar for Esther Gim

Esther Gim

Senior Copy Editor, Mic
Esther is a copy editor at Mic and its newly formed bargaining unit. She has served as a governing board member of the Asian American Journalists Association and went through the Executive Leadership Program. She's a Michigan native.

Thursday August 9, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Leadership/Entrepreneurship

4:00pm CDT

Copyright and Digital Media
We will start with a consideration of copyright law, because the fact that something is on the internet does not mean it's free for the taking. What is copyrightable, the fair use of newsworthy information and embedding and aggregation of content will all be discussed. We will also talk about ways in which the law treats online speech differently from traditional media, including the ramifications of Sec. 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA), the Digital Millenium Copyright Act and the role of social media platforms.
Thursday August 9, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Houston I
  Plenary

4:00pm CDT

Underrepresented in the API Sphere
What does the Asian Pacific Islander community look like? Where are they from? What are their values? The API community covers a lot of different ethnicities and backgrounds, but perhaps we aren't covering all of our bases. Do we do enough to include minorities in our minority group? Hear from a panelist-led discussion about what API means and how we can make the umbrella larger.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Kealoa Causey

Adam Kealoa Causey

Administrative Correspondent, The Associated Press
Adam Kealoha Causey is an Oklahoma City-based editor and reporter for The Associated Press. He also was a reporter and editor for more than 10 years at newspapers in Nevada, Florida and Louisiana. Causey has taught journalism at Arizona State University and the University of North... Read More →
avatar for Nydia Han

Nydia Han

Consumer Investigative Reporter/Anchor, WPVI-TV
Nydia Han is an Emmy award-winning news anchor and consumer investigative reporter for WPVI-TV, in Philadelphia, PA.#ThisIsAmerica is her first documentary series. The passion project was born out of her experience as an Asian American and her desire to help all Americans engage in... Read More →
avatar for David Ono

David Ono

news anchor, KABC-TV
David has been an anchor on ABC7 Eyewitness news since 1996. He currently anchors three evening shows, including the top rated show in all of Los Angeles on any channel and time slot, Eyewitness News at 6. In addition to David's anchor duties, he is their special projects reporter... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Yam

Kimberly Yam

Editor, Asian Voices, HuffPost
Kimberly Yam is the editor of Asian Voices at HuffPost, covering issues that disproportionately affect the Asian-American community. She's written about topics ranging from Asian-American poverty in New York City to Chinese restaurant family culture. She has two blind cats.

Thursday August 9, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Liberty
  Race/Identity

6:00pm CDT

Small Market Broadcast Journalists Networking Reception
Join AAJA's Small Market Broadcast Journalists (SMBJ) affinity group for an evening of networking with fellow small and medium market broadcasters, as well as representatives from SAG-AFTRA.
Sponsors
avatar for SAG-AFTRA

Thursday August 9, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Kingwood A + B
  Sponsored Event
 
Friday, August 10
 

8:00am CDT

Student Networking Breakfast With NBC
Looking for an opportunity to meet the NBCUniversal team but want to avoid conflicts with conference activities and long lines at the Career Fair? Join NBCUniversal for a Student Networking Breakfast at their booth in the expo hall before the exhibit hall floors open. You’ll have a chance to learn more about NBCUniversal internships, meet industry professionals and share your information with their team of recruiters for future internships and early career jobs across the company.
Sponsors
avatar for Comcast NBCUniversal

Friday August 10, 2018 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Houston IV-VII
  Sponsored Event

8:00am CDT

Registration
Friday August 10, 2018 8:00am - 4:30pm CDT
Houston Foyer
  AAJA18 Convention Event

8:30am CDT

Market Mayhem, Crypto Confusion and Oil on the Boil: What’s Cool to Know in Business News
This 90-minute round-robin conversation will span the biggest topics of the past year in business news: the rise and fall of cryptocurrencies, the thousand-point drops on the markets, the rally in oil, and all that’s had in impact in the world of business tech. Bloomberg TV anchor and AAJA National Vice President of Programs Ramy Inocencio will moderate this discussion featuring business news editors and reporters from Bloomberg and beyond.
Speakers
avatar for Sonali Basak

Sonali Basak

Reporter, Bloomberg News
Basak covers banking for Bloomberg News, and is a frequent contributor to Bloomberg TV and Businessweek magazine. She has covered asset management and insurance as well. She's currently pursuing an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business, has a MSJ from Northwestern's Medill School and... Read More →
avatar for Tina Davis

Tina Davis

Managing Editor, Bloomberg News
Tina Davis is the managing editor of energy and commodities news in the Americas. Prior to joining Bloomberg, she worked for The Economist, the Sunday Times of London and The Energy Daily. She lives in New York City and is the co-author of "Hess: The Last Oil Baron."
avatar for Lison Joseph

Lison Joseph

Assistant Business Editor, The Dallas Morning News
Lison Joseph is an assistant business editor at The Dallas Morning News. He works with a team of reporters who write about the fastest-growing sectors of the Dallas-Fort Worth economy, home to some of the largest corporations in the country. Lison started his career in India, where... Read More →
avatar for Andrew LaVallee

Andrew LaVallee

culture editor, Wall Street Journal
Andrew LaVallee is culture editor at The Wall Street Journal in New York, leading coverage of art, books, music, movies and TV. He previously worked in Hong Kong, editing lifestyle and cultural coverage for Asia. Before journalism, he worked in web development and for Yoko Ono. He... Read More →
avatar for Juliana Liu

