Global Team

Who we are

Global Press team members are reporters, editors, educators and international development professionals. Together, we are driving extraordinary change in the field of journalism.

Video FAQ: What does it mean to be an exceptional employer of journalists?

Reporters

Professional.
Local.
Women.

Video FAQ: Why does Global Press employ women journalists?

Global Press reporters are powerful storytellers, transforming local access to accurate information and elevating global awareness for millions of readers.

Read Global Press Journal

Reporter Spotlight

Global Press employs a global team of powerful, professional reporters. The average Global Press reporter stays employed here for more than five years. We offer each reporter strong salaries, health benefits, family leave, consistent professional development and access to our industry-leading Duty of Care program. Here are a few of our all-stars: 

ZIMBABWE

Linda Mujuru

Linda Mujuru is a Global Press senior reporter based in Harare, Zimbabwe. She specializes in reporting on agriculture and the economy and is one of Global Press’ most-read journalists.

Mexico

Marissa Revilla

Marissa Revilla is a Global Press senior reporter based in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico. She was a member of the inaugural class of Global Press reporters in Chiapas in 2006. She specializes in reporting on child rights and conflict in indigenous communities throughout Chiapas.

MONGOLIA

Khorloo Khukhnokhoi

Khorloo Khukhnokhoi is a Global Press reporter based in the northern Mongolian province of Orkhon. She covers local and national issues, including human rights, health, animal husbandry and cultural heritage. Her award-wining coverage of forced virginity testing of schoolgirls in Mongolia led to officials banning the practice.  

NEPAL

Shilu Manandhar

Shilu Manandhar is a Global Press senior reporter based in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she specializes in migration and environmental reporting. Her coverage of Nepalese migrant workers in Qatar has won numerous awards and been cited in legislative changes.

UGANDA

Nakisanze Segawa

Nakisanze Segawa is a Global Press senior reporter based in Kampala, Uganda. She specializes in reporting on issues of health and human rights, and her coverage of discriminatory school policies has led to a policy change.

Key Global Staff
Click each image to learn more about our team.

Cristi Hegranes

Chief Executive Officer & Publisher

Cristi Hegranes

Title:
Chief Executive Officer & Publisher
Day-to-day:
I lead business and development operations at Global Press and serve as the publisher of Global Press Journal, our multi lingual, award-winning publication. I created Global Press' industry-leading Duty of Care program for local journalists in challenging global markets using a holistic combination of physical, emotional, digital and legal security. And I built the Global Press Wellness Network to support the mental health needs of our local journalists across the world. I am the lead author of the Global Press Style Guide, which exists to promote dignity and precision in international journalism. My greatest passion is creating world-class employment for badass women across the globe.
Work history:
Reporter, Village Voice Media; Freelance Journalist; Adjunct Professor, California State University, San Francisco State University
Education:
Master of Science in Journalism - New York University; Bachelor of Arts in Communications - Loyola Marymount University
Notable Accomplishments
GLG Social Impact Fellow, Women-run Workplace of the Year, Inc. Magazine Best Places to Work, Social Entrepreneur in Residence at Stanford University, Distinguished Young Alumni of New York University, Ashoka Fellow, Society of Professional Journalists' Journalism Innovation Prize, Grinnell College Young Innovator for Social Justice Prize, the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Ida B. Wells Award for Bravery in Journalism
link

Laxmi Parthasarathy

Chief Operating Officer

Laxmi Parthasarathy

Title:
Chief Operating Officer
Day-to-day:
I lead global operations across each Global Press division, spearhead the global expansion strategy to build representative news bureaus and develop new partnership strategies to bolster the organization’s reach and long-term sustainability. I also lead business development at Global Press News Services, the B2B division of Global Press, to earn revenue and spark adoption of our values.
Work history:
Ashoka: Innovators for the Public; Canadian International Development Agency; Media for Development Ltd
Education:
Master of Science in Media, Communications, Development - London School of Economics; Bachelor of Arts - Carleton University
Notable Accomplishments
2021 Book Chapter in "Kamala Harris and The Rise of Indian Americans"; 2020 American Express Next Generation Finalist; Women-led Business of the Year, Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Mentor; 2018 Author of the study "The Bottom Up Media Revolution"; Boehm Media Fellow
link

