News Watch Mentors

The journalists and nonfiction writers who sign on as mentors with the News Watch are an integral part of the News Watch's mission to assisting students see stories through to publication. From providing direct support to students, assisting with sourcing, or helping navigate the publishing world, mentors are a large part of ensuring the News Watch's success. Meet some of the people behind the scenes and check back as we continue to update our network.

Max Chesnes

Reporter - Tampa Bay Times, water quality, environmental justice, Florida wildlife

Alex Harris

Reporter - Miami Herald, climate justice and environmental issues

Christian McMahon

Writer - Arc of California, Lonely Planet, Outside Magazine, Chamonix Writers Program

Ashira Morris

Reporter - National Geographic, Foreign Policy, ArtForum

Kavitha Cardoza

Journalist - NPR, The Hechinger Report, Education Writers Association, Spencer Fellow

CD Davidson-Hiers

Journalist - Education Writers Association, The Nation, Bitter Southerner, Flamingo, USAToday

Join the Network

If you're interested in volunteering as a mentor with the Florida Student News Watch, feel free to reach out. We'd love to hear from you!

We are looking for a diverse range of mentors - including disability status, sexuality, ethnicity, religion and medium of reporting. The only requirement for mentors is to meet at least once per month with a student if partnered with a member of the News Watch. For a semester, this is three (3) meetings.

Learn More