FIONA JOHN
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2022
Fiona is a rising sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth pursuing a major in
interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in international social justice and a
minor in media studies. She participated in the WJMC during the summer of ‘22 and
had the best time of her life! Fiona loved Washington D.C. and the George Mason
campus, and she can’t wait to go back and see everyone there!
JOHNATHAN BURCH
Junior Faculty Advisor
Johnathan Burch is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a rising sophomore at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, pursing a major in Politics & Law and minors in Health Equity and Philosophy. He is interested in pursuing a career in medical law, focusing on healthcare policy. Attending WJMC in 2021 was an unforgettable experience that Johnathan will cherish forever. He learned about the various forms that journalism can take on, met professionals in the field, and built new relationships with other National Youth Correspondents from across the nation. The relationships he made just a few years ago have blossomed into a vast network of individuals with similar interests. Although the students in his cohort may have chosen different career paths, they share an interest in breaking down barriers to improve society for the better. Returning as an alum to make this a memorable experience for other students is what makes WJMC even more special for him.
SARAH KELLY
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2022
Sarah is an avid reader and writer from Purcellville, Virginia. At home, she loves to spend time with her family and dogs out in nature. During the school year, she’s further north studying journalism at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. When not reading fantasy or typing up stories, she can be found spinning a flag with the UMass colorguard team.
SAMANTHA PACH
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2023
Samantha is from central Connecticut and is a rising sophomore at Penn State University! She intends to major in broadcast journalism and minor in digital trends and analytics and theater. At Penn State she is a comedy host on a late night talk show, Nittany Talk, and helps run the social media for the schools longest running newspaper, The Daily Collegian. She attended WJMC in 2023, and is so excited to be back this summer as a JFA!
MARK LUSSIER
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2023
Mark is a rising sophomore at Hofstra University, studying journalism and minoring
in political science. He attended WJMC in the summer of 2023 as a rising high school
senior and as an intern in 2024. He loved every minute of both experiences. His love
for journalism was sparked when he was interviewed by a local reporter while he was
volunteering for Jahana Hayes’ campaign for Congress in 2018. The unmatched
energy and spirit from his WJMC 2023 color group only made him more excited
about possibly joining the profession. Mark is incredibly excited to return to
WJMC for the third year in a row as a Junior Faculty Advisor. He will strive to
make WJMC even more enjoyable while giving the same amazing experience to other aspiring journalists.
OLIVIA HUDSON
Junior Faculty Advisor
Olivia is a second-year public relations major at Florida State University. She
attended WJMC in 2023 and joined the Youth Advisory Board the following year.
She considers herself a theatre kid and enjoys crafty hobbies, recently becoming
obsessed with crochet. Writing has been her passion since she was six years old,
and she is ecstatic to share that love with the next generation of correspondents
MOLLY FAST
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2023
Molly is a freshman at Northern Arizona University double majoring in political science and journalism. She attended WJMC in 2023 as a member of the blue group and cannot wait to be back as a Junior Faculty Advisor!
GRACE MILLER
Junior Faculty Advisor, Alum 2023
Grace Miller is a freshman at George Mason, double-majoring in communication and
government and international politics. She attended WJMC in 2023, and she is so excited to continue engaging with the program as a JFA.
ABIGAIL LINDSAY
Junior Faculty Advisor
Abigail Lindsay is a rising senior at Elizabethtown College, majoring in Journalism with minors in Political Science and Graphic Design. Lindsay has a strong passion for broadcast news as she holds the position of Station Manager for ECTV-40, the college’s student-run TV station. In addition, she enjoys getting to be a part of student government as she serves as the President for the senior class. Lindsay recently served as an intern for the PA Department of Agriculture, covering the PA Farm Show and will be returning as an intern for the 2024 Farm Show. She attended WJMC in 2019 and is excited to return as a Junior Faculty Advisor and help foster this year’s attendees’ love of journalism!
SYEDA ANAS
Junior Faculty Advisor
Syeda Anas is originally from Madison New Jersey and is currently pursing a degree in undergraduate Law at Suffolk University in Boston. She was a part of WJMC in 2021, and the memories she made are so special, she couldn’t resist applying to be a junior faculty advisor to experience the magic of this program again- from the other side this time! Syeda is so excited to meet the new members of WJMC, along with seeing familiar faces of returning peers! Aside from being a barista and a student in Boston, Syeda loves to dedicate her time as an avid consumer of journalism and all things Washington DC She is extremely passionate about WJMC and all that it offers! Syeda can’t wait to see you at the conference!
