The Organizing Committee for the Salon of Authentic Journalism consists of nine (9) equal members. We are all volunteers and alumni of one or more of the School of Authentic Journalism workshops, dedicated to shaping a new, inclusive space for authentic journalism.
Our Approach
- Collective Leadership: We make decisions through a consensus-driven process, ensuring all members are aligned and invested in every aspect of the Salon.
- Inclusive by Design: We’re committed to creating a secure and welcoming space for all participants where diverse perspectives thrive.
- Authentic Collaboration: We’re building a community that learns from the past, prioritizing transparency, and embracing the wisdom of collective decision-making.
- Advice, Not Direction: We’re grateful for the advisory support of the Fund for Authentic Journalism, which guides us while respecting our autonomous, collective leadership.
“How we decide is as important as what we decide.”
How did we get here?
In early 2024, several School of Authentic Journalism alumni reconnected to reflect on its legacy, the good and the bad, the lessons learned over the years, and the principles of authentic journalism that we believe deserve to be carried forward. Through open dialogues with hundreds of alumni since 2018, we have gathered valuable insights, sought feedback, and discussed ways to build something new.
This collaborative reflection led to the formation of our Organizing Committee. Our approach, built on the principles of collective leadership, inclusion, and transparency, serves as the foundation of the community we wish to foster for new generations of journalists and organizers. Together, we are charting a path forward with the shared commitment to uphold and evolve the practices of authentic journalism.
Our Team
Fabiola Rocha
By her own admission, she’s a born gossip, with a professional background in Theater, and dedicates herself to storytelling through various mediums: creating videos, photography, and transmedia content. She also writes short stories, novels, and all genres of journalistic pieces. For over five years, she has been reporting on women in sports and is particularly interested in exploring social transformation through theatrical performances in unconventional spaces.
Heather McCuen
Heather is a writer, social strategist, and startup advisor specializing in building connected, resilient communities and has spent the last decade focused on culture building and organizational justice in the private sector. She spent several years as a visiting professor of Social Media for Social Innovation for the United Nations mandated University for Peace’s Center for Executive Education and taught community organizing and media strategies at The School of Authentic Journalism (2013-2017), after attending as a scholar in 2012, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Fund for Authentic Journalism. Her first love was (and is) theater, and she has written several plays, including Hope In Chaos (2011) and Nobody’s Bones (2013). Since her time as part of a volunteer task force in New York’s Ground Zero following September 11th, 2001, she has worked to deepen her expertise in crisis leadership, community organizing and conflict transformation, and she currently volunteers for DASI’s (Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Intervention services) rapid response team as a certified Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivor’s Advocate in New Jersey. Heather believes passionately that Authentic Journalism is, to use the words of Václav Havel, “the art of the impossible, namely, the art of improving ourselves and the world.”
Deb Jansen
As a seasoned translator with 20 years of experience, Debra’s had the privilege of bridging linguistic gaps for diverse audiences. They’re work in translation isn’t just about converting words; it’s about preserving the essence of stories that need to be told. This passion for storytelling aligns perfectly with the heartbeat of journalism. They also thrive in roles that provide foundational support, much like the unsung heroes in our favorite tales. Think Alfred to Batman or Hermione to Harry Potter—They’re here to help the team shine. Outside of translation, they also tell stories with data in their job as a data analyst, and they’re fascinated by the potential of blockchain technology to reshape the world.
Greg Berger
Gregory Max Berger is the creator of “El Joe T. Hodo Show”, a popular comedy journalism project, produced in collaboration with social movements, that appears weekly on Mexican television, on social media, and occasionally in comic book form. He has been reporting on social movements and political issues in Mexico and Latin America for over 25 years. He is a professor of film, video, and contemporary art in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, focusing on audiovisual media and its strategic uses by social movements. Between 2011 and 2017, he was a key figure at The School of Authentic Journalism.
Sarahy Ober
Sarahy is a versatile professional with a diverse background. After completing studies at SAJ in 2006 and 2011, Sarahy gained experience in journalism, covering significant events such as the “Other Campaign” and the “March for peace and justice” with Narconews. With a solid foundation in language skills, Sarahy holds a license as an interpreter and translator. Additionally, Sarahy has explored creative pursuits, studying cinema and makeup artistry. Demonstrating a commitment to community and workplace engagement, Sarahy currently serves as a member of the elected enterprise committee, assisting employees in various capacities.
Bill Conroy
Bill Conroy is an independent investigative journalist focused on the drug war; law-enforcement corruption; national-security issues as well as immigration, business and economic coverage. He also serves on the board of directors for the Fund for Authentic Journalism. Conroy is the author of five books, three fiction and two nonfiction, including his latest work of authentic journalism: “Dispatches from the House of Death— A Juarez Cartel informant, a DEA whistleblower, mass murder and a coverup on the edge of the Empire.”
Marine Lormant
Barrett Hawes
Barrett is a video editor and family man.
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