The Female Journalists Association of Liberia Fellowship Program is an esteemed initiative dedicated to empowering and advancing female journalists across Liberia. Recognizing the crucial role of women in the media industry, this program is designed to provide participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their careers and assume leadership roles
Key Components of the Fellowship Program:
Comprehensive Training:
The program offers a wide range of training sessions covering essential journalism skills, media ethics, investigative reporting, digital media, and more. The training is tailored to address the specific challenges faced by female journalists in Liberia.
Mentorship:
Participants are paired with experienced media professionals who provide personalized guidance, career advice, and support throughout the fellowship. This mentorship is designed to help fellows navigate their professional journey and achieve their career goals.
Professional Development:
The fellowship emphasizes continuous learning and growth, offering opportunities for fellows to attend workshops, seminars, and networking events. These opportunities are aimed at enhancing their skills, expanding their professional networks, and preparing them for leadership roles in the media industry.
Newsroom Leaders Fellowship
This fellowship is designed for mid-career journalists who aspire to take on leadership roles within their organizations. It provides training in leadership, management, and strategic decision-making, preparing participants to become influential newsroom leaders.
D. Laymah E. Kollie
Women's TV Liberia/ Montserrado County
A multimedia Journalist with over five years of working experience, is one of our Newsroom Leaders who has exhibited exemplary leadership as part of the fellowship within her newsroom. Laymah’s rapid growth in the newsroom gained her additional new role as the News Desk Chief of the Women’s TV-Liberia and the assigned Legislative reporter at the Liberian Senate for the institution. The fellowship has supported her to work on high-quality contents; interact with war victims and extended her reportage beyond Monrovia to the counties through the field reporting under the fellowship.
Christine B. Sajery,
Radio Bluebird / Weala, Margibi County
She is a senior student of the Cuttington University Junior College studying Accounting Major is one of our enterprising Newsroom Leaders currently at Radio Bluebird in Weala, Margibi County. She has over five (5) years of experience as a practicing journalist.
The Fellowship has provided Christine new skills and knowledge in writing print contents and analysing news scripts. It has provided her the opportunity to engage with different newsmakers through the field trip and the community development reporting and as well as factchecking information before publications/casting. She termed the Newsroom Leaders Fellowship program as a mind-blowing space for female journalists across the country to learn, excel and lead.
Decontee M. Karngar
Inquirer Newspaper / Montserrado
She is a Newsroom Leader fellow under the USAID Year III Media Activity program and a student at the United Methodist University (UMU), majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in Public Administration. Previously a mentee under FeJAL’s Year II Mentorship program, she began her journalism career as a cub reporter at the Inquirer Newspaper, where she now serves as a junior reporter focusing on human rights, children’s issues, and gender. The fellowship has expanded her reporting skills, enabling her to move from covering press conferences to producing in-depth investigative stories on human interest topics. It has also boosted her confidence in conducting interviews with newsmakers at both local and national levels, particularly during field reporting exercises in war-affected communities in Nimba County. Decontee is also a fellow of the Women Campaign Fellowship and the Young Political Leadership School Africa, and she is a graduate of the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism.
Sarah Winnie Ellis
ELBC/ Sinoe County
She is a trailblazer Newsroom Leader from Sinoe County, Liberia, has risen through the ranks, breaking barriers in leadership and media. Before joining the USAID Media Activity fellowship, she was the only female reporter in her newsroom and a correspondent for ELBC. Through the fellowship, she became Assistant Director of Programs and a Program Presenter at the Voice of Sinoe, while also helping fellow journalists improve their skills. A student of Health Science at Sinoe Community College, Sarah is the regional coordinator for the Female Journalists Association of Liberia. She has held various roles, including Human Rights Monitor, Field Coordinator for the Liberian Women Empowerment Network, and Long Term Observer for LEON. A graduate of the Young Political Leadership School Africa, she continues to be a driving force in media and advocacy in Sinoe County.
Comfort G Giwlay
YMCA Radio/Bong County
She is a Newsroom leader fellow under the USAID Year III Media Activity. She is a reporter at the YMCA Radio in Gbarnga, Bong County. Prior to joining the Fellowship, Comfort could only cast news with little interest in conducting interviews and writing the stories. During the fellowship, she broadened her News writing and interview technique skills and began moving into the communities to report contents that focused on Human Rights, Environment and Health. Comfort notes that it was more amazing that the fellowship afforded her the opportunity outside of Gbarnga to uncovering stories that wouldn’t have been told, especially issues on the victims of War crimes in the hinterland of Bong.
Williett Wonyenneh,
Radio Nimba
She is one of our exceptional newsroom leaders currently practicing at Radio Nimba in Sanniquille Nimba County. She is FeJAL’s regional coordinator for the LOBONI region comprising three counties including Lofa, Bong and Nimba Counties respectively.
