The Online News Association (ONA) has announced the 2025 cohort of the Women’s Leadership Accelerator (#ONAWLA). This year, 26 talented women journalists from across the globe were selected to receive intensive mentorship, leadership training, and coaching, empowering them to advance their careers and drive meaningful change in digital journalism.

What is the Women’s Leadership Accelerator?

The Accelerator is a cohort-based program designed to support women in digital journalism. Participants receive one-on-one coaching, group discussions, and professional development sessions from some of the industry’s top minds. The program also builds a network of peers, mentors, and alumni, creating career-long connections and opportunities for growth.

How Participants Are Selected

Applicants to the Accelerator must demonstrate impact within their organizations or the journalism industry. Each candidate is evaluated based on:

• Leadership potential

• Innovation in digital media

• Commitment to improving journalism practices

• Ability to influence and mentor others

The 2025 cohort was reviewed by WLA alumni and ONA staff, ensuring a high-quality selection of journalists from diverse backgrounds and locations.

Program Schedule and Structure

The 2025 Accelerator program will run from December 2025 through March 2026 and includes:

• Kickoff virtual gathering in December 2025

• Individual coaching and virtual learning sessions from January to March 2026

• Two-day in-person workshop at the 2026 ONA Conference (#ONA26) in Chicago, March 30–April 1

Participants receive guidance on career challenges unique to their roles, from leadership strategy to team management and audience engagement.

Diversity and Global Reach

The 2025 cohort represents 16 U.S. states and six international locations, including Amman, Jordan. Nearly 50% identify as women of color, and members bring experience from:

• Local and national newspapers

• Public radio and independent news organizations

• Digital media startups

• Broadcast and television

• AI, strategy, operations, and audience engagement

This diversity ensures a broad perspective on digital journalism challenges and strengthens peer learning within the cohort.

Meet the 2025 Cohort

The 26 selected journalists include:

• Ade Kidwell – Chief, Indonesian Service, Voice of America

• Amory Sivertson – Podcast Host & Senior Producer, WBUR

• Averi Sanders – Executive Successor & Operations Lead, The Omaha Star

• Carol Motsinger – Director of Storytelling, Houston Chronicle

• Ellery Jones – Assistant Editor, Innovation, Chicago Public Media

• Gabriela Fernandez – Associate Director, Audience, Vox

• Gabriella Nuñez-Garcia – Special Projects Producer, WXIA 11Alive News

• Joanie Tobin – Supervising Producer, Digital Video, GBH

• Kheira Tami – Executive Producer, AJ+

• Lacy Atalick – Freelance Editor & Community Manager, Village Media

• Lena Han – Product Manager, The Philadelphia Inquirer

• Lina Batarags – International Executive Editor, Business Insider

• Liz Brazile – Online Managing Editor, KUOW Public Radio

• Liz Worthington – Director of Product Strategy, American Press Institute

• Lyneka Little – Audience Engagement Editor, Prison Journalism Project

• Madeleine Schwartz – Editor in Chief, The Dial

• Madeline Chosich – Director of Marketing & Growth, Deep South Today

• Majdolin Hasan – GIJN Arabic Editor, Global Investigative Journalism Network

• Meghan Snider – Director of Development, Investigative Journalism Foundation of Canada

• Mia Warren – Managing Director, Feet in 2 Worlds

• Monique O. Madan – Co-Lead Advisor, Storytelling Community of Practice, Maynard Institute

• Natalie Daher – Director, Planning & Special Projects, Axios

• Nelly Kalu – Editorial Product & Project Manager, Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ)

• Pamela de la Fuente – Managing Editor, Nerd Wallet

• Shreen Khan – Senior Producer & Partner Manager, URL Media

• Sophia Rosenbaum – Head of Digital Strategy & Coordination, Associated Press

Program Benefits and Support

Participants gain:

• Expert coaching for career advancement

• Leadership training to manage teams and organizations effectively

• Networking with a global community of journalists

• Exposure to cutting-edge digital media strategies

This program not only strengthens participants’ skills but also prepares them to become mentors for the next generation of women journalists.

Funding and Partners

The 2025 WLA is made possible by the Dow Jones Foundation, with additional support from the Tiffany Shackelford Foundation and WordPress VIP. ONA also collaborates with organizations to expand leadership opportunities for women in journalism.

ONA’s Commitment to Women in Journalism

Since 2015, ONA has offered cohort-based programs supporting women in digital media. Initiatives include:

• Digital Women Leaders coaching program

• Networking and mentorship events

• Dedicated sessions at ONA conferences

• Training for women in local news organizations

These initiatives aim to advance equity and inclusion, ensuring women can thrive as leaders in journalism.

Future Opportunities

ONA encourages funders and partners to support its programs for women in journalism. Interested organizations can connect with ONA’s strategic partnership team to explore sponsorship or collaboration opportunities.

Final Take

The 2025 Women’s Leadership Accelerator cohort represents a new wave of leaders shaping the future of digital journalism. Through mentorship, training, and global networking, these 26 changemakers are poised to create lasting impact in their organizations, communities, and the industry at large.