Mississippi Free Press, Youth Media Project Teams
Donna Ladd
CEO and Executive Editor Donna Ladd is an award-winning journalist, editor and social entrepreneur from Philadelphia, Miss.
Tami Jones
Publisher and Director of Revenue Operations Tami Jones is 1995 graduate of Jackson State University, holds a MBA from Belhaven University, and earned her Doctorate in Business Administration from Capella University.
Kimberly Griffin
Publisher Emeritus Kimberly Griffin is a graduate of Mississippi University for Women and the University of Southern Mississippi
Kristin Brenemen
Creative Director Kristin Brenemen, a local to Jackson, Miss., is responsible for the evolving visual style of the Mississippi Free Press.
Ashton Pittman
Award-winning News Editor and Journalist Ashton Pittman has been published in a number of prominent national and international publications.
Torsheta Jackson
Systemic and Education Editor Torsheta Jackson was a long-time educator before joining MFP in 2023 to lead the Education Equity Reporting Lab.
Nate Schumann
Deputy Editor Nate Schumann works on both news and features for the Mississippi Free Press.
Kevin Edwards
Assistant Editor Kevin Edwards, a graduate of Delta State University and the University of Memphis, holds degrees in political science and journalism.
Rogelio V. Solis
Senior photojournalist Rogelio V. Solis most recently served 28 years as the staff photographer with the Jackson bureau of The Associated Press.
Dustin Cardon
Digital Editor Dustin Carson, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, is aspiring to become a Wordpress expert at the MFP.
Aliyah Veal
Culture Reporter Aliyah Veal, a native of Jackson, Miss., and a Murrah High School graduate, is a proud alumna of Spelman College.
Heather Harrison
State Reporter Heather Harrison graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Communication in 2023.
Illan Ireland
Environmental Reporter Illan Ireland is Mississippi Free Press’s bilingual environmental reporter in partnership with Report for America.
Jaylin R. Smith
Delta Reporter Jaylin R. Smith, a Corps member for Report for America, is from Greenwood, Miss. with degrees from Mississippi Valley State University and University of Mississippi.
Nick Judin
Investigative Reporter Nick Judin is traveling the state, covering housing, corruption, poverty, and infrastructure.
Shaunicy Muhammad
Capital City Reporter Shaunicy Muhammad is reporting on causes, effects and solutions for systemic inequities in South Jackson.
Erica Powe
Marketing / PR Coordinator Erica Powe is a Canton, Mississippi native, who graduated from Velma Jackson High School.
Chris Ellis
Audience Manager and Developer Chris Ellis is an Alabama Gulf Coast native who moved to Jackson 7 years ago.
Krystal Austin
Executive Assistant Krystal Austin is a Lanier High school alumna and has a Master of Organizational Leadership and Human Resources Certificate from Belhaven University.
Taylor McKay Hathorn
YMP Project Editor Taylor McKay Hathorn is a two-time alumna of Mississippi College and holds a Master’s degree from Louisiana State University.
Contributors
Christian Middleton
Contributing Reporter Christian Middleton is based in Oxford, Miss., specializing in Confederate iconography, higher ed and environmental journalism.
Duvalier Malone
Columnist Duvalier Malone is a motivational speaker, community activist, and CEO of Duvalier Malone Enterprises, a global consulting firm.
Gaven Wallace
Contributing Reporter Gaven Wallace is a writer based out of Hattiesburg, Miss., where he attends the University of Southern Mississippi.
Grace Marion
Contributing Reporter Grace E. Marion is a politics reporter and photojournalist with a passion for narrative writing and investigative reporting.
Imani Khayyam
YMP Assistant Program Manager and Photographer Imani’s Khayyam’s work has been featured in The Guardian, and The New York Times.
Kiden-Aloyse Smith
Editorial Assistant Kiden-Aloyse Smith is a 2024 graduate of Jackson State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Media Studies.
Kourtney Moncure
MFP podcast editor/producer Kourtney Moncure, a native of Jackson, Miss., and a graduate of Belhaven University.
Leo Carney
Columnist Leo Carney, a co-founding member of ADOS, writes about racial inequalities in Mississippi.
Roger D. Amos
Contributor Roger D. Amos is a writer who enjoys researching Choctaw history. He lives in Philadelphia, Miss.
Sherry Lucas
Culture Writer Sherry Lucas, a lifelong Mississippian, chronicles her home state’s creative folk and cultural landscape.
William Pittman
Data Journalist William Pittman started creating MFP infographics early in the COVID-19 pandemic just as the Mississippi Free Press launched.
Zilpha Young
Graphic Designer and Illustrator Zilpha Young is from Tupelo, Miss., helps design for Mississippi Free Press and related…