One of the best moments of Howard Homecoming Week is the return of the alumni. Whether it is seeing and catching up with old friends or meeting them for the first time, Bison alumni always leave a lasting impact on current students. They provide current students insight into post-graduate life, memories of their time at Howard and networking opportunties.
On Thursday, October 19, four Media, Journalism and Film alumni from the School Communications spoke to our NewsVision class. The alumni were Bianca Burns, Erin Winters, Leah Henry and Ellyce Ferguson.
The visit marked the third time that I had seen Erin Winters in less than a month. Winters is the digital correspondent for National Geographic. In early October, she filmed a package entitled, HBCU 101, which focused on the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I was luckily to be featured in the video and have encountered minimal success for it.
Moreover, I have heard Erin speak about her journey leading up to working at National Geographic. She wanted to be on air but not cover news. She also entered a contest to be a co-host for Kelly Rippa. However, I did not know that she was the spokesperson for a bank in her home state called Michigan First. I admire knowing that she did not begin her post-graduate career where she wanted to but she worked hard to finally work in a unique form of journalism. She also left us with a very thought-provoking message, “It’s better to be on time than to be perfect.”
Bianca Burns graduated and went into digital media. However, she now works in marketing for Coca-Cola. Her graphic design skills has become an asset for her in the workplace, allowing her her to create recap videos and event footage used for installations. Furthermore, she hopes to return to digital media. Bianca’s story is interesting because it illustrates the concept of life taking you to unimaginable places.
Leah Henry’s story is also very similar. Leah was determined to be on radio. She wanted to make radio her brand. However, she applied to all radio station jobs and did not receive an offer. Because of an amazing person looking out for her, Professor Thomas entered her into an NABJ competition, which prompted her to attend the conference. There, she made important connections with inidividuals in the industry. Leah struggled to get where she is today, but “desperation makes a hustle.” Leah is now with WJLA News Channel 8. She has the highest grossing show for the station.
Lastly, Ellyce Feguson showcased that working hard is a never-ending saga. Ellyce worked a year for Americorp, where she produced documentaries for the Gandhi Youth Brigade . She had also done work for Soledad O’Brien, experience that helped her secure an interview and a digital producer role with her current boss Roland Martin. Martin on TV One.
“You have to advocate for yourself because no one else will,” said Ferguson. All these four dynamic Black women have advocated for themselves and are striving to reach their full potential.
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