Shanté Cosme

Chief Content Officer

Shanté Cosme

Title:
Chief Content Officer
Day-to-day:
Shanté Cosme became Global Press’ first Chief Content Officer in November 2022. An innovative media strategist with deep expertise in launching brands and building audiences, Shanté is bringing her creative, ambitious, engaging and inclusive approach to journalism to Global Press. A longtime advocate for diversity and inclusion in journalism, Shanté has a bold reputation as an advocate and leader in the field. An adjunct professor at New York University, speaker and author, Shanté will bring her deep industry knowledge and connections to Global Press in this period of pivotal growth.
Work history:
Mic, Complex
Education:
B.A. Stony Brook University
Notable Accomplishments
Adjunct Professor, NYU
link

Katie Myrick

Creative Director

Katie Myrick

Title:
Creative Director
Day-to-day:
I bring beauty to the Global Press brand, leading all aspects of visual identity and user experience to ensure readers are able to see the world differently.
Work history:
Washington Post; Minneapolis Star Tribune; Omaha World-Herald
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism - Indiana University
Notable Accomplishments
Poynter Leadership Academy graduate; 2019 Boehm Media Fellow; 2009 Poynter Fellow; multiple gold medals from the Society for News Design
link

Shazdeh Omari

Director of Development

Shazdeh Omari

Title:
Director of Development
Day-to-day:
I oversee all fundraising efforts for Global Press in coordination with the CEO.
Work history:
Committee to Protect Journalists, WMC's Women Under Siege, The Village Voice
Education:
Master of Arts in English/TESOL - Western Connecticut State University; Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sociology - University of Connecticut
Notable Accomplishments
Copy editor on “Unspinning the Spin: The Women’s Media Center Guide to Fair and Accurate Language”
link

Sam Nesfield

Director of Global Expansion

Sam Nesfield

Title:
Director of Global Expansion
Day-to-day:
I lead global expansion operations and support global partnership building.
Work history:
Thomson Reuters Court Express; National Museum for American History; Genesis: Sarajevo
Education:
Master of Arts in Global Communication - George Washington University; Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs - George Washington University
Notable Accomplishments
x
link

Celia Wu

Managing Director, Global Press News Services

Celia Wu

Title:
Managing Director, Global Press News Services
Day-to-day:
I manage Global Press News Services, the social enterprise arm of Global Press. GPNS draws upon Global Press' 17 years of experience in journalism training, a one-of-a-kind global photo archive, the industry's leading Duty of Care program, and the world's first multi-language guide to writing with equity and precision -- creating products and services that meet the demand of clients across the media sector and a range of industries.
Work history:
Vice Media, MSNBC, Microsoft / MSN, Turner Entertainment Networks, STAR TV, PBS, Women Make Movies
Education:
MA, Missouri School of Journalism; BA, Hampshire College
Notable Accomplishments
Board Director, Investigate West | Contributor, Asian American Journalists Association 40th Anniversary Oral History Project | Screening Judge, Online Journalism Awards (since 2018) | King County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
link

Terry Aguayo

Managing Editor

Terry Aguayo

Title:
Managing Editor
Day-to-day:
I manage the Global Press Accuracy Network and oversee newsroom operations to ensure the editorial process runs efficiently.
Work history:
New York Times; Associated Press
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Journalism - Florida International University; Certification in Translation Studies - Florida International University
Notable Accomplishments
Poynter Leadership Academy graduate; Led the creation of the Guía de estilo de Global Press, the first Spanish-language style guide focused on dignity and precision; Member of Global Press editorial team named 2020 and 2022 Media Heroes of the Year at the Stevie Awards; 2007-2008 Research Assistant for A Journal for Jordan (released as a movie in Dec. 2021); 2007 Mentor, The New York Times Student Journalism Institute
link

