ONA Weekly #391: Four Inspiring Journalism Mentors

Rolfe Neill, the former publisher of The Charlotte Observer, has been my journalism mentor since sixth grade when he hired me to write a column called, “Kid to Kid.” When I launched EdNC, he sent me this note, which I carry with me to this day:

1. Numbers are one measure; what’s the best measure of our new work?
2. What did I fail at this week?
3. Where are we making a difference; how do we know? 
4. Remembering that serious work should never be done by humorless people: Are we having fun?
5. Accuracy above all.
6. No article should be started without reflecting on Pascal telling his friend: ‘I would have written you a shorter letter if I had more time.’
   “Always, Mebane, I am with you in spirit.”

That last part, knowing someone is with you in spirit 24/7, is the best part of having a Rolfe in your corner.

– Mebane Rash, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, EducationNC

The one and only Benét Wilson. This year and every year for the past decade or so she has held my hand through career and life transitions, helping me to chart out professional and personal paths more rewarding than I could have imagined for myself. At each step, she has an example I hope to follow and model for my own mentees.

– Meena Thiruvengadam, Writer, Editorial Consultant and Journalism Trainer

Asmaa Malik, professor and former graduate program director at Ryerson University, took a leap of faith in supporting the school’s decision to hire me as a part-time lecturer back in 2018. She helped me navigate some very challenging situations in my first year, and has been an on-going pillar of support to me ever since. I am indebted to her for the steadfast patience and leadership skills she demonstrated during that year and continue to look up to her as both a faculty member and editorial leader for the wider journalism community.

– Shenaz Kermalli, Independent writer with focus on geo-politics and Journalism Lecture at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Kelsey Proud is one of my greatest mentors. One of Kelsey’s greatest strengths as a mentor is her unfailing ability to bring her whole self to the way she leads — she’s one of the most compassionate and thoughtful newsroom leaders I’ve ever worked with, and those qualities uplift both those she works with and the audiences her work engages. Kelsey has the rare gift of seeing the potential in those around her and empowering others to rise to that potential and exceed it.

– Mary Tyler March, Strategic Planning Editor, WAMU 88.5 American University Radio