Nice to Meet You, I'm Jonelle
veteran Journalist
academic leader
advocate
founder
Twenty years at C-SPAN taught me that access changes everything.
As a senior producer, I covered the White House, Congress, presidential campaigns, state dinners, and international summits, bringing unfiltered coverage of democracy directly to the public. My path started at the University of Florida, where I served as president of the Gator NABJ chapter and focused my graduate research on the intersection of race, media, and politics.
Today, I use that experience to give students the same access I had. As the inaugural Director of UF’s DC Journalism Immersion Program, I connect future journalists and communicators to the people, places, and opportunities that launch careers. I also teach as an adjunct professor at The Washington Center and advise the Gator NABJ chapter I once led.
I use my voice with purpose, through keynotes, moderated panels, and pitches that have turned into programs and partnerships. And I love bringing people together. I founded Districtly Speaking to create space for conversations that matter, and I serve as Director for Policy andAdvocacy for The White Dress Project, advancing awareness and advocacy for fibroids and reproductive women’s health.
As a proud member of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I spent four years as Social Action Chair, leading voter education, candidate forums, and Delta Days on the Hill. Under that leadership, our chapter earned the Eastern Region’s Social Action of the Year award.
Born in Jamaica and based in Washington, DC, I’m proud to call this city home.
Get To Know | Emily Grace
Favorite Travel Spot: Cape Town, South Africa
Can’t Live Without: My Dog, Pippa
Must Have Accessory: Red Glasses, Red Lip
Current Obsession: Be confident and stay positive
Describe yourself in one Word: Fashionista
Secret Talent: Singing in the Shower
words I live by
“
Get in the room. Own the room. Then make room for someone else.
Getting in the room is only the beginning. Owning it means showing up prepared, speaking with confidence, and building something that’s yours. That’s how the cycle works: every person you bring in becomes the one who brings someone else.