Juliana Liu

Senior editor, Inkstone
Juliana is senior editor of Inkstone. Previously, she was an international correspondent for BBC News in Hong Kong.
avatar for Lananh Nguyen

Lananh Nguyen

Reporter, Bloomberg News
Lananh Nguyen is a reporter at Bloomberg News in New York covering economic news for print, TV and radio. She previously reported on energy for the Wall Street Journal in London. Lananh holds a BA from Tufts University and is on the board of the New York Financial Writers' Associ... Read More →
avatar for Debarati Roy

Debarati Roy

Deputy team Leader, Bloomberg
Debarati is Deputy Team Leader for the Oil Trading team. As a reporter she wrote about commodities markets ranging from agriculture to precious metals. Before moving to N.Y. she covered the metals market in Mumbai . She is involved in a project to champion women's voices, which helps... Read More →
avatar for Selina Wang

Selina Wang

Journalist, Bloomberg News
Selina Wang is a journalist covering the global technology industry, venture capital, and cross-border investments at Bloomberg News in San Francisco. Prior to that, she worked for Bloomberg News in New York and Hong Kong. Her work includes breaking news and writing investigative... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for Bloomberg Philanthropies

Friday August 10, 2018 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
River Oaks AB
  Sponsored Event

8:30am CDT

Networking Breakfast & Chat with AARP
Join AARP and AAJA for a free networking breakfast and a brief chat on AARP’s work in different communities across the nation. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet AAJA leadership along with AARP’s Asian American and Pacific Islander team and leaders from AARP’s Texas office.
Sponsors
avatar for AARP

Friday August 10, 2018 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Houston I
  Sponsored Event

9:00am CDT

The Evolution of Millennial Media
What makes a millennial media outlet successful? The landscape of media consumption has evolved and some media entities have caught up with the times and are leading the way. From GiantRobot's rebirth as a digital platform to NextShark's rise in influence stemming from a vision of giving voice to the Asian American community, how have media outlets transformed to reach us? Hear from experts on how they've carved a space for themselves.
Speakers
avatar for Mariko Carpenter

Mariko Carpenter

Vice President, Strategic Community Alliances, Nielsen
Mariko S. Carpenter is the Vice President, Strategic Community Alliances at Nielsen. In this role, Mariko serves as a thought leader on Asian American consumer data, sharing valuable insights to help brands, marketers and community leaders understand the impact and influence of Asian... Read More →
MD

Mary dela Cruz

Client Parnter, IW Group Inc.
Mary dela Cruz is based in Los Angeles, and is one of the leads of IW Group's PR division, whose clients include Warner Bros., McDonald's and Lexus. A USC graduate, she has worked in communications for over 20 years, much of that in the multicultural market with Asian-American media... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Gong

Kevin Gong

Audience Development/Associate Producer, AJ+
Kevin is an associate producer for the engagement and newsgathering teams at AJ+. His roles include reporting breaking news on social media, producing and publishing platform-optimized digital video and social media strategy. Kevin is also the AP for "Direct From with Dena Takruri... Read More →
avatar for Maya Sugarman

Maya Sugarman

Video Editor, The Lily, The Washington Post
Maya Sugarman is video editor of The Lily, a publication of The Washington Post that elevates stories critical to the lives of women. She launched The Lily's "When Used Correctly," a weekly show about contraception on IGTV and Facebook Watch. Before joining The Washington Post, she... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Montgomery
  In the Know

9:00am CDT

How to Advocate For Your Community at Work
We hear from people who have made meaningful change within their newsrooms by starting diversity committees, employee resource groups and unions. In this session, attendees will view examples of what has worked in other newsrooms as well as learn from others’ mistakes. The panel will also address techniques to manage the inevitable awkwardness, frustration and burnout that comes with this work.
Speakers
avatar for Corinne Chin

Corinne Chin

Video Editor, The Seattle Times
Corinne Chin is a video editor at The Seattle Times, where she films and edits documentary-style visual stories and interactives. She also serves as the founder and leader of the newsroom's Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, as well as the president of AAJA Seattle. Her work – including... Read More →
avatar for Patrick Lee

Patrick Lee

Editor/contributing producer, CBS news Network
Patrick Lee has been with CBS News for over a decade. As an award winning producer/editor for CBS News Sunday Morning. In 2011, he joined the editing staff at Sixty Minutes, and continues as a contributing producer for CBS News Sunday Morning. In 2010, he directed a short documentary... Read More →
avatar for Amy Padnani

Amy Padnani

Digital Editor, The New York Times
Amy Padnani has been a digital editor for seven years at The New York Times, where she launched Overlooked, a series about remarkable people who never received a New York Times obituary. The project won her a publisher’s award and inspired a television series. She has served... Read More →
avatar for Sisi Wei

Sisi Wei

Deputy Editor, ProPublica
Sisi Wei is the deputy editor for news applications at ProPublica, where she edits a team of investigative journalists/developers who build interactive stories to serve the public interest. Sisi's work has ranged from investigating which U.S. colleges saddle students with debt to... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Brazoria
  Race/Identity

9:00am CDT

Newsgathering With Empathy
You've just been assigned to cover a disaster. You'll have to speak with grieving parents, traumatized students, and families that have lost everything. How do you speak to them empathetically? What is a considerate way to speak to those going through sorrow and heartbreak?
Speakers
avatar for Anh Do

Anh Do

Staff writer, Los Angeles Times
Anh Do covers Asian American issues and Orange County for the Los Angeles Times. A second-generation journalist, she worked at the Dallas Morning News, Seattle Times, Orange County Register and Nguoi Viet Daily News. Do is a graduate of USC who studied international relations in London... Read More →
avatar for Sam Levin

