Leading Through Uncertain Times: Capstone Projects from the Executive Program
Join us for a showcase of Capstone Projects from the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Newmark J-School. In a moment defined by rapid change — from the rise of AI to shifting audience behaviors, revenue pressures, and evolving expectations of journalism — today’s leaders are being asked to make decisions without a clear roadmap.
Over the past year, our cohort has worked on Capstone Projects rooted in real challenges inside their organizations or ventures they are building from the ground up. These projects reflect how leaders are navigating uncertainty in practice: testing new ideas, making strategic bets, and building toward more sustainable, resilient, and impactful news organizations. From launching new products and experimenting with revenue models to implementing AI workflows and strengthening organizational culture, these presentations offer a candid look at what it takes to lead right now.
Come hear what they built, what they learned, and what they’re doing next.
Featuring presentations from:
- Sumi Aggarwal, Chief Strategy Officer at The Intercept
- Jessica Davis, Vice President of AI Product at Gannett
- Marie-Claire Fennessy, Live Editor and London Newsroom Manager at Reuters
- Clémentine Forissier, Editorial Director at Contexte
- Simon Galperin, Executive Editor at The Jersey Bee
- Clyde Jiles, Chief Operating Officer/Digital Manager at Houston Defender Network
- Julia Kalanovic-Trefzer, Freelancer
- Reina Kempt, Director of Operations, Content AI at USA TODAY Co.
- Bethany Lane, Revenue Strategist at QCity Metro
- Natália Leal, Chief Executive Officer at Lupa
- Marian Chia-Ming Liu, Audience & Product Lead, The Florida Trib
- Michael Olson, Deputy Managing Editor at Minnesota Public Radio
- Vitor Sorano Pereira, Head of AI Initiatives at g1
- Calli Remillard, Director of Audience Development at Falmouth Publishing Inc. (The Enterprise Newspapers)
- Joy Resmovits, Senior Editor, Collaborations and Impact at The Trace
- Jan Schüßler, AI Representative of the Editorial Office at ZDF
- Suvi Tanner, Editor-in-Chief at Lapin Kansa
- Seen Hau Tham, Head of Operations at Malaysiakini
- Sofie Tholl, Editor-in-Chief at Zetland
- Giovanny Vega-De Lleguas, Innovation and AI Manager at El Vocero de Puerto Rico
- Sebastian Walker, Co-Founder of a News Startup & Independent Filmmaker