Her journey through journalism began in 2010 as a child broadcaster at the Voice of Gompa, 106.5 one of the community-based radio station in Nimba. Consistency and passion have led Willet to serving her local community through several other media institutions, presenting programs, hosting Talk shows and casting news. She is a student at the Nimba University.
The Nrewsroom Fellowship has earned Willet a space as the Co-Host of Radio Nimba major morning talk-show called nimba Joy FM 99.5 Magazine program. Additionally, Willet is inspiring and nurturing upcoming journalists in Nimba County and at different high schools in the county. She recounted that the fellowship afforded her the opportunity to support her newsroom with new style of writing and analysis of issues and as well as strengthening her storytelling and researching skills.
Dekontee Yeahgar,
Bassa FM
She is a dedicated journalist from Bassa FM in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, began her media career in 2015 as an interim announcer at Magic FM, where her consistency earned her roles as a program presenter and the station’s only female newscaster. She hosted *Girls Hour*, a 45-minute show discussing issues affecting young women and girls. In 2022, she joined the FeJAL Mentorship Program, which helped her navigate newsroom challenges, and in 2023, she became a reporter at Bassa FM while participating in the Newsroom Leaders Fellowship. Her passion for community development and women’s issues led to her promotion as Deputy Station Manager at Bassa FM, making her one of the first women in the county to hold such a position. Through the fellowship, she also expanded her knowledge of other southeastern counties while honing her reporting, communication, and teamwork skills.
Janet D. Warner,
Smile FM / Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County
She is a graduate of the Grand Gedeh University College with an Associate Degree in Public Health, is one of our newsroom leaders’ fellows pitching the way at Smile FM in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh. She has over 5 years of experience as a practicing Journalist. Janet is also FeJAL’s Grand Gedeh County Coordinator, supporting the growth and development of women journalists in that part of Liberia.
Prior to being admitted into the Newsroom Leaders Fellowship, Janet had no prior knowledge of developing newspaper style of writing. The fellowship has enhanced and diversify her style of writing, reading and analysing the news. She leads major newscasts and support the news department with strong community development stories.
Young Reporters’ Internship Series
Targeted at young, aspiring journalists, this fellowship offers hands-on training and real-world experience in various media outlets. It serves as a launching pad for their careers, providing them with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.
Queenelle J Bailey,
Montserrado County
She is one of our fastest growing learning Young Interns who is writing interesting and high-quality contents at the Daily Observer Newspaper through the USAID Media Activity with Internews. Since she joined the program, Quenelle has improved her storytelling lens; interviewing techniques and strategic writing of news stories surrounding the environment, health; education and the rule of Law.
She is a sophomore student at the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) Majoring Mass communication. She was born on March 8 2005 and is living with her single mom in Liberia. Determined to grow and explore her professional field, Quenelle aspires to be a media entrepreneur; leading and inspiring other young people.
Precelia George,
Montserrado County
She is a Young Reporters Internship Fellow assigned at Prime FM Liberia under the Year III USAID Media Activity with Internews. She is a junior level Communications and Media Studies Student at the University of Liberia. Precelia entry level to the media through her assigned institution has yielded tremendous fruits; from just being an intern, she is now being featured on the 5mins news bulletin at Prime FM and as well as reporting from the communities.
Dedicated and results-driven professional with over four years of experience in the administration and communications field. Adept in planning, communications, and relationship building, she has consistently delivered high-quality results while demonstrating a commitment to excellence through Journalism, Digital Marketing, Video Editing and content writing among others.
Rachel Kollie,
Montserrado County
She is a fellow of the Young Reporters Internship Program through the USAID Media Activity with Internews Year III.
Marjorie C. E. Kollie,
Montserrado County
She is one of our Young Interns who has challenged the odds and navigated her way to choose Print Media as the way for her professional career. Under the program, Majorie was seconded to one of Liberia’s leading Newspapers, Frontpage Africa to learn and become one of Liberia’s great writers. While on the fellowship, Majorie has improved her poetry act and writing skills, thus telling impactful stories and ensuring that her stories land on the imprint and website of FPA.
She graduated as a Salutatorian in 2021 from Light International school system and now a student of the African Methodist Episcopal University, studying Mass Communication, major and Sociology, minor.
Martina G. Paye,
Montserrado County
She is an ambitious intern at OK FM and a student at the University of Liberia, majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in English. With a diploma in Journalism from the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism, her passion lies in health and human interest reporting. Through the Young Reporters Internship Series, Martina has transformed from a shy individual into a confident journalist, now delivering a five-minute news segment on OK FM, one of Liberia’s leading stations. She is also actively engaged in field reporting, interviewing newsmakers, and producing her reports, driven by her desire to be a voice for the voiceless and achieve success in her career.