Sam Levin

Reporter, Guardian
Sam Levin is a reporter in the Guardian's west coast bureau, covering breaking news, technology and social justice. He previously reported local news in New York City, Denver and St. Louis and currently lives in Oakland.
avatar for Nina Porciuncula

Nina Porciuncula

Anchor/Reporter/Fill-in Traffic Anchor, KTNV-13 Action News
Currently working as an Anchor/Reporter and Fill-in Traffic Anchor at KTNV in Las Vegas. Previously an MMJ/Reporter in Rochester, NY.
avatar for Judy Tong

Judy Tong

Deputy Editor, West Coast, The Guardian
Now Deputy West Coast Editor for the Guardian US, I previously worked as an editor for the New York Times, where I started as a news clerk in 2000.

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Liberty
  Skillbuilding

9:00am CDT

Training Day: Entertainment Reporting 101
How do you go about building sources on the red carpet and on movie sets? What skills do you need in order to thrive as an entertainment reporter? And how many hours of TV and movies should you be consuming to qualify? A panel of experts will weigh in to talk about being movie critics or breaking celebrity news. They reflect on skills acquired from interviewing celebrities, insights into how entertainment reporting can vary from other types of journalism, the dearth of Asian representation in this specific area of work, geeking out about pop culture and how that informs their work, and their views on #OscarsSoWhite and other sorts of activism in the entertainment world.
Speakers
avatar for Cary Darling

Cary Darling

Features/Entertainment General Assignment Writer, Houston Chronicle
Cary Darling began his career as a writer for Billboard Magazine in Los Angeles before moving to newspapers where he was an arts writer/editor for the Orange County Register, Miami Herald, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He has been at the Houston Chronicle since November 2017... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Lee

Ashley Lee

Entertainment Reporter, Freelance
Ashley is an Los Angeles-based entertainment reporter and critic who specializes in film and theater coverage. She recently worked for five years as an editor at The Hollywood Reporter, out of its New York bureau, and just completed the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's National Critics... Read More →
avatar for Deborah Sengupta Stith

Deborah Sengupta Stith

Music Writer, Austin American-Statesman
For almost 15 years, Deborah has been haunting bars, trudging through festival grounds and hanging out in sweaty flop houses to collect stories about the Austin music scene.
avatar for Diep Tran

Diep Tran

Senior Editor, American Theatre
Diep Tran is currently the senior editor of American Theatre magazine. In 2014, Diep led the creation and launch of AmericanTheatre.org, the first official website for the magazine. Her writing has also appeared in the New York Times, Playbill, Time Out New York, Hello Giggles, and... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Skillbuilding

9:00am CDT

SAG-AFTRA Office Hours
What is SAG-AFTRA all about? What does the union mean to me and my career? SAG-AFTRA invites you to join their expert staff — from the Broadcast and EEO & Diversity departments — during their office hours at #AAJA18 in Houston. Applying for a job at a union station? Moving to a different market? Wondering about getting an agent? Have questions about your personal service contract? You can book a time for a private conversation (20 minutes) and ask them all these employment-related questions as well as about any aspect of the business no matter what market you are in or what stage of career you find yourself.

RSVP: https://www.aaja18.org/sagaftra-office-hours/
Sponsors
avatar for SAG-AFTRA

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
River Oaks C
  Sponsored Event

9:00am CDT

ELP Presents: Purpose & Passion
Invitation Only

Whether you are a journalist, a storyteller or a community leader, what drives your commitment to promoting social change? What inspires you? How do you sustain your sense of calling in the face of the everyday stresses of your job and your life? These are just some of the questions you ponder at Purpose & Passion. You are given the time and space to reflect on what truly matters to you—professionally and personally—and to reconnect with your passions and to clarify your personal values and sense of mission.
Speakers
avatar for Jon Funabiki

Jon Funabiki

Founder, Renaissance Journalism
Jon Funabiki founded Renaissance Journalism to lead local and national social justice media initiatives. He also is an emeritus journalism professor at San Francisco State University. Previously, he developed the Ford Foundation's journalism grant program, and he reported from throughout... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

9:00am CDT

Media Institute
The media needs more diverse sources. Are you one of them? Join the AAJA Media Institute for an intense two-and-a-half-day workshop that will coach you on how to tell your story and share your expertise with the media. Pre-registration is required for this selective training.

More: https://www.aaja.org/media_institute_2018
Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Houston II
  Media Institute

9:00am CDT

CNN Producers Workshop
The workshop will give you tools to fine-tune your skills and grow as leaders. Sessions include editorial decision making, leadership, producing philosophy, winning at breaking news and building a digital strategy.

Who is eligible? Candidates must currently be professionals working in news. There is no charge for those accepted, but you must be registered for the 2018 AAJA National Convention to attend. Participants are responsible for their own travel and hotel costs.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Questions? Please contact India S. Diaz, CNN Talent Development, at india.diaz@turner.com.
Sponsors
avatar for CNN

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Kingwood B
  Sponsored Event

9:00am CDT

CNN Reporters Workshop
Talent executives, on-air coaches and CNN correspondents will teach and challenge you on what it takes to make it to the network. Topics include enterprise reporting, on-air performance and presentation, storytelling, critical thinking and interview skills.

