WASHINGTON, Sept. 10,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Press Club,
the world's leading professional organization for journalists, has
chosen Zora Shakhan of Pickerington, Ohio, as the recipient of its
Lewis Scholarship for fall 2024. The scholarship provides housing
and a $4,000 stipend to support a
student journalist of color interning at a media outlet in
Washington, D.C.
Shakhan has accepted a fall internship with SiriusXM in
Washington, D.C. A rising senior
at Wittenberg University, she impressed
the scholarship team with her outstanding academic background,
strong work samples, and passion for innovative storytelling.
This summer, Shakhan served as an editorial intern at Cox
Enterprises in Springfield, OH,
where she covered local news, including the Clark County Fair,
Pride, and other notable community events.
"I envision a career in journalism where I can amplify
underrepresented voices and challenge prevailing biases," Shakhan
wrote in her application essay. "I aim to foster a greater
understanding and appreciation of our shared humanity."
Shakhan is studying communications, digital media, and
journalism. Her work in campus media includes social media strategy
for the Office of Communications and as lead marketer for the Why
Witt Podcast. She is also a tutor at the campus Writing Center. She
serves as media and PR chair for Shades of Pearls, a minority
female organization that brings together African American and
Hispanic women at Wittenberg
University.
Recommendation letters from Shakhan's professors and academic
advisors praised her work ethic, professionalism, and leadership
acumen.
"Zora has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn and
grow," said Karen L. Gerboth, vice
president of marketing and communications at Wittenberg University. "She has demonstrated
thoughtfulness, resourcefulness, creativity, and a willingness to
tackle any task assigned to her."
The Lewis Scholarship was established in 2022 by the family of
former Washington correspondent
Robert "Bob" D.G. Lewis. It is awarded to one undergraduate student
journalist of color each fall, spring, and summer semester.
Students must secure a journalism internship in Washington, D.C., to be eligible, along with
other requirements.
The Lewis Scholarship program furthers Bob and Jacqueline Lewis's work to improve
accessibility to experiential learning opportunities in the
nation's capital for students of color. This partnership,
administered through the National Press Club Journalism Institute,
extends the Lewis' commitment to increasing representation in
Washington, D.C., to include news
media, adding to their work founding and operating the Washington
Intern Student Housing program and the HBCU National Center.
"Zora is a rising star who is not afraid to step out of her
comfort zone and take on new challenges," said Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press
Club. "We are excited to have her here in D.C. this fall as she
takes the next step in her media career."
National Press Club scholarships are administered by its
nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute.
Click here to learn more. Support the Institute's student-focused
programming with a donation today.
For press inquiries or questions about the National Press
Club scholarship programs, contact Beth
Francesco with the National Press Club Journalism Institute
at bfrancesco@press.org.
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SOURCE National Press Club Journalism Institute