WORT’s Summer News Collaborative trains underrepresented journalists to become creators of and leaders in local media. The fellows in this first cohort will learn the basics of journalism, storytelling, and audio production, participate in field trips and workshops with guest speakers, and be introduced to a network of mentors in local media.

On today’s show, host Douglas Haynes interviews all of the Fellows about their backgrounds and what stories they want to tell on the radio.

WORT’s Storytelling Fellows:

Shyelle Aikens is a proud native of west Madison who brings a wealth of experience in trauma recovery education, sustainable farming, and Indigenous agricultural practices to her community endeavors.

César Gonzalez Paz is originally from the small country of Honduras. César is a photographer and DJ, and is married to the beautiful Mexican, Rocio Gonzalez. They have 4 beautiful children. César has been living in the city of Madison for 22 years and is proud to be part of this great work team that will be a great blessing to our community.

Jeliel Peña de First is a medical doctor from Caracas Venezuela who moved to Madison for love in 2011. Since moving here, she has been active in the Latino community with a focus on wellbeing and mental health. She is excited to participate in the Summer News Collaborative and learn to tell the stories of her community.

Faleshuh Walker, also known as Lashay The Artist!, is a resilient mother of four who embodies the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship. She truly enjoys working with youth and encouraging positive change. Despite the challenges she faces, Lashay’s passion for art and her entrepreneurial drive propel her forward in life. As an artist with many facets of lived experience, she channels her emotions and experiences into her work, creating pieces that resonate with others on a profound level. Along with teaching art classes, she shares her way of expressing through poetry, motivational speaking, and hair styling. Her entrepreneurial spirit and drive to inspire others shines through in her ability to turn her passion into a thriving business, managing both the demands of motherhood and the responsibilities of running her own enterprise. Lashay is not just a mother; she is a beacon of strength, an active community liaison, who consistently displays creativity, and determination, while inspiring those around her to pursue their dreams against all odds.

Ze Yang is the Hmong Bilingual Community Connector for the City of Madison. She works in the Department of Civil Rights Social, Justice and Equity Division and is also a small business owner. She has been a resident of Madison almost all her life. She served on the Wisconsin Women Council for four years as the Governor’s Designee. She takes joy in gardening, cooking, traveling, and storytelling.  

Diego Alegría was WORT’s 2023-2024 Community Access & Development Fellow. Diego is a poet, essayist and scholar from Chile. 

Jade Iseri-Ramos is a radio and podcast producer based in Madison. She has been the producer of A Public Affair since October 2022, but is taking the summer off… Because she is currently the program manager of WORT’s Summer Journalism Program. 

Photo courtesy of Sara Gabler/WORT.

The post Get to know WORT’s Summer News Collaborative Storytelling Fellows! appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.