The Online News Association (ONA) has announced the 2025 cohort of its flagship Women’s Leadership Accelerator, selecting 26 women journalists from around the world for an intensive, months-long program designed to build strong, future-ready newsroom leaders.
WEBDESK – Imran Malik – November 22, 2025
The Women’s Leadership Accelerator (#ONAWLA), now one of the most respected leadership initiatives in digital journalism, provides participants with one-on-one coaching, strategic training, and a global peer network to advance their careers and strengthen newsroom innovation.
How the Accelerator Works
The cohort-based program, running from December 2025 through March 2026, includes:
A virtual kickoff in December
Individual coaching and leadership sessions from January to March
A two-day, in-person workshop during the ONA Conference (#ONA26) in Chicago, March 30–April 1
Participants receive guidance tailored to the challenges of modern journalism — including audience strategy, team management, innovation, product thinking and organizational influence.
Who Gets Selected
ONA reviews each application for:
- Leadership potential
- Impact in digital journalism
- Innovation in media work
- Ability to influence, mentor and elevate others
The 2025 cohort represents 16 U.S. states and six international locations, including Amman, Jordan. Nearly half identify as women of color, and the group spans roles in audience development, editorial leadership, radio, digital startups, AI strategy, product management and investigative journalism.
Why This Cohort Stands Out
The 26 journalists selected include newsroom directors, product managers, investigative editors, radio producers, engagement strategists, and innovators pushing new models of digital storytelling. Their work represents the evolving fabric of modern journalism — from public radio and major U.S. newsrooms to international media networks and local digital startups.
A Program Built for Long-Term Impact
Participants gain access to:
- Elite coaching from industry leaders
- Professional development workshops
- An influential network of mentors and alumni
- Cutting-edge digital media strategy
- Long-term career support
The Accelerator’s alumni network continues to expand across the industry, creating a growing pipeline of women newsroom leaders.
Funders and Support
The 2025 program is supported by the Dow Jones Foundation, with additional contributions from the Tiffany Shackelford Foundation and WordPress VIP. ONA continues to partner with leading organizations to expand opportunities for women in journalism.
Niketa Patel’s Vision: A New Era of Leadership
Since stepping into the role of CEO and Executive Director, Niketa Patel has reshaped ONA’s leadership programs with a future-focused, inclusive and innovative lens. With a distinguished background in digital journalism, academia, audience engagement, product development and strategic partnerships, Patel has championed programs that elevate women’s voices, accelerate leadership growth and build healthier, more resilient newsroom cultures.
Her commitment to developing global talent has positioned the Women’s Leadership Accelerator as one of the most influential leadership pipelines in digital media — preparing women not just to lead newsrooms, but to transform them.
The 26 selected journalists include:
Ade Kidwell – Chief, Indonesian Service, Voice of America
Amory Sivertson – Podcast Host & Senior Producer, WBUR
Averi Sanders – Executive Successor & Operations Lead, The Omaha Star
Carol Motsinger – Director of Storytelling, Houston Chronicle
Ellery Jones – Assistant Editor, Innovation, Chicago Public Media
Gabriela Fernandez – Associate Director, Audience, Vox
Gabriella Nuñez-Garcia – Special Projects Producer, WXIA 11Alive News
Joanie Tobin – Supervising Producer, Digital Video, GBH
Kheira Tami – Executive Producer, AJ+
Lacy Atalick – Freelance Editor & Community Manager, Village Media
Lena Han – Product Manager, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Lina Batarags – International Executive Editor, Business Insider
Liz Brazile – Online Managing Editor, KUOW Public Radio
Liz Worthington – Director of Product Strategy, American Press Institute
Lyneka Little – Audience Engagement Editor, Prison Journalism Project
Madeleine Schwartz – Editor in Chief, The Dial
Madeline Chosich – Director of Marketing & Growth, Deep South Today
Majdolin Hasan – GIJN Arabic Editor, Global Investigative Journalism Network
Meghan Snider – Director of Development, Investigative Journalism Foundation of Canada
Mia Warren – Managing Director, Feet in 2 Worlds
Monique O. Madan – Co-Lead Advisor, Storytelling Community of Practice, Maynard Institute
Natalie Daher – Director, Planning & Special Projects, Axios
Nelly Kalu – Editorial Product & Project Manager, Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ)
Pamela de la Fuente – Managing Editor, Nerd Wallet
Shreen Khan – Senior Producer & Partner Manager, URL Media
Sophia Rosenbaum – Head of Digital Strategy & Coordination, Associated Press
Future Opportunities
ONA encourages funders and partners to support its programs for women in journalism. Interested organizations can connect with ONA’s strategic partnership team to explore sponsorship or collaboration opportunities.
Final Take
The 2025 Women’s Leadership Accelerator cohort represents a new wave of leaders shaping the future of digital journalism. Through mentorship, training, and global networking, these 26 changemakers are poised to create lasting impact in their organizations, communities, and the industry at large.
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