Board of Directors

Throughout her career, Nakia Cooper has harnessed the power of media and communications to inform the public, elevate communities and open doors for others.

A multi-award-winning journalist, media executive, publisher and strategic communications leader, Cooper’s career spans television, radio, digital media, higher education and federal public service. Her work has earned an Emmy Award, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, three Associated Press Awards, and two Lone Star Press Awards.

Cooper has held executive leadership roles at KPRC 2, KHOU 11 and CW39 Houston, where, in 2016, she became the first African American appointed to lead digital media at a Houston television station. She later launched the digital platform for KTSU 90.9 FM’s Vibe Houston, managed the station’s legacy website and co-anchored on-air news briefs, helping expand the station’s digital reach and listening audience. She also served as Diversity Co-Chair for Graham Media Group, advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives across the station group.

Cooper is president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ), CEO and publisher of Bayou Beat News, co-director of Houston Community Media (HCoM)—a collaborative newsroom uniting nearly 50 multilingual, multiethnic journalists and media professionals dedicated to community-centered reporting—and co-deputy director for Region III of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). She is also a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and previously served as a regular commentator on NNPA’s Black Press USA program, Let It Be Known.

In government service, Cooper served as media coordinator for the U.S. Census Bureau’s 12-state Denver Region during the historic 2020 Census, the nation’s first online self-response initiative. She continues her federal career in public affairs, leading crisis communications, media relations and emergency management efforts.

Cooper holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communications and a Master of Arts in Digital Media from Texas Southern University, where she also serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Communication. She is co-founder of Sister 2 Sistah, a nonprofit organization that has invested nearly $50,000 in scholarships while providing mentorship, educational opportunities and community support for youth, young adults and seniors.

Joy Sewing is Houston Chronicle’s fashion and beauty editor, covering fashion, beauty, fitness and other lifestyle topics. She is one of a handful of full-time fashion editors at major newspapers around the country.

An award-winning journalist, Joy holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from University of Houston, a master’s degree in business management from Webster University and taught journalism at Central Missouri State University. She has received several prestigious national journalism fellowships on issues concerning Latin America and the African Diaspora; one in which she lived and worked in Mexico and another in which she traveled to Cuba with a team of U.S. journalists to study racism in the country.

Joy has worked for the Kansas City Star and the New York Post and has written regularly for Money, People, Vibe, Shape, Time, Town & Country and other magazines. She has interviewed hundreds of famous faces, from Oscar de la Renta to Houston’s own Beyoncé. She also is a regular TV fashion commentator and often speaks to corporations and groups about workplace dress issues, style trends and other topics.

In 2018, she debuted her first book, “Ava and the Prince: The Adventures of Two Rescue Pups, in celebration of Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month. The children’s picture book chronicles the true-life story of her rescue boxer dogs, Ava and Prince. Joy has a passion for rescue animals. When Hurricane Harvey ravaged Houston in 2017, hundreds of animals were lost, abandoned or homeless in the weeks following the storm. Joy became the go-to Houston Chronicle reporter for “animal rescue and reunion” coverage. Her children’s book was selected for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation home-library program and was a bestseller on Amazon.com.

Joy also has a passion for helping children and is founder of Year of Joy, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides joyful experiences for children from underserved communities. Since December 2016, nearly 700 area children, ages 5 through 16, have participated in the organization’s cultural, educational and empowering experiences, including the annual Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating party at Discovery Green.

Joy is also a former competitive ice skater and became Houston’s first professional African American ice-skating coach while in college.

Erica Simon is the VP of Broadcast for HABJ and an evening anchor at ABC13 KTRK-TV. She’s a Dallas native, but has called H-Town home since 2017. She comes from CBS/FOX in Jacksonville, Florida where she received two Emmy nominations — one for team coverage spot news and one for team coverage during Hurricane Matthew. She got her first Emmy win in 2024 for ‘The Space Race’, Exploring Untold Stories of America’s 1st Black Astronauts.

Erica graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism in Broadcast and a minor in Sociology.

One of her biggest passions outside of work is service. Erica has mentored teen girls for years and gone on three international mission trips. In Costa Rica, she helped feed an entire village and take care of the Sunday School kids at their sister congregation. In the Dominican Republic, her team threw a Christmas party at a special-needs orphanage, washed children’s hair in a Haitian village and visited widows.

In addition to the National Association of Black Journalists, Erica is part of the Missouri Alumni Association. She loves traveling, watching movies, trying new restaurants and hanging with her family. She and her husband have two young kids, Ella and Ezra, and a Dalmatian named Sampson.