Who is eligible? Candidates must currently be professionals working in news. There is no charge for those accepted, but you must be registered for the 2018 AAJA National Convention to attend. Participants are responsible for their own travel and hotel costs.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Questions? Please contact India S. Diaz, CNN Talent Development, at india.diaz@turner.com.
Sponsors
avatar for CNN

Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Kingwood A
  Sponsored Event

9:00am CDT

Career Fair & Expo
Friday August 10, 2018 9:00am - 6:00pm CDT
Houston IV-VII
  Expo Hall & Career Fair

10:00am CDT

CNBC Business News Associate Workshop
Pre-registration is required for this workshop. More: https://www.aaja18.org/cnbc/
Sponsors
avatar for Comcast NBCUniversal


Friday August 10, 2018 10:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Houston III
  Sponsored Event

10:00am CDT

Photo Portrait Studio
Get your professional headshot taken at the Fox News Photo Portrait Studio! Time slots available on a first come, first serve basis. A $20 donation is suggested to help support AAJA student photojournalists. All donations can be made at the second floor registration desk with AAJA staff.
Sponsors
avatar for FOX News

Friday August 10, 2018 10:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Houston IV-VII
  Sponsored Event

10:30am CDT

#ProTip: Freelance Connections
This session will pair editors who hire freelancers to those interested in freelancing.
Speakers
avatar for Jin Ding

Jin Ding

Manager, Communications and Inclusion, Pulitzer Center
Jin Ding is the Communications and Inclusion Manager of the Pulitzer Center. She joined the Pulitzer Center team in 2014 with focuses on marketing, diversity outreach, and impact research. Jin co-directs Asian American Journalists Association's Women & Non-Binary Voices affiliate... Read More →
avatar for Jody Schmal

Jody Schmal

Travel & Food Editor, Houston Chronicle
Jody Schmal has worked for the Houston Chronicle since 2012. She edits restaurant and cooking stories; travel stories for the Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News; and the Chronicle's Luxe Life magazine, which won Best Niche Product in the Society for Features Journalism’s... Read More →
avatar for Swati Sharma

Swati Sharma

Deputy Editor, The Atlantic
Swati is the Deputy Editor for Atlantic.com. She was previously The Washington Post’s Deputy General Assignment Editor, focusing on audience engagement and breaking news, and before that, the Foreign Digital Editor, coordinating cross-departmental efforts to maximize the speed... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Expo Hall Stage
  #ProTip, Freelance Affinity Group

11:00am CDT

Asian Americans in Hollywood
There hasn't been an all-Asian Hollywood blockbuster since Joy Luck Club. The much-anticipated film Crazy Rich Asians has enlisted Asian talents, both onscreen and offscreen, from around the world.  Will the film ignite a path forward for a new generation of Asian and Asian American representation in Hollywood? Will we see more Asian and Asian American stories in Hollywood that can be both authentic and universal?
Speakers
avatar for Shirley Li

Shirley Li

Staff Writer, Entertainment Weekly
Shirley is a staff writer based in Los Angeles covering movies and TV at Entertainment Weekly. Before EW, she wrote for The Atlantic and Wired.

Friday August 10, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Montgomery

11:00am CDT

ELP Presents Difficult Conversations in the Newsroom: Managing Up and Down
Understanding how to navigate the political terrain in your organization is essential to being a great leader and manager. This means knowing how to have difficult conversations while maintaining professional working relationships. This workshop explores tactics most useful for middle managers to effectively communicate with both supervisors and subordinates. This session is off the record.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Caroline Ceniza-Levine

Career expert, SixFigureStart
Caroline Ceniza-Levine specializes in career change and has reinvented herself multiple times from traditional employee to co-founder of SixFigureStart® career coaching and CostaRicaFIRE.com, a travel, real estate and FIRE blog. Caroline is the creator and facilitator of Behind... Read More →
avatar for Sonia Chopra

Sonia Chopra

Director of Editorial Strategy, Eater/Vox Media
Sonia Chopra is Eater's director of editorial strategy at Vox Media. She also has a newsletter about South Asian culture called Namaslay (tinyletter.com/namaslay) and is working on her first novel.

Friday August 10, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Liberty
  Leadership/Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership Program (ELP)

11:00am CDT

Media Law in the Age of Trump
Will Trump succeed in "opening up the libel laws"? Is Trump's threat to put leakers, and publishers and broadcasters, in jail for distributing national security information real? Can Trump bar “unfavorable" reporters from press conferences, and, by tweeting, can he circumvent press conferences altogether? Is FOIA still useful? Do Trump's daily diatribes against the media and calling us "the enemy of the people" have a legal effect and an effect on public opinion?
Friday August 10, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Plenary

12:00pm CDT

SAG-AFTRA Office Hours
What is SAG-AFTRA all about? What does the union mean to me and my career? SAG-AFTRA invites you to join their expert staff — from the Broadcast and EEO & Diversity departments — during their office hours at #AAJA18 in Houston. Applying for a job at a union station? Moving to a different market? Wondering about getting an agent? Have questions about your personal service contract? You can book a time for a private conversation (20 minutes) and ask them all these employment-related questions as well as about any aspect of the business no matter what market you are in or what stage of career you find yourself.

