By: Xiomara Saavedra Vicente
How well are universities preparing students of color to enter media industries that have long failed to represent them, and what does that future look like?
This Equity in Communications podcast is an in-depth exploration of the experiences of students and professionals of color navigating media education and the journalism industry at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Through interviews with students in the School of Communications and professors with decades of professional experience, the podcast examines how identity, representation, and equity shape both academic and professional journeys. Guests share firsthand experiences of the challenges and opportunities that arise when racial identity intersects with media work. They discuss the need to advocate for themselves to be heard, the responsibility of telling underrepresented stories, and strategies educators can implement to create more inclusive and diverse spaces. By centering these voices, this project highlights resilient students and accomplished media professionals of color who are shaping the future of journalism, challenging industry norms, and demonstrating how authentic representation can transform both classrooms and newsrooms.