INTRODUCING OUR DISTINGUSIGED SPEAKERS
The Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) is proud to introduce our distinguished speakers and expert journalists, directors, and producers for the Media and Journalism Webinars 2023. The JWF hosted 11 notable journalists from 6 different countries in 2023.
The Media and Journalism Webinars aims to equip young journalists and media professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in their careers. The webinars provide a unique opportunity for young journalists to engage in interactive discussions, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of media and journalism.
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and thought-provoking conversations, the Media and Journalism Webinars empower participants to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape and make a meaningful impact in the field with the contributions of our distinguished speakers.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS AND EXPERTS 2023
MELISSA MAHTANI, Freelance International Journalist, USA
Melissa Mahtani is an accomplished freelance international journalist, recognized for her exceptional work in the media industry. With a career spanning over a decade, Melissa has made significant contributions as a Senior Producer and Reporter for CNN’s esteemed digital team since 2012. She has garnered an Emmy nomination for her outstanding achievements in journalism.
Throughout her career, Melissa has demonstrated her versatility and dedication to producing high-quality content across multiple platforms. Her expertise lies in writing, producing, and creating engaging stories that resonate with global audiences. Melissa’s interviews with influential change-makers from around the world, including figures like Vladimir Kara-Murza, Masih Alinejad, Afghanistan’s youngest Mayor Zarifa Ghafari, and Namibia’s first lady, have showcased her ability to delve into pressing issues and amplify diverse voices.
In addition to her work as a journalist, Melissa is a valuable member of CNN’s “As Equals” team, which focuses on gender-related stories and topics. Her role extends beyond reporting, as she actively hosts and moderates events that aim to foster wider impact and engagement. Melissa’s involvement in designing the social strategy for special events, such as CNN Town Halls, CNN Heroes, and coverage of the United Nations General Assembly, further highlights her aptitude for shaping compelling narratives and driving meaningful conversations.
Melissa Mahtani’s unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices make her an invaluable asset in the field of international journalism. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the media landscape, inspiring others and shedding light on pressing global issues.
YUKSEL DURGUT Journalist, International Journalists Association, Germany
Yuksel Durgut is a highly esteemed journalist and currently serves as the Spokesperson of the International Journalists Association. With a career that spans several decades, Mr. Durgut embarked on his journalistic journey in 1994 at Cihan News Agency. Recognized for his exceptional reporting skills, he has extensively covered conflicts as a war reporter across numerous countries, bringing crucial insights and stories to the forefront.
During his illustrious career, Yuksel Durgut held the position of bureau chief for Cihan in Pakistan and Afghanistan for nearly a decade. As a Political Science graduate, he possesses a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics of international affairs. Since 2018, Mr. Durgut has been residing in Germany, where he plays a vital role as the Editor-in-Chief of Journalist Post Magazine, a platform that showcases his expertise in foreign politics.
In addition to his impactful writing, Yuksel Durgut has authored several books that delve into captivating topics. His works include “I’m Listening to Istanbul,” “My Blue World,” “Istanbul from the Consuls’ Window,” “Sanctuaries of Istanbul from the Sky,” and most recently, “The Hope of Children” published in Germany. Furthermore, his passion for storytelling extends to the realm of documentaries, where he has produced compelling pieces for international television channels.
Yuksel Durgut’s unwavering commitment to journalism, combined with his vast experience and profound insights, have established him as a respected figure in the field. His dedication to shedding light on significant global issues through his writing and documentary work has made a lasting impact, cementing his position as a prominent journalist and contributor to the media landscape.
JØRGEN LORENTZEN Film Producer, Integral Film AS, Norway
Jørgen Lorentzen is a Producer at Integral Film AS, journalist and professor of gender studies at the University of Oslo. Lorentzen studied literature and worked as a journalist and editor at a publishing company during his early career. He has produced more than 15 films, including the documentary film Kayayo that was short-listed for an Oscar at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. He also directed and produced the critically acclaimed documentary about the political and human rights crackdown of Turkey: A Gift from God. In addition to this he has published several books, among them “Masculinity: Men in Literature and film” (2004), “Gender studies – An introduction” (2008), “Men in the Nordic Countries” (2008), “History of Fatherhood in Norway” (2012).
FIRDOZE BULBULIA Producer of “Homeland: A song for Refuges”, South Africa
Firdoze Bulbulia is the Chairperson of The Children and Broadcasting Foundation for Africa (CBFA) hosted the 5th World Summit on Media for Children in 2007 and produced several multi-media productions for radio and television. Firdoze is an international trainer, producer, creating media solutions especially for women and children. She served two mandates as President of the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People. She is the co-founder of ABC (Africa’ Best Channel- a children and youth television channel in Nigeria), as well as African Animation Studio focusing on Pan-African Animations. She has produced 6-feature films and is currently producing a Legacy Project on Former President Nelson Mandela “Mandela’s Africa” as well as a feature-length documentary on “A song for Refugees”. She is the Festival Director of The Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival and former Festival Director of the Zanzibar International Film Festival (2019).