Mentorship Fellowship
Focused on one-on-one mentorship, this fellowship pairs journalists with seasoned mentors who provide tailored support, helping them refine their skills, overcome challenges, and advance in their careers.
Mercy Zahn Gbhoe,
Radio Gbehzohn /Grand Bassa County.
She is a ambitious mentee under the USAID Media Activity with Internews Year III, has excelled as a news reporter at Radio Gbehzohn in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, producing the highest number of stories during her fellowship. Born in 2004, Mercy’s passion for journalism was ignited at Radio Dukpa, but her potential flourished under FeJAL’s mentorship, where she honed her skills in creating high-quality, engaging content. Committed to giving a voice to the voiceless and holding those in power accountable, Mercy focuses on health and environmental reporting, aiming to raise awareness on crucial issues and drive positive change. She continues to seek opportunities for growth and success in her journalistic career.
Bernice J. Jah,
Lux FM/ Montserrado County
She is a promising mentee at the University of Liberia’s Lux FM through the USAID Media Activity with Internews Year III Mentorship Program. The fellowship has significantly enhanced her skills in news writing, gathering, interviewing, and reporting. A high school graduate of Sammy M. Dukuly Memorial School in 2019, she also holds a diploma in Airline Ticketing and a certificate in Microsoft Office Suite. Currently pursuing Communication and Media Studies at the University of Liberia, Bernice is an intern at Lux Radio 106.5FM. Her goal is to become a professional environmental journalist and philanthropist, driving societal change through her work while contributing to the Female Journalists Association of Liberia and the broader media landscape.
Christophina Pinky Nyanneh,
Prime fm/Montserrado County
She is a dynamic and fast-rising mentee in the Year III USAID Media Activity with Internews. Initially lacking self-confidence, Christophina’s passion for journalism was nurtured through the FeJAL fellowship, transforming her from shying away from interviews to becoming a capable journalist. She now writes and voices field reports and has advanced from reading short news bulletins to major newscasts at Prime Communications Network Incorporated. A Mass Communication student at the University of Liberia and a graduate of the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism, she has quickly risen from cub reporter to junior reporter and newscaster. Christophina is currently developing a radio program to highlight the plight of underprivileged women across Liberia, aiming to draw attention to their needs. Her reporting interests include environmental and human interest stories, and she is determined to make the most of every opportunity in her journalism career.
Christiana Mabande,
Radio Peace/ Margibi County
She is an emerging female journalist with over 4years experience, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry and an Associate degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts and School Administration including a C certificate in Genderal Education. Christiana was one of the key highlights of the mentorship program based on her commitment and enthusiasm to write and accurately report stories from the community that focus on Human Interest, Health and Agriculture. She is an active reporter and writer m a writer and newscaster. I report for Radio Peace 96.5MHz in Harbel, Margibi. In the next five years, I hope to see myself as an impactful writer with an interest in the field of journalism. Before the mentorship program, my writing, reporting, and interviewing skills were poor. With the commitment of my mentor to ensure I did what I needed to do in the time firm, my interest started to grow. With dedication and commitment in making sure I make the best of the opportunity given me, my writing, reporting and interviewing skills have improved.
Sally Denia Tulorgbo,
Radio Kakata/Margbi County
She is a mentee in the USAID Year III Media Activity Mentorship Program, is a reporter and newscaster at Radio Kakata in Margibi County, known for writing quality content from her community. A sophomore at the University of Liberia with a passion for advocacy and journalism, Sally has also worked with institutions like the National Baptist Youth Council Conference, YMCA Liberia Kakata, and Yahweh Online TV. Inspired by her father, who introduced her to broadcasting, she developed a deep passion for storytelling and investigative reporting. Through the FeJAL Mentorship, Sally has honed her skills in conducting interviews and writing compelling news stories, transforming her previous challenges into strengths and furthering her commitment to inclusive and gender-sensitive journalism.
Lydia Aziada Duo
Radio Kergheamahn/Nimba County
She is a Liberian Journalist and now reporting for Radio Kergheamahn in Ganta, Liberia, a daughter of Nimba County, Liberia. I started my career at Okay FM in Monrovia and gained when I served as an intern Reporter in 2022. In this journey, my aim is to speak for the less fortunate and give hope to the hopeless through providing a accurate, balanced and timely information. I’m a gender ( Women and children) and human rights reporter, and also a program producer. I usually uses my platforms to educate especially women and girls on the rights and responsibilities in society, social, economy and homes which is great impacting young fellows. Willing to learn and have equal opportunities with others in society which will lead to my success in my journalism career, to expand to another higher levels and develop a successful career.