RSVP: https://www.aaja18.org/sagaftra-office-hours/
Sponsors
avatar for SAG-AFTRA

Friday August 10, 2018 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
River Oaks C
  Sponsored Event

12:30pm CDT

ELP Presents BuzzFeed Executive Lunch Salon
Invitation Only

An intimate conversation with Summer Anne Burton, Head of BuzzFeed Originals, overseeing all of BuzzFeed’s core editorial teams (lists! quizzes! pop culture! animals!) and Melinda Lee, BuzzFeed’s Chief Content Officer, overseeing all of BuzzFeed Media Brands which includes Tasty, Nifty, Goodful, As/Is and Playful, working to grow and monetize the brands as well as look for new opportunities to reach audiences. 
Speakers
avatar for Nissa Booker

Nissa Booker

VP of Talent, BuzzFeed
Nissa is the VP of Talent at BuzzFeed where she manages Talent Acquisition and Learning and Development.
avatar for Summer Anne Burton

Summer Anne Burton

Head of BuzzFeed Originals, BuzzFeed
Summer Anne Burton is Head of BuzzFeed Originals, overseeing all of BuzzFeed’s core editorial teams (lists! quizzes! pop culture! animals!). She has recently moved home after five years in New York to found BuzzFeed Austin, our first Texas office. Summer joined BuzzFeed in 2012... Read More →
avatar for Victor Limjoco

Victor Limjoco

Producer, NBC News
Victor Limjoco is a three-time Emmy award-winning producer for NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, with 15 years of experience between media, technology, and product strategy. His stories include coverage of the Moore, Oklahoma tornado outbreak; the heroin crisis in America; Gabby... Read More →


Friday August 10, 2018 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

1:30pm CDT

#ProTip: Paying it Forward: Skills to Get Started in the Industry
You have the hard skills, but what about the soft skills and office savviness needed in a newsroom? This session is geared towards early to mid-career journalists looking for advice on how to navigate the workplace. From how to ask for a raise to finding mentors in your newsroom, the panel of veteran journalists will talk about what they’ve done to get to where they are now.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Godwin

Kim Godwin

Vice President, CBS News
Kimberly Godwin is vice president of News, CBS News, where she is responsible for the editorial direction and launch and coordination of all CBS News newsgathering resources domestically and around the globe._x000D_ _x000D_ Godwin had been serving as senior broadcast producer of the... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Expo Hall Stage
  #ProTip

2:00pm CDT

ELP Presents Gannett Executive Salon
Invitation Only

Mizell Stewart, Vice President, News Operations from USA Today Network and James Ku, Consumer Experience Director at Reno Gazette-Journal will highlight leadership practices that focus on doing impactful journalism through creative use of resources. We’ll share case studies on industry challenges and discuss the characteristics of leaders who are facing those challenges head-on.
Speakers
avatar for Mizell Stewart III

Mizell Stewart III

Head of Talent and Partnerships, Gannett / USA TODAY Network
In more than three decades as a journalist, Mizell Stewart III has been an award-winning reporter, top newsroom editor, radio and television broadcaster and corporate news executive. Today, Stewart is Head of Talent, Partnerships and News Strategy for Gannett and the USA TODAY Network... Read More →
avatar for James Ku

James Ku

Consumer Experience Director, Reno Gazette Journal
James Ku works on growing digital audience through the development of new products, events planning and social media strategies for the Reno Gazette Journal. Before managing digital operations, he worked in the Los Angeles area as an award-winning photojournalist.
avatar for Leezel Tanglao

Leezel Tanglao

Leezel Tanglao is a bridge journalist at the intersection of editorial, product, business development and sales. She has worked at several media companies including HuffPost, Associated Press, CNN, CBSNews.com, VICE News, NowThis, ABCNews.com, KCBS/KCAL and Press-Enterprise. She is... Read More →


Friday August 10, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Invitation Only
  Executive Leadership Program

2:00pm CDT

Dealing With Sexual Harassment
From small, local organizations to international publications, how should AAPI journalists handle sexual harassment at work? And when you’re a journalist of color, how does covering sexual harassment impact you more directly or intensely? Join us for an open discussion to help people find their voices.
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Bae

Hannah Bae

Journalist, Freelance
Hannah Bae is a nonfiction fellow at Asian American Writers' Workshop and president of AAJA NY. Her writing has been published in the anthology "(Don't) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation on Mental Health" and "The Monocle Travel Guide to Seoul," and her bylines include... Read More →
avatar for Virgil L. Smith

Virgil L. Smith

Principal, Smith Edwards Group, LLC
Virgil Smith is a retired media executive having spent 20 years with McClatchy Newspapers and the 24 years with Gannett, where he served numerous roles, including president and publisher and corporate HR executive. He has recruited, mentored and coached hundreds of professionals from... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Liberty
  Leadership/Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership Program (ELP)

2:00pm CDT

Covering the Muslim Community
In this panel, we discuss ways to include Muslims in everyday coverage and how to confront anti-Muslim tones within our newsrooms. We'll learn from journalists who have delved deep into covering this community.
Speakers
avatar for Sharaf Mowjood

Sharaf Mowjood

Producer - CBS Evening News, CBS News
Sharaf Mowjood is a producer for the CBS Evening News. Before coming to CBS he was a senior producer for politics video at the Huffington Post. He worked at NBC News for five years prior in both long for and breaking news. Mowjood started his career freelancing for the New York T... Read More →
avatar for Fauzeya Rahman

Fauzeya Rahman

reporter, Houston Business Journal
Fauzeya is a real estate and education reporter at the Houston Business Journal. She's made her way around Texas with reporting stints at the San Antonio Express News, Houston Chronicle and PolitiFact Texas. Originally from Houston, she likes to explore the city's ever-growing food... Read More →
avatar for Mizanur Rahman

Mizanur Rahman

Deputy features editor, Houston Chronicle
Mizanur Rahman is the deputy features editor at the Houston Chronicle. Prior to that job, he was the deputy Metro editor at the paper. He has worked at the Dallas Morning News and the Virginian-Pilot. He grew up in Detroit, and graduated from Wayne State University. He was born in... Read More →
avatar for Anam Siddiq

