Student fellows explore career pathways in media
Journalism Academy for Writing and Storytelling (JAWS) is an initiative of the Indianapolis Recorder in partnership with the Edna Martin Christian Center, KIPP Legacy High School and the Mind Trust.
From broadcast news to digital creation and filmmaking, JAWS students have spent this school year learning about career pathways in media.
Richardo L. Wallace, associate director of Career Integration and Readiness for KIPP Indy school, hopes JAWS inspires the fellows to learn what’s possible for their future careers.
“I hope they remember the JAWS team as another group of adults that believe in their brilliance and their potential, and that they take something from the experience that helps empower them to see their aspirations as tangible realities, while also helping to clarify the realities of what’s necessary to reach them,” Wallace said. “I hope they will be able to reflect back on JAWS as a source of motivation that sustains their efforts and focus through the difficult and challenging times of their journeys.”
These efforts align with The Mind Trust’s mission to partner with schools and community-based organizations on behalf of students.
“Establishing meaningful school and community partnerships is a core aspect of our work that we hold in high regard,” said Lauren I. Peterson, Vice President of Community Engagement at The Mind Trust.
To that end, local media professionals have been sharing their insights with the JAWS participants since the beginning of this school year, helping the students refine their goals.
Check out some highlights below from recent JAWS workshops:
Two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Fox 59/CBS 4’s Rachael Wilkerson visited with JAWS students on Sept. 16. Her news coverage includes local and national news as well as hurricanes, elections, sports and criminal justice. Wilkerson’s motto is, “It doesn’t matter where you come from or where you are now; it doesn’t compare to where you can go.”
Emmy nominee Chalandon Walker of WISH TV, known for his storytelling, interviewing and live hosting, joined Wilkerson as a panelist. Walker’s interview portfolio includes notable people such as Mike Tyson, Mike Epps, Pooch Hall and Yandy Smith. Walker has also filmed celebrity appearances on the Indy 500 red carpet.
Rounding out the panel was award-winning director and cinematographer, Deonna Weatherly, who holds a master’s degree in media. Weatherly founded Weatherhouse Company, producing films and documentaries. In 2024, Weatherly hosted the first Indiana Youth Film Festival, where youth ages 12-24 showcased their filmmaking talents.
HICO Solutions founder Trey Hester visited JAWS on Sept. 9. His Indianapolis-based digital design studio brings brands to life through “thoughtful design, human-centered technology and purposeful strategy,” according to a statement.
The JAWS fellowship will continue for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year at KIPP Legacy High School in Indianapolis.
Learn more about JAWS at indianapolisrecorder.com.