Victoria Wesseh,
Radio Kintoma / Lofa County
She is a enthusiastic mentee at Radio Kintoma in Lofa County participating in the Year III USAID Internews Media Activity with the FeJAL mentorship program, aspires to become a leading investigative journalist focused on sexual and gender-based violence. She aims to uncover underreported issues related to corruption and injustices in her community, with a goal of eventually leading a newsroom as editor-in-chief to mentor young journalists and uphold high reporting standards. Since starting her journalism career in 2020, Victoria has credited the mentorship program for enhancing her writing and interviewing abilities, allowing her to write news articles effectively. Notably, she reported a human interest story that resulted in a successful initiative to support a source in need of assistance to return to school, demonstrating the program’s impactful reach.
Susannah S. Reeds
Bong County
She is a 2016 graduate of the St Mark’s Lutheran High school in Gbarnga, Bong county. Suphomore student at the Bong county Technical Collage.
I hold a certificate in journalism from the Gbarnga YMCA 2016. I have always been passionate about Journalism, because I love reading, writing, and advocating, as I grow up I saw this path as a mean of getting my dream come through, base on this I never sit back I got involved with my school press known as school report, and because of my passion I was always ask to read for my school I got to love and enjoy this that I now feel happy to be the voice to the voiceless.
From my performent at one of our school report anniversary I was selected along with one of my colleagues to work with the family of Gbarnga in 2016, since than I still work with the station.
I look forward to a time when I will not only be the voice to the voiceless by interpreting thoughts, but to have better and improve society where I will use my skills, and the platform to transform and promote Peace in my country and beyond.
I am more interested in Human interest story, and Agriculture, because I love advocacy I believed in anything of concern to my people and with that I find happiness in pushing such a story.
Mentors
Olive E. Thomas Dweh,
She is one of our enthusiastic mentors, supporting the capacity development of young women journalists on our fellowship program through the USAID Media Activity with Internews. She is building the news writing and reading skills of our fellows, of which, many of them are fast growing in their different area of expertise in the newsroom.
Olive is a Veteran Liberian journalist who displays an ability to write balanced, informative and interesting stories that give all involved parties opportunity to express their opinion. A quick learner who can absorb new ideas and can communicate clearly and effectively. She possesses excellent bonding skills and an enquiring mind that helps to win over the confidence of people. A multi skilled with ability to build strong working relationships with fellow investigators, photographers, columnists and news editors. She has worked successfully in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams in Liberia and The Netherlands.
Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh
She is a distinguished, award-winning Liberian journalist with over 11 years of experience reporting for both local and international media outlets such as BBC, Deutsche Welle, AFP, and the Earth Journalism Network. As a mentor in the USAID Year III Media Activity, she supports young female journalists in their professional growth. Evelyn is passionate about storytelling and has documented numerous under-reported stories, focusing on war crimes, climate change, land rights, and justice. She has received multiple media reporting grants and fellowships from prestigious institutions, including the National Geographic Society and the International Women’s Media Foundation. Evelyn is also the assistant editor at New Narratives, where she leads climate justice and land reporting projects. In 2014, she founded *Just A Girl Initiatives*, a nonprofit that has since empowered over 500 girls and women through advocacy, education, vocational training, and mentorship, inspired by her investigative work on teenage prostitution in post-war Liberia.
Ida Reeves
She is a seasoned Liberian journalist with over 10 years of experience and a full member of the Press Union of Liberia. She is the current manager and co-founder of A-MU’-WLU Communication INC, which owns WOMEN TV-LIBERIA, and has held roles such as news editor and gender desk editor in various media institutions, including Fabric and Freedom Radio. Ida is pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Management at the University of Liberia and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Sociology. She has also led communications at Naymote Partners for Democratic Development and owns Ma Beatrice Restaurant and Catering Services. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Young Political Leadership School.
Joyclyn Wea
She is a mentor on the USAID Internews Media Activity Year III Program, has navigated numerous challenges, including physical assault by a powerful public official, which shaped her professional journey. Despite the tough media climate and economic struggles, she has remained committed to excellence and accountability in journalism. Joyclyn has guided younger professionals, helping them avoid the challenges she faced, and has participated in specialized training programs with organizations like New Narratives, Journalists for Human Rights, IWMF/NDI, and Internews. Her focus on investigative journalism, fact-checking, governance, and human rights has reawakened her passion for promoting transparency and good governance. In June, she won the Swedish Government Investigative Journalism Award for her outstanding reporting and bravery.
Princess Howard-Tennie
She is a seasoned Liberian journalist who began her career in 2008 at Radio Veritas, quickly rising from a novice to a professional and mentor for many young female journalists. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and several certificates in journalism and media studies. Throughout her career, she has contributed to various media outlets, including Red Power FM and Sky Communications. Currently, she serves as the Operations Manager at Liberia Eco-Tourism Exploration, a media coordinator for Girls Alliance for Future Leadership, and a mentor for the Internews/USAID Media Activity FeJAL Year III. Known for her determination and results-driven approach, she continues to influence Liberia’s media landscape.