Charlotte Kesl

Senior Photo Editor

Charlotte Kesl

Title:
Senior Photo Editor
Day-to-day:
Collaborate and coach reporters to ensure every story has impactful visuals
Work history:
Independent photojournalist for news outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post; Adjunct lecturer in photojournalism at The University of Florida
Education:
Master of Science in Media, Communication & Development - London School of Economics; Bachelor of Arts in Visual Media - American University
Notable Accomplishments
Photographed for nonprofit organizations in Sierra Leone, Uganda, Colombia & Perú; Organized and led international and domestic photography workshops; Helped launch Project Cordillera, a social enterprise that partners with local adventure tourism companies in Latin America
link

Caira Conner

Partnerships Manager

Caira Conner

Title:
Partnerships Manager
Day-to-day:
I work on editorial republishing partnerships so that more audiences around the world have access to Global Press Journal stories.
Work history:
BuzzFeed; Clinton Global Initiative
Education:
Master of Science in Global Affairs - New York University; Bachelor of Arts is in English - Sewanee: The University of the South
Notable Accomplishments
A career highlight was interviewing Roger Federer for GQ.
link

Louise Scrivens

Lead Editorial Coach, Global Team

Louise Scrivens

Title:
Lead Editorial Coach, Global Team
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
BBC News Online, London; Bloomberg News, New York; Australian Associated Press, Sydney
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature (Honors); Foundation degree in Journalism; Diploma in copy editing and proofreading
Notable Accomplishments
Selected by one of biggest news organizations in the UK to complete their journalism training program while still in college. I’ve since gone on to work as a journalist and editor for many national news companies around the world.
link

Fortune Moyo

Impact Analyst

Fortune Moyo

Title:
Impact Analyst
Day-to-day:
I monitor, track and analyze the impact of Global Press Journal stories globally, working with reporters to collect local impact reports. I also produce the Global Press Bulletin, our monthly newsletter.
Work history:
10 years experience as a journalist, five of those as a reporter for Global Press Journal; Media consultant for various organizations; Communications officer for non-governmental organizations
Education:
Bachelor of Science with Honors in Journalism and Media Studies
Notable Accomplishments
Member of Global Press editorial team named 2020 and 2022 Media Heroes of the Year at the Stevie Awards
link

Alizeh Kohari

Editorial Coach, Asia Regional Team

Alizeh Kohari

Title:
Editorial Coach, Asia Regional Team
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
Herald Magazine (Karachi, Pakistan)
Education:
Masters of Arts in Comparative Politics- New York University; Bachelors of Science in Government and Economics - London School of Economics
Notable Accomplishments
2021 Bruno Fellow at Coda Story; 2020 Persephone Miel Fellow at the Pulitzer Center; 2020 One World Media Fellow; Fulbright Scholar (2015-2017); 2016 Overseas Press Club Fellow; Finalist for Kurt Schork Awards 2014; Finalist for Osborn Elliot Prize for Excellence in Journalism on Asia 2014
link

Meagan Demitz

Wellness Network Manager

Meagan Demitz

Title:
Wellness Network Manager
Day-to-day:
I oversee the Global Press Wellness Network, to ensure that reporters have the support they need to thrive.
Work history:
Jesuit Refugee Service (social worker); Sidestreet Consulting (nonprofit strategist)
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in English - Loyola Marymount University; Master of Social Work - Boston College
Notable Accomplishments
Member of Global Press team named 2022 Media Heroes of the Year at the Stevie Awards
link

