The Asian American Journalists Association is proud to introduce the 31st cohort of the 2026 U.S. Executive Leadership Program (ELP). This year, 18 participants will engage in a series of virtual and in-person training sessions designed to strengthen their leadership and management skills. The program will culminate with a final session at the #AAJA26 convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The 2026 U.S. ELP cohort will be led by Ashley Alvarado, President and CEO of Texas Public Radio; Sharon Chan, Deputy for the Strategic Culture Initiatives team at The New York Times; and Paul Cheung, President of the Committee of 100 and Senior Strategic Advisor for Hacks/Hackers.
Building on its commitment to expanding access, AAJA continues to offer opportunities through the Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship Grant, the Simon and June Li Leadership Transformation Fellowship, the AAJA Original Founders Executive Leadership Program Fellowship (spearheaded by Dickson Louie), its partnership with the South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA), and the Yasutsune “Tony” Hirashiki Scholarship Fund, established in his honor by his family.
AAJA extends its deep appreciation and gratitude to ELP Founder Dinah Eng, Dickson Louie, Simon and June Li, the South Asian Journalists Association, and the family of Tony Hirashiki for their generous support of this year’s program. We also thank Northwestern Medill for hosting us at their Washington, D.C. campus.
INTRODUCING THE 2026 U.S. ELP COHORT
Anisa Khalifa, Podcast Producer and Host at WUNC-North Carolina Public Radio, SAJA Fellowship
Anjuli Sastry, Senior Producer, Podcasts at LAist, Yasutsune “Tony” Hirashiki Scholarship
Beena Raghav, Senior Editor, Digital Storytelling and Training at The New York Times
Casey Mendoza, Assistant Video Editor & Motion Graphics Editor at Encyclopædia Britannica & Merriam-Webster
Celina Tebor, Senior News Editor at CNN, Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship Grant
Curtis Yee, Head of Live Blogs at The Associated Press
Daigo Fujiwara-Smith, Senior Newsroom Developer at The Boston Globe
Eshalaxmi Barlingay, Senior Digital Planning Producer at CGTN America, Simon and June Li Leadership Transformation Fellowship
Jingyao Yu, Director of Operations & Engagement at Society of Environmental Journalists
Kimberly Aguilo, Senior Director, Media Operations at ESPN
Lillian Chen, International Audience Deputy at The New York Times
Maureen Chowdhury, Live News Writer at CNN
Megan Cattel, Assistant Editor at Nieman Reports, The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, AAJA Original Founders Executive Leadership Program Fellowship
Michelle Cho, Producer at NBC Nightly News with Tom LLamas
Sonia Paul, Independent Journalist | Uncuffed Storytelling Instructor & Media Partnerships Strategist at KALW Public Media, SAJA Fellowship
Suevon Lee, Correspondent, Education at WBUR, Dinah Eng Leadership Fellowship Grant
Wendy Lu, Deputy Editor at The New York Times
Xintian Tina Wang, Independent Art Critic | Communications Manager at Columbia University
ABOUT ELP
The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is a challenging, practical and life-changing experience for mid- to senior-level individuals working in the journalism and media industry interested in advancing their career and developing the skills to achieve their professional and personal goals. It is not a business-as-usual program about how to become a better manager; it is a transformational experience program aimed at developing the next generation of diverse leaders who can lead in uncertain times and build a sustainable future for journalism and media.
The program explores the responsibilities and challenges of a media workplace, how to lead in the changing landscape and how cultural values come into play. Experienced career coaches and senior news executives lead participants as they explore a variety of topics in a small, nurturing environment. Learn more about ELP here.
ABOUT AAJA’S PROGRAMS
AAJA’s programs and initiatives are central to our efforts to educate, connect and support our members. Through early education, mentorship, professional development and visibility we promote greater inclusion and opportunity for our community. With strong alumni activity, our industry standard setting programs forge life-long relationships and our initiatives highlight the best of the best.
