Profiles

Chris Schaller expects to graduate in December 2025 with his master’s degree in sports journalism.

Emma Lucille Bradford expects to graduate in May 2027 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/mass communications and political science with a minor in business. Bradford has worked as a politics reporter at The State Press.

Travis Bradley expects to graduate in summer 2025 with a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication. He interned with Varsity Sports Show and worked with the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation as a digital content creator and storyteller. Travis has covered high school and college athletics including the Men’s Final Four…

Italia Caro expects to graduate in spring 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Caro has interned as a reporter at Arizona Highways and is the production director at Blaze Radio.

Derry Lenehan expects to graduate in October 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Dublin City University.

Tyler Francischine is a journalist who writes about travel, arts, and culture. She’s passionate about human rights, the Atlantic Ocean, alligators, and organizing large-scale, community events.

Sahara Sajjadi is the Political Correspondent for The Copper Courier and a lifelong Arizonan. She earned her master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University.

Jessica F. Simmons is a Reporter & Strategic Communications Producer for COURIER, covering community stories and public policies across the country. Featured in print, broadcast, and radio journalism, her work shows her passion for local storytelling and amplifying issues that matter to communities nationwide.

Arizona Sen. Lela Alston is the chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and has served in the Arizona Legislature since 1977. While in office, she has advocated for public schools, reproductive rights, advancing opportunities for women, protecting aging Arizonans, and affordable housing solutions.