Anam Siddiq

Video Journalist, CBS News
Anam Siddiq is a video journalist for CBS News, based in the Midwest. She works as a one-woman band, covering breaking news stories nationally and internationally as a producer, shooter, booker, and any other role that needs to be filled in the field. She is originally from Southern... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Montgomery
  Race/Identity, AAJA Muslim American Task Force

2:00pm CDT

How to Build Sources and Maintain Relationships
Every journalist needs sources – people who trust you and come to you with ideas. So how do you go about building and maintaining those relationships, especially if you're new to the area? And how do you know which sources to trust? This panel will be all about how to vet sources, maintaining that relationship and building trust.
Speakers
avatar for Kenny Choi

Kenny Choi

News Anchor, CBS KPIX-5 San Francisco
avatar for Michelle Ye Hee Lee

Michelle Ye Hee Lee

Reporter, The Washington Post
Michelle Ye Hee Lee is a reporter on the national political enterprise and accountability team at The Washington Post, covering money and influence in national politics. Previously, she was a reporter on The Washington Post Fact Checker. Prior to joining The Post in 2014, she was... Read More →
avatar for Nomaan Merchant

Nomaan Merchant

Reporter, The Associated Press
IMCA (Ismaili Media Communications Association)
avatar for Roger Yu

Roger Yu

Assistant Managing Editor, Tech & Telecom, Bloomberg BNA
Roger Yu leads the tech & telecom team at Bloomberg BNA. He has worked as reporter and editor at USA TODAY, Dallas Morning News, Seattle Times, Dow Jones Newswires and the Star Tribune in Minneapolis.

Sponsors
avatar for Bloomberg BNA

Friday August 10, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Skillbuilding

2:00pm CDT

Changing the Game of Racial Ignorance Toward Asians in Media: Learning from the WEEI Incident
In today's climate of heightened awareness, ignorance can make a seemingly innocent remark offensive and the backlash can be explosive. Sports talk show host Christian Fauria, of WEEI in Boston, experienced this firsthand and will take part in the discussion to give us an opportunity to assess how we in the media can raise awareness of offensive stereotypes— particularly against Asian Americans— and best deal with similar incidents.
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Choe

Jonathan Choe

Reporter, NBC 10 Boston
Jonathan Choe is a general assignment reporter for NBC 10 Boston and NECN. Prior to his arrival, Choe spent three years at KMSP-TV FOX 9 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota._x000D_ _x000D_ He also worked in Chicago as a general assignment reporter for Chicagoland Television (CLTV... Read More →
avatar for Christian Fauria

Christian Fauria

Sports Host/Analyst, Entercom/WEEI
Christian Fauria is a host on WEEI's "Fauria and Merloni with Big O" on midday weekdays. A 13-year NFL veteran, spent four years with the Patriots from 2002 to 2005 and helped New England win two Super Bowl rings. More recently, Fauria has worked as a college football analyst for... Read More →
avatar for Shirley Leung

Shirley Leung

Columnist and Associate Editor, Boston Globe
Shirley Leung is a columnist and associate editor at the Boston Globe. She is also a regular contributor to National Public Radio affiliate WGBH and New England Cable News. She is a three-time finalist for the Loeb Award for Commentary. In 2018, Boston Magazine named her to its list... Read More →
avatar for Michele Steele

Michele Steele

Reporter, ESPN
Michele Steele is a national correspondent for ESPN and contributes to all ESPN platforms including SportsCenter, Outside the Lines and NFL Countdown._x000D_ _x000D_ Her reporting has taken her inside the biggest stories in sports, including the murder trial of former NFL player Aaron... Read More →

Sponsors
avatar for ESPN

Friday August 10, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Brazoria
  Sponsored Event

3:00pm CDT

Voices Presentation
Now in its 28th year, AAJA Voices trains the next generation of journalists—journalists who produce quality editorial work, who understand the larger impact their work has on society, and who are deeply engaged with driving the direction of the industry. Many Voices students have gone on to succeed in other internships and journalism programs, to work and thrive in many of your newsrooms and to serve in leadership positions in both AAJA and other professional news organizations. The 2018 class has spent all summer working to produce in-depth news projects covering issues important to the AAPI community. Come meet the outstanding students and hear about their reporting.
Friday August 10, 2018 3:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
River Oaks AB
  Voices

3:30pm CDT

#ProTip: SAG-AFTRA: Advocating for Professionals Working in a Changing Industry
Get advice from seasoned professionals on the business of broadcast, tips for seeking out mentors in the field and learn to navigate a newsroom in both radio and TV.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Hall

Amy Hall

National Director, News & Broadcast Department, SAG-AFTRA
Amy Hall is a National Director for News & Broadcast based out of Los Angeles. Prior to working in the Los Angeles office, Amy worked out of the SAG-AFTRA San Francisco local. While in San Francisco, she worked with the KNBR radio team on a very successful first contract campaign... Read More →
avatar for Justin Lum

Justin Lum

General Assignment Reporter, KSEE KGPE TV
Justin Lum is a graduate from San Francisco State University with a degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communications.  He is currently a general assignment reporter at the KSEE KGPE TV duopoly in Fresno, California. In the fall of 2017, Justin was assigned to support Nexstar’s... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Expo Hall Stage
  #ProTip