Juan Pablo Ampudia

Photo Editor

Juan Pablo Ampudia

Title:
Photo Editor
Day-to-day:
I collaborate with reporters to ensure every story has compelling and impactful visuals through creative planning and coaching.
Work history:
Independent photojournalist for outlets such as National Geographic, Los Angeles Times, UNICEF, Insider, Gatopardo
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing - CECC University in Mexico City
Notable Accomplishments
Group Exhibition, Photo Place Gallery, Middlebury, VT, 2017; Group Exhibition, Centro de la Imágen, Mexico City, Mexico, 2022
link

Sia Choi

Assistant Photo Editor

Sia Choi

Title:
Assistant Photo Editor
Day-to-day:
I archive all Global Press Journal photos and correspond with the Senior Photo Editor and reporters in order to publish stories and feature photos.
Work history:
Began her professional career at Global Press Journal as a photo intern.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism - Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Notable Accomplishments
Member of Global Press editorial team named 2020 Media Hero of the Year at the Stevie Awards; 2019-2020 Korean Government Global Internship Program (WEST) Participant; 2018 Photography Assistant Volunteer, PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics
link

Dominic Ronzo

Photo Editor

Dominic Ronzo

Title:
Photo Editor
Day-to-day:
I coach GPJ reporters in creating dynamic and consequence-driven photography through creative planning and technical training.
Work history:
IPA Switchboard, Tunisia; Dominic Ronzo Media, Australia; Khmer Times, Cambodia
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Journalism - Brooks Institute
Notable Accomplishments
Finalist, IRIS Award, Perth Centre for Photography; Group Exhibition, Ballarat Foto Biennale Yellow Dot Fundraiser 2018; Group Exhibit, 2019 ILFORD CCP Salon
link

Bennett Hanson

Research Editor

Bennett Hanson

Title:
Research Editor
Day-to-day:
I sift through and decipher open-source research to answer the hard questions, track ongoing trends and to add accurate and compelling information to Global Press Journal stories.
Work history:
Bridge International Academies; Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science - Western Washington University
Notable Accomplishments
Member of Global Press editorial team named 2020 Media Hero of the Year at the Stevie Awards, Contributed research to three award-winning Global Press Journal articles; 2019 open-source research training by Bellingcat; 2015 Passed the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Officer Test (2015)
link

Matt Haney

Graphics Editor

Matt Haney

Title:
Graphics Editor
Day-to-day:
I create strong visuals to draw readers into Global Press Journal stories.
Work history:
Omaha World-Herald; Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; The Lincoln Journal Star
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Painting - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Notable Accomplishments
Multiple gold and silver medals from the Society for News Design
link

Manori Wijesekera

Training Manager

Manori Wijesekera

Title:
Training Manager
Day-to-day:
I oversee professional development programs for reporters and am the lead creator of the Global Press Institute virtual learning platform.
Work history:
TVE Asia Pacific; The Sunday Times Newspaper; The Island Newspaper
Education:
General Certificate of Education (Sri Lankan Advanced Level) - Visakha Vidyalaya
Notable Accomplishments
Member of Global Press editorial team named 2020 Media Heroes of the Year at the Stevie Awards
link

Nadia Elamin

Operations Manager

Nadia Elamin

Title:
Operations Manager
Day-to-day:
I build and coordinate systems to support global HR, finance, and operations for our reporters, Global Press Accuracy Network staff, and HQ team.
Work history:
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh; Allegheny County Department of Human Services (Immigrants & Internationals Initiative); Humane Animal Rescue
Education:
Master of Public Administration, Nonprofit and Public Management - University of Pittsburgh; Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies and International Studies: Concentration in the Middle East and Arabic - Chatham University
Notable Accomplishments
Abdelkader Education Project Essay Contest Winner, 2017
link

Taisa Sganzerla

Editor, Global Team

Taisa Sganzerla

Title:
Editor, Global Team
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
Global Voices (News Editor); Cambodia Daily (Reporter); O Estado de S. Paulo (Reporter)
Education:
Master of Arts in Social Anthropology - University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS); Bachelor of Arts in Journalism - Jorge Amado University (Brazil)
Notable Accomplishments
As a freelancer, I have had stories published on Quartz, Asia LIFE, Oceana, and many more outlets in Brazil. My stories for Global Voices have been regularly republished by other media outlets, such as Slate and PRI.
link

