Members

Janell J. Lewis has been a producer at NBC 7/39 in San Diego since June 2008. She became secretary of SDABJ in 2009. Janell is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, an historically black school in North Carolina, where she received her B.A. in Mass Communications with a minor in Spanish. Janell received her Master’s degree in journalism and public affairs at American University in Washington, D.C.

She began her career in college, writing, producing and reporting on WSNC 90.5, WSS 600/1200 and Ram News/TV. She was also editor-in-chief of WSSU’s newspaper, the News Argus. While at WSSU, Janell had the opportunity to interview Oprah, Maya Angelou and a host of political figures, media moguls and entertainers.

Once she was at American University, she practically lived on Capitol Hill and had the chance to interview then senator, Barack Obama. Janell worked at NBC 4 in Washington, D.C. and even got to work with the late Tim Russert.
Her first job out of graduate school was at WBTV News 3, a CBS affiliate in Charlotte, NC (market 25) as an associate producer.

Janell is a “Military Brat,” born in Stuttgart, Germany and has lived and several cities from coast to coast. Both of her parents were in the military and when her father retired, her family decided to settle down in Charlotte, NC– midway between her father’s home state of Texas and her mother’s home town of Pittsburgh. Janell is an avid Steelers fan and loves sports in general (especially football).
She loves to bowl, play softball and watch movies and reruns of sitcoms and shows like the Cosbys, Golden Girls and Law & Order.

Denise T. Ward

Last modified on 2009-10-15 00:46:49 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Denise T. Ward is a director of media relations at the University of San Diego. In this position, she is responsible for media initiatives for the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and the social sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Ward and her family recently returned to San Diego after spending three years in Yokosuka, Japan.

While in Japan, she served as deputy public affairs officer for Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Naval Base where she led a staff of 11 U.S. and Japanese employees on the daily operation of the Public Affairs Office, including production of a television program, newspaper and two live, call-in talk shows.

During Ward’s diverse career, she has worked as a print journalist, editor, radio news reporter, broadcast television producer, reporter and anchor. Her work with the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Daily Transcript has allowed her to cover a range of issues from higher education to business and sports. She also has done freelance work for National Public Radio Newscast, and continues to contribute to San Diego Family magazine.

Khari Johnson

Last modified on 2009-10-15 00:44:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Khari Johnson is a writer, photographer and multimedia/video producer doing freelance work for individuals, publications, organizations and businesses in San Diego County.

In the past he has worked for the Tribune Company, Time Inc., Copley Press and others and has reported stories from around the country and world but his beginnings in journalism and encouragement to continue in the industry came in the form of two SDABJ scholarships in 2003 and 2004.

His work can be seen at kharijohnson.com

Nadége Dougé

Last modified on 2010-05-21 21:33:29 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Nadége M. Dougé has worked at the San Diego County Office of Education as a Communications Assistant since January 2006. She joined SDABJ in 2007, and has served as the organization’s community liaison since 2009, receivin the 2009 SDABJ Member of the Year Award.

Nadége is a graduate of California State University San Bernardino where she received a bachelors in both Mass Communications and Public Relations.

Her passion for the news media and public relations grew immensely during her first job out of undergraduate school when she worked for the Macy’s Corporate Office, then known as Robinsons-May in North Hollywood. While working in the Community Relations/Public Affairs department, Nadége was able to write, pitch, and launch the company brand to the news media and community partners. She also helped coordinate several celebrity perfume meet and greet campaigns and store Grand-Openings.

Nadége has worked in the PR industry for 5 years and as part of the Public Relations team for the County Office of Education Nadege has had the chance to interview a wide variety of educational supporters, from the San Diego Chargers Ladainian Tomlinson to the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell.

Nadége is fluent in French and currently learning to speak Spanish. In addition to Public Relations, she also has a strong passion for the fashion industry. Often time you can find her looking through various fashion magazines and blogging. She is currently embarking on her own fashion business ventures.