4:00pm CDT

How I Got the Story
From conception to pitch to publish, we’ll dissect the lessons our panelists learned, the demands they juggled and the roadblocks they faced in order to get the story.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Brittain

Amy Brittain

Investigative reporter, The Washington Post
Amy Brittain, an investigative reporter for The Washington Post, teamed up with reporter Irin Carmon to break the news of sexual harassment by television host Charlie Rose. In 2017, Brittain and Carmon were awarded the Mirror Award from Syracuse University for reporting on sexual... Read More →
avatar for Shern Min Chow

Shern Min Chow

News Anchor, KHOU-TV
KHOU (CBS) News Anchor & MSJ Reporter. Worked previously at Houston stations KPRC (NBC) , KTRK (ABC), & San Antonio's KENS (CBS). Emmy, AP award winner.Chow has reported from hurricanes, earthquakes, Mexican and U.S. prisons, campaign trails, election nights, China & Hong Kong to... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Dungca

Nicole Dungca

Reporter, The Boston Globe
Nicole Dungca is a reporter on The Boston Globe's Spotlight team. Previously, she wrote for The Oregonian, The Times-Picayune and The Providence Journal. She has been named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prizes and the Livingston Award for work done with her colleagues at The Globe... Read More →
avatar for Sally Ho

Sally Ho

Reporter, The Associated Press
Sally Ho is a reporter on the Associated Press’ national education beat team, focusing on school choice and philanthropy. In her previous assignment in Las Vegas, she led AP’s breaking news reporting for Southwest states, including award-winning coverage of the worst mass shooting... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Montgomery
  In the Know, Enterprise Affinity Group

4:00pm CDT

North and South Korea: From the Olympics to Families Divided
The Korean Peninsula has been a focal point of media coverage, especially in the last year. Three AAJA photographers have spent a lot of time in the region and will offer their insights and share their knowledge of having to balance the many social, cultural and political nuances associated with reporting in the peninsula.
Speakers
avatar for Indira Lakshmanan

Indira Lakshmanan

Senior executive editor/VP for news and features, National Geographic Media
Indira Lakshmanan is the senior executive editor/VP for news and features at National Geographic Media, where she oversees reporting. Previously, she was executive editor at the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. She has reported from more than 80 countries on six continents for... Read More →
avatar for Chang Lee

Chang Lee

Staff Photographer, The New York Times
Change W. Lee is a staff photographer for The New York Times. Mr. Lee joined The New York Times in 1994 as an intern. Mr. Lee was a member of the staff that won two 2002 Pulitzer Prizes. Mr. Lee was also among the New York Times journalists who won the 2008 Grantham Prize and nominated... Read More →
avatar for Laura Elizabeth Pohl

Laura Elizabeth Pohl

Photographer + Filmmaker, Laura Elizabeth Pohl Multimedia
Laura Elizabeth Pohl is a photographer and filmmaker living in Baltimore. In May 2018 she drove up the East Coast with her self-funded photo truck exhibition about people separated from family in North Korea since the Korean War. She recently began working at The Hatcher Group, where... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Fort Bend 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  In the Know, Photojournalists Affinity Group

4:00pm CDT

POC Podcasts in the Era of Identity-Based Journalism
With podcasts’ rise in popularity comes the rise in identity-based shows. In this session, panelists will discuss how they create shows that speak to marginalized identities in a way that isn’t reductive, how they honor their own experiences, and how they manage to reach wider audiences beyond their own identity groups.
Speakers
avatar for Kat Chow

Kat Chow

Reporter, NPR's Code Switch
Kat Chow is a reporter with NPR and a founding member of the Code Switch team._x000D_ _x000D_ She's reported on what defines Native American identity, gentrification in New York City's Chinatown, and the aftermath of a violent hate crime. Her cultural criticism has led her on explorations... Read More →
avatar for Neena Pathak

Neena Pathak

Producer, The New York Times
Neena Pathak works at The New York Times, where she produces the Still Processing podcast. Previously, she produced the Another Round podcast at BuzzFeed, and worked in public radio before that. She lives in NYC.
avatar for Aditi Sangal

Aditi Sangal

Associate Producer, CNN
Aditi is an associate producer at CNN, where she works on social TV for CNN's early morning show New Day. She also produces and hosts an independent podcast You've Got It Made, which tells the story of the Indian Diaspora in America, and challenges her to find unheard narratives and... Read More →
avatar for Thanh Tan

Thanh Tan

Storyteller/Content Creator, Independent Podcaster + Microsoft
I travel the globe for Microsoft in search of stories about how technology is empowering people and organizations to achieve more. I'm also an independent creative and host/creator of the Second Wave podcast about Vietnamese-American experiences.

Friday August 10, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Liberty
  Race/Identity

4:00pm CDT

Staying Objective When Politics Hit Close to Home
What does “objectivity” mean in this political climate? A panel will talk about how they approach reporting and commenting on issues such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and immigration when they can be immediately and personally affected. Are Asian American journalists stenographers? Analysts? Activists? Or all three?
Speakers
avatar for Weijia Jiang

Weijia Jiang

White House Correspondent, CBS News
Weijia Jiang covers the White House for CBS News. Previously, she was a CBS Newspath correspondent based in Washington. She has also worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at WCBS-TV in NYC, WJZ-TV in Baltimore, and WBOC-TV in Salisbury, MD. Jiang became interested in broadcast journalism... Read More →
avatar for Jaweed Kawleem

Jaweed Kawleem

National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times
Jaweed Kaleem is the national race and justice correspondent at the Los Angeles Times, where he writes about how race and ethnicity shape our evolving understanding of what it means to be American. He frequently reports on policing, civil rights, immigration, prisons and religion... Read More →
avatar for Pavni Mittal

