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The Maynard Blog

Strong journalism starts with strong newsrooms: How Maynard alum Marla Jones-Newman is investing in both

by Maynard Institute Staff | Nov. 6, 2026

As an HR professional, Marla Jones-Newman entered the Maynard 200 Fellowship with a perspective not always represented in journalism leadership programs.

The experience helped her better understand the industry and the journalists she supports.

“Maynard definitely deepened my knowledge of journalism,” Newman said. “I feel more confident when talking with journalists about how they can utilize HR better.”

Unexpected Lessons: An essay from Propel Regional Training Series participant Solomon O. Smith

by Maynard Institute Staff | Nov. 3, 2026

“The training was excellent. A wide range of talks and tools were provided by the Maynard Institute with the goal of making better editors and journalists. Much of it addressed problems I struggled with in my own work, and many of the handouts, slides and conversations filled out my smart book.

I learned that I am not the only one struggling with a changing industry; I am not the only one asking for help navigating a shifting profession.”

The Maynard Institute Team in Action: October, 2026

By Maynard Institute Staff | Nov. 1, 2026

October has been a busy month for the Maynard Institute team, as we’ve split up, spread out and traveled across the nation to three of the most important events in journalism.

We will be closing the month with our Propel Regional Training Series in Burbank, and an in-person training session with our Fire Up Entrepreneurship Program Fellows.

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Photo of Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, left, an Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair and a white suit, posing and smiling with Lauren Myers, a young Black woman with a black and white shirt, lanyard and name tag, large clear eyeglasses, and long brown braids. — Maynard Regional Training Series, Detroit, 2025. Photo by Montez Miller.

Over a dark blue background, a black and white photo of a group of people of various ages and races standing outdoors and posing for the camera in a group. The front row kneels. From their clothes, hair and glasses this looks to be the 1970s. — The inaugural class of the Summer Program for Minority Journalists at UC Berkeley in 1976.

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What people say about the Maynard Institute

Fault Lines training has been invaluable in helping our newsroom have honest conversations on topics that can be fraught if people don’t share a common vernacular.

Joel Christopher, Executive Vice President, Knoxville News Sentinel

Maynard provided me with the tools, the support, and the inspiration to become a better journalist and a more impactful force for change.

Allison Jing Yang, Senior Editor – Partnerships & Initiatives, Initium Media

With Bob Maynard’s pioneering spirit, it’s important to remember history and how far we’ve come. This program helped shape my career as one of the most important experiences of my life.

Kevin Merida, Former Executive Editor, Los Angeles Times and Former Maynard Board Member, Graduate, Maynard Media Academy

The Maynard 200 experience is unlike any other. It’s training tailor-made for editors like me from underrepresented communities, and true fellowship centered around our voices.

Fernanda Santos, Managing Editor, The 19th

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