When she isn’t working, you can find Nadége singing with her church choir, running at the beach, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Debra Stephens

Last modified on 2009-10-15 00:26:16 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

auntie deb 2

Debra is currently a real estate sales professional working with local developer Reese A. Jarrett of Carter Reese & Associates. Current volunteer projects include Urban League of San Diego County Board of Directors, The Grandparent’s Connection and The Catfish Club. Through years of volunteerism, Stephens worked with many organizations whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children and families. She previously hosted a local cable talk show which highlighted the accomplishments and struggles of African American women entitled, “Sisters of Distinction”.

She has held previous employment positions with Pacific Telephone/AT&T, Office of Mayor Maureen O’Connor, Project I Believe, San Diego Convention Center, and The Children’s Initiative. She has also owned and operated Stephens & Associates, an independent meeting planning consulting service.

Elaine Swann

Last modified on 2009-10-14 23:51:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Nicknamed “The Etiquette Lady,” Lifestyle & Etiquette expert Elaine Swann delivers up-to-date advice through regular appearances as a special correspondent on various television and news programs.

You can explore free tips and etiquette advice at her website elaineswann.com

With a vast knowledge of the etiquette trade and more than a decade of experience, Elaine has used her web site, syndicated column and etiquette-inspired products to educate others. As an author and syndicated columnist, Elaine delivers advice on subjects ranging from table manners to conducting oneself in a business setting. Elaine has appeared on ABC, NBC, KUSI, and Wealth TV and been featured in radio programs and stories in Modern Bride Magazine, the San Diego Reader, Exquisite Weddings magazine, and others.

Elaine is also the host of Oceanside Spectrum which airs Monday through Friday on KOCT channel 18 in Oceanside, CA. A dynamic speaker, Elaine presents workshops and seminars to businesses, schools and various civic organizations.

Maria Hunt

Last modified on 2009-10-15 00:28:52 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Maria Hunt is a food writer and restaurant critic at the San Diego Union-Tribune, a position she has held for the past four years.

Originally from Chicago, she gained an appreciation for good eating from her family, which is full of professional and hobbyist cooks. Her travels to Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico have fostered an interest in foods from around the world.

Maria helped finance her degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism by passing a silver tray for some of the city’s top gourmet caterers, bartending at the Civic Opera House and dishing up Chicago pizza. Her writing has been honored by The Society of Professional Journalists and the San Diego Press Club. She is a founding member and vice president of the San Diego chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, as well as a member of the international jury of Slow Food.

Maria’s writing has appeared in national publications including the New York Times, Saveur magazine, the Chicago Tribune and CODE magazine. During her 12 years as a journalist, Maria has covered everything from city government to the arts to police news.

She enjoys designing jewelry, gardening and entertaining friends at her home in Normal Heights.

Lorise Maynard

Last modified on 2009-10-15 00:57:56 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Lorise-Maynard-May04

Ms. Maynard currently serves as the San Diego County Water Authority “Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunity Program Representative.” In this capacity Lorise has been instrumental in the design and development of one of the San Diego region’s most successful annual outreach and educational events called “Creating Paths to Partnerships Networking Forum.” This annual conference attracts approximately 450 prime contractors, consultant subcontractors, subconsultants and vendors wanting to do business with the public sector and the water industry in San Diego. The conference aims to provide a forum where firms can learn about upcoming contract opportunities with water agencies and receive on the spot technical training to improve their ability to win contracts with the member agencies. Lorise is the current President of the San Diego Supplier Development Council and just won their Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. She is also active in the Tariq Khamisa Foundation and the Past President of Convair and Watermasters Toastmasters International.

Ms. Maynard was highlighted in the February 2003 issue of San Diego Contractor News and Views, as their featured small business advocate. She holds a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Rhode Island in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration from National University in Marketing Management. Additionally she is a graduate of the Leadership Education Awareness Development (LEAD San Diego) program. Lorise also has a Masters in Compliance Administration from Florida Atlantic University as a Certified Compliance Officer. She has over 20 years of experience in the public, prime contractor and the government sector where her programs have been recognized both locally and nationally for excellence.

In addition, Lorise is responsible for organizing and establishing many local and regional conferences and training programs. Lorise has created three different scholarship programs in which over 75 scholarships have been awarded totaling over $100,000 while working with General Dynamics, San Diego County Water Authority and the San Diego Association of Black Journalists.

San Diego Association of Black Journalists

Members

Janell J. Lewis