Pavni Mittal

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, ABC NEWS/CONTRIBUTOR, PBS, ABC NEWS/PBS
Pavni Mittal is a New Delhi born, New York based journalist, currently at ABC News and PBS NewsHour Weekend. With over five years of international journalism experience, she has reported on diverse issues including the 2016 elections, U.N., international business, immigration, and... Read More →
avatar for Pia Sarkar

Pia Sarkar

Editor, The Associated Press
Pia Sarkar serves as co-leader for the Race & Ethnicity team at The Associated Press. She is also a business editor overseeing the AP's coverage of autos, airlines and energy. Prior to the AP, Sarkar served as executive editor of The American Lawyer's website and associate editor... Read More →

Friday August 10, 2018 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Brazoria
  Race/Identity

5:30pm CDT

Story Slam
As journalists, we bring to life every imaginable kind of story, but we’re rarely given a forum to share tales from our own lives. At Story Slam, we'll turn our storytelling skills on ourselves and highlight the best personal stories from the Asian American and Pacific Islander journalist community.

For more information and to meet the finalists, check out aaja18.org/story-slam

Speakers
avatar for Evelyn Hsu

Evelyn Hsu

Co-Executive Director, Maynard Institute
Evelyn is co-executive director, programming and operations, at the Maynard Institute . She joined the institute in 2004 as director of programs and most recently was senior director for programs and operations. Previously, she was a reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle and The... Read More →
avatar for Daphne Kwok

Daphne Kwok

Vice President, Multicultural Leadership, Asian American & Pacific Islander Audience, AARP
Daphne Kwok, VP, Multicultural Leadership, Asian American & Pacific Islander Audience Strategy at AARP. Chaired President Obama's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders. Served as executive director of OCA, Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies... Read More →
avatar for Kyung Lah

Kyung Lah

Sr. National Correspondent, CNN
Kyung Lah is currently a CNN Senior National Correspondent based in Los Angeles, covering politics and breaking news. Lah was previously based in CNN's Tokyo bureau, covering East and Southeast Asia into the Middle East. Lah has worked at CNN's affiliate service, Newsource. Lah has... Read More →
avatar for Reena Ninan

Reena Ninan

Correspondent, CBS News

Sponsors
avatar for SAG-AFTRA

Friday August 10, 2018 5:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
Houston I
  AAJA18 Convention Event

6:30pm CDT

Silent Auction
Bid on exclusive items and hotel packages to help support AAJA programs and student scholarships!
Sponsors
avatar for MillerCoors

Friday August 10, 2018 6:30pm - 9:00pm CDT
Houston III
  AAJA18 Convention Event
 
Saturday, August 11
 

8:00am CDT

Service Project with the Houston Food Bank
This year, AAJA will be hosting a service project at the Houston Food Bank to help give back to the community, including those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The project will take place on Saturday, August 11 from 8am to 12pm at the Houston Food Bank, located at 535 Portwall St. in Houston, with lunch to be provided afterward.

Volunteer duties include inspecting, sorting and repackaging donated food items to be distributed to those in need.

Sign up now and join AAJA in giving back to those who need it most! 
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: Sunday, July 29 
 
Important things to note:
  • You do NOT need to be registered for the convention to sign up as a volunteer for the service project
  • Transportation will be provided to and from the Marriott Marquis with buses leaving at 7:30am sharp, so please be on time
  • All volunteers will be required to sign a waiver onsite and register on the Houston Foodbank website (link to be emailed after signing up)
  • Children ages 6 and older are eligible to volunteer. Those under 18 will be required to complete an additional waiver with their guardian's consent.
  • Anyone bringing kids will be placed on a kid-friendly project separate from our group
  • ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST WEAR CLOSED-TOED SHOES. Those without will be unable to participate
  • Please wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement
  • There will be other volunteers on site in addition to our group, so please be courteous and respectful
  • Lockers are available onsite to store your belongings, but please leave your valuables at the hotel as AAJA is not liable for any lost or missing items
  • The food bank will provide water, tea and Starbucks coffee

Questions? Email Daniel Garcia at DanielG@aaja.org.

Can't volunteer? Donate to the Houston Food Bank at bit.ly/donate2HFB.
 
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Saturday August 11, 2018 8:00am - 1:00pm CDT
Houston Food Bank 535 Portwall St.
  AAJA18 Convention Event

9:00am CDT

Media Institute
The media needs more diverse sources. Are you one of them? Join the AAJA Media Institute for an intense two-and-a-half-day workshop that will coach you on how to tell your story and share your expertise with the media. Pre-registration is required for this selective training.

More: https://www.aaja.org/media_institute_2018
Saturday August 11, 2018 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Houston II
  Media Institute

9:00am CDT

AAJA Advisory Board Meeting
Saturday August 11, 2018 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Houston III
  AAJA18 Convention Event

5:00pm CDT

Photobooth
Saturday August 11, 2018 5:00pm - 10:00pm CDT
Houston Foyer
  AAJA18 Convention Event

7:00pm CDT

2018 Gala Scholarship and Awards Banquet
Saturday August 11, 2018 7:00pm - 9:15pm CDT
Houston IV-VII
  AAJA18 Convention Event

9:15pm CDT

AAJA Annual Karaoke Night
Saturday August 11, 2018 9:15pm - Sunday August 12, 2018 12:00am CDT
Houston Foyer
  AAJA18 Convention Event
 
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