Ashley Powers

Editor

Ashley Powers

Title:
Editor
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
Los Angeles Times
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - University of Toledo
Notable Accomplishments
2020 The Best American Travel Writing; 2017 New York University's Reporting Award; Sigma Delta Chi Award; National Headliner Award; honors from the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Education Writers Association, the Religion Newswriters Association and the Society for Features Journalism
link

Ashwaq Masoodi

Editor

Ashwaq Masoodi

Title:
Editor
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
Nieman fellow at Harvard University; Mint newspaper (Delhi); Press Trust of India (Delhi)
Education:
Master of Science in Magazine Writing - Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism; Post Graduate Diploma in Print Journalism - Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi; Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Multimedia Production - Kashmir University
Notable Accomplishments
Nieman fellowship at Harvard University; Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships for Leadership Development; Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, the highest award of journalism in India; The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA)
link

Ndinda Kioko

Editor, Africa Regional Team

Ndinda Kioko

Title:
Editor, Africa Regional Team
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
Colgate University; Network for Empowered Aid Response; Storylab Limited
Education:
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing - University of Oregon; Bachelor of Education in English and Literature - Kenyatta University
Notable Accomplishments
2018 Olive B O'Connor Fellowship; 2018 Black Warrior Review Writing Prize; 2017 Queen Mary Wasafiri Writing Prize; 2014 Miles Morland Writing Scholarship
link

Emily Neil

Editor

Emily Neil

Title:
Editor
Day-to-day:
I work with Global Press Journal reporters – from pitching to editing – to ensure publication of high-quality journalism.
Work history:
AL DÍA News; Asociación SERES
Education:
Master of Science in Journalism - Columbia University; Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies - Barnard College of Columbia University
Notable Accomplishments
2016 Critical Language Scholarship Recipient; 2016 Student of the Year, Member of the Society of Professional Journalists chapter at Columbia Journalism School
link

global press accuracy network

Fact checkers.
Translators.
Copy editors.
Illustrators.

This dedicated team of accuracy professionals ensures that every Global Press story is dignified and precise. A team is assigned to every story to ensure accuracy in English and the local language.

Global press Board of directors

At Global Press, governance is a top priority. Our board is made up of experts across media, law, finance, and wellness who are dedicated to ensuring Global Press continues to thrive.

Ray Baker

Revenue Consultant & Strategic Adviso

Umbreen Bhatti

Director, Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College

Stephen Buckley

Eugene C. Patterson Professor of the Practice and Public Policy Studies at Duke University

Houda Elyazgi

Vice President at Saxum

Cristi Hegranes

Founder and CEO of Global Press, Publisher of Global Press Journal

Nomzamo Majuqwana

Director at Work & Co

Benjamin McKee

Vice President of Finance, Atlantic Media, Global Press Board Treasurer

Dr. Geetha Murali

CEO, Room to Read

Michelle Swenson

Global Press Board Chair

Keep learning: Awards

Experience Global Press

Micro Documentary: 15 Years of Global Press

Documentary

Global Press Theory of Change

Explainer

What Makes Global Press Journal Unique?

Screencast

Media Literacy: What is Parachute Journalism?

Explainer

Media Literacy: What is a Fixer?

Explainer

Media Literacy: What is a Dateline

Explainer

Duty of Care: Reporter Experiences

Explainer

Duty of Care: Physical Security

Explainer

Subscribe

Want to learn more about Global Press’ impact?
Subscribe here to our monthly newsletter.

Thank you for Subscribing to our newsletter!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Connect

Contact Us

global press journal

Read the latest news

Copyright © 2021 Global Press  •  Site Credits