FAITH ISIAKPERE Director of “Homeland: A Song for Refuges”, South Africa
Faith Isiakpere worked internationally for many broadcasters including Thames TV, Channel 4, Central TV, and as a Senior Producer for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). A Life Member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) as well as other major television networks both in Europe and the US, his notable achievements have been a series of documentaries culminating in a six- part special ‘Black Britain’ a look at the black immigrant population. He produced and directed many documentaries, dramas, music videos, and a book on the UK Band UB40. Faith Isiakpere is a globally renowned filmmaker, producer and seasoned broadcaster. His skills are always called on when any novice African broadcaster is starting out and requires expertise in this specialized area of media.
ARBANA XHARRA Investigative Journalist, USA
Arbana Xharra is an Albanian investigative journalist from Kosovo, an expert on Islamic radicalization, the rise of Islamic State ideology in Western countries. She has authored a series of investigative reports since 2012 on religious extremists and Turkey’s Islamic agenda operating in the Balkans. Arbana won numerous awards for her reporting and was a 2015 recipient of the International Women of Courage Award from the US State Department. She is featured on a variety of television networks as an expert on religious extremism and religious freedom and violation against journalists. Arbana Xharra continues to write about Islamic radicalization, corruption and organized crime. She moved to New York in February 2018 seeking asylum with her two sons and has been active in raising her voice for freedom of speech and women’s rights in the Middle East, Central Europe and the Balkans.
ARIF ELSAUI Journalist, Kenya
Arif Elsaui is a journalist in East Africa, focusing on Sudan and South Sudan. After the Sudanese government cracked down on independent media in 2008, he and other journalists created the Sudanese Journalists’ Network to campaign against censorship and advocate for laws protecting press freedoms. He was head of politics and economics coverage at the Al-Ahdath, an independent newspaper based in Khartoum from 2007 to 2009, when he relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, because independent Sudanese media was collapsing. Al-Ahdath was later shut down by the government. Earlier in his career, Elsaui was a reporter at Al Sahafa, for whom he covered peace talks between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, including the development, signing and implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. He has reported from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda. In 2014, Arif Elsaui was a Sudanese Youth Leader Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace.
ALIZA APPELBAUM Vice-President of Programs, International Center for Journalists, USA
Aliza Appelbaum is the Vice-President of Programs overseeing many of ICFJ’s programs in Latin America and with a focus on investigative reporting, including others in Sri Lanka and in sub-Saharan Africa. She started her career as a journalist in Egypt and the U.S., covering stories on a range of topics such as local politics, criminal justice reform, and economics. Since transitioning to the world of media development, her work has focused on supporting journalists who work in difficult environments. Prior to joining ICFJ, Appelbaum worked at International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) on media and civil society development programs in Central America, Eurasia, and the Middle East.
SANNA CAMARA Journalist, Gambia
Sanna Camara is a Gambian journalist with over two decade’s experience in reporting on The Gambia. He was Chairman of the National Journalism Awards 2022 and served as its vice chairman and head of fundraising in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Camara was among over a hundred journalists exiled during the dictatorship in the Gambia and returned home to work in the democratic transition in 2017. He currently works as a journalist and media consultant in the Gambia.
CHRISTINA PIAIA Legal Manager for Protecting Journalists, Pro Bono Program, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, USA
Christina Piaia is the legal manager for the Protecting Journalists Pro Bono Program at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. She oversees legal intakes for pro bono matters concerning prepublication review and access to public records and develops relationships with law firms and corporate partners to provide journalists with pro bono legal assistance.
Prior to ProJourn, Christina served as a trial attorney with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and supervised the Gender-Based Harassment Unit at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, working extensively on gender discrimination claims with a focus on community outreach and education. Before the Commission, Christina spent three years as an international human rights attorney, working on the ground with local grassroots organizations. Christina worked as a journalist for The Associated Press for five years before beginning law school. As a passionate public interest attorney, Christina serves as pro bono counsel for several nonprofits and on the board of the Chris Hondros Fund.
ANGELY MONTILLA Editorial Staff, Carnegie Corporation of New York, USA
Angely Montilla is a writer, editor, and creative strategist. At Carnegie Corporation of New York, one of the U.S.’ oldest foundations, she works on the production of digital, multimedia, and print content and publications to support Carnegie’s grant-making goals, which disburses $75+ million annually to over 100 grantees.
With a record of supporting strategic growth within complex organizations, Montilla has years of experience in journalism, communications, and academia. Her current role demands a strong knowledge of the foundation’s program areas: K–16 education, immigrant integration, voting protections and participation, and international peace and security, including higher education and research in Africa and nuclear nonproliferation. Prior to Carnegie, Montilla was a Writer’s Workshop fellow at Vox Media. She serves on the Young Patron Council at Off the Record, which is under the aegis of the Foreign Policy Association, and volunteers with the Immigration Justice Campaign. Montilla’s personal passions exist at the intersection of religiosity, the arts, public diplomacy, and strategic communications—particularly in the Latin American context.