News Summary
New York City has refreshed its advisory board to enhance diversity and representation within media. Chair Sheryl Huggins-Salomon leads a group of 15 members with expertise in various fields, ensuring diverse community voices are heard. The board includes leaders from journalism, public relations, and advocacy, reflecting the city’s multifaceted communities and reinforcing City & State’s commitment to inclusive media representation.
New York City has announced a refresh of its advisory board aimed at enhancing diversity and representation within City & State publications. This update comes as the organization expands the board from its initial formation in 2021 to 15 members, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. The primary goal is to ensure that the diverse communities of New York are adequately represented in the media.
Sheryl Huggins-Salomon has been appointed as the chair of the newly refreshed advisory board. With considerable experience in journalism, Huggins-Salomon has dedicated her career to covering political, cultural, and justice issues that affect Black audiences. Her background includes roles as managing editor for The Root, AOL Black Voices, and editorial director for NewsOne.com. She also serves as an executive council member of the Deadline Club, part of the Society of Professional Journalists in New York City.
Another significant appointment is Murad Awawdeh, recognized as an effective strategist in his role as president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition. Awawdeh has over 25 years of experience advocating for low-income communities and has played a critical role in securing over $10 billion through community reinvestment initiatives.
Amit Singh Bagga, founder of Public Progress, also joins the board, bringing his focus on campaign strategy and public affairs. He has advised numerous political campaigns and has worked on pivotal urban policy initiatives during his time in government service.
José Bayona, founder and CEO of Grassroots Strategies, is another key member. He previously served as executive director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media, showcasing a strong background in media and community outreach.
Gregg Bishop contributes his experience as executive director of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation’s Social Justice Fund, along with his previous role at the NYC Department of Small Business Services. His background in social justice enhances the board’s diverse representation.
Larry Scott Blackmon, who leads The Blackmon Organization specializing in lobbying and public relations, is also part of this varied group, bringing extensive experience from his time within city government and advocacy roles.
Tyquana “Ty” Henderson-Rivers, who established Connective Strategies, and Gary Lewi, managing director at Rubenstein Communications, further add to the board. Their backgrounds include significant public relations roles and experience in various industries, which will be instrumental in steering the organization’s direction.
Additionally, Tara L. Martin, founder of TLM Strategic Advisors, and Jack O’Donnell, managing partner of O’Donnell & Associates, both provide expertise in social impact and public affairs, further enriching the board’s capabilities.
Bill O’Reilly, a partner at The November Team, is renowned for his political communications expertise, while Juanita Scarlett offers her public policy advice based on her senior roles in government and public relations. Lupe Todd-Medina, founder of Effective Media Strategies, and Laura Washington, president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, round out the diverse membership of the advisory board.
Finally, Trip Yang, founder of Trip Yang Strategies, adds a strong background in supporting Democratic candidates and initiatives, with particular experience in electoral politics.
This refreshed advisory board signifies City & State’s commitment to improved representation for New York’s multifaceted communities in media. The combination of backgrounds and skills from the board members is expected to guide important decisions and initiatives affecting a wide array of issues across the city.
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