Vicky Heileman Pink, a native Houstonian, is the owner of an independent photography and video company known as VP Productions with over 21 years of experience. She is the chief photographer at Houston Style Magazine and her work has been featured in several local and national publications. She is co-founder of IF (International Focus) Magazine and serves as Director of Operations of The Coalition of Community Organizations (COCO) in Houston, Texas .

Vicky was the first of 7 siblings to attend college. Her freshman year, she was the Engineering Honors Program at Tuskegee University. Due to finances, she transferred to the University of Houston. She eventually moved to California and obtained her Associates degree in English from West Los Angeles College. She then attended Cal State Dominguez Hills and changed her major to Communications. After moving back to Houston, she graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Radio and Television. Her documentary on “The Jaybirds of Fort Bend County” aired on PBS and is now part of the Kendleton Historical Society.

Vicky worked 7 years in Computer Operations at Exxon Upstream Technical Computing, then taught Montessori classes, but decided in 2002 to venture out on her own and pursue her passion as a videographer. In 2008, she began working with Houston Style Magazine as a contributing writer and photojournalist.

As a small minority business owner, Vicky has worked with a variety of corporate and individual clients on many projects. She currently serves on the board of the Houston Association of Black Journalists as VP of Photojournalism, the University of Houston Black Alumni Association and as Co-Chair of the Lectors at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She is a member of Sisters in the Spirit, The Core (Bo Porter), Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the North East Cultural Arts Council and the East End Chamber of Commerce.

Vicky holds a Certificate of Achievement from the Houston Area Urban League’s Small Business Development University, a certificate for the Climate Reality Leadership Training, a certificate of completion for the MAPPS Environmental Health Leadership Training, and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She has been honored with a Global Achievement Award, the Diamond Award for being a Catalyst for Change and many others. She also has received recognition for volunteering as a guest speaker at events and career days, and for teaching photography workshops and classes.

Vicky’s work has been published in Forbes Magazine, Modern Luxury, The Houston Chronicle, Texas Small Business Magazine, Culture Map, Paper City, Ebony and others. She currently shoots the cover photos for International Focus Magazine, which features a Consul General from a different country each month. Her work has allowed her to travel nationally and abroad. In 2012, she was the hired photographer for a reception in River Oaks with President Barack Obama.

She is very proud of her two daughters, son and two grandchildren. Being a single parent for many years, she strives to instill a legacy of faith, determination and entrepreneurship in all of them. Her future endeavors include creating historic documentaries on disadvantaged communities and informing the public about Sickle Cell Disease.

Ninfa Saavedra is a DuPont-Columbia Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning journalist, storyteller, and media leader with more than a decade of experience covering the stories that matter most to the communities she serves. She has worked in some of Houston’s most respected newsrooms, including KPRC 2, KHOU 11, and Disney ABC Television Group, reporting on breaking news, nationally watched criminal trials, severe weather, public safety emergencies, and award-winning investigative projects across television, digital, streaming, and social media. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Grambling State University and a master’s degree in Communications from Texas Southern University.

Known for her ability to connect with people through authentic, impactful storytelling, Ninfa is passionate about journalism that informs, empowers, and builds trust. She is committed to helping audiences understand complex issues, elevating underrepresented voices, and holding institutions accountable because she believes every story has the power to make a difference and every person deserves to be heard.

Rebecca Briscoe is a public administrator, educator, journalist, and communications strategist with more than a decade of experience in public service, education, media, and community leadership. A former Ebony Fashion Fair model, she has built a career centered on leadership, storytelling, and creating opportunities for others.

As a National Features Correspondent for Houston Style Magazine, Briscoe developed strategic partnerships with organizations including the NBA, NFL, NASCAR, HBO Sports, BET Networks, the PGA Tour, and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Her reporting has taken her to many of the nation’s premier events, including the Super Bowl, GRAMMY Awards, ESPYS, BET Awards, and Essence Festival. She also made history as the first journalist from a minority-owned publication to receive media credentials for the ESPYS, expanding opportunities for diverse media representation.

Briscoe holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Louisiana State University, a Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, and a postgraduate certificate in Homeland Security from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She serves as treasurer of the Houston Association of Black Journalists and is co-founder of Sister 2 Sistah, where she is committed to empowering the next generation through mentorship, education, and leadership.

Bridgett Shelise Waugh is the Principal Owner of Houston-based public relations and branding firm SHE Bridges PR (SBPR), a boutique agency known for its signature approach to “Bridging the Gap Between You and the Media.”

With more than 23 years of experience, Bridgett has built a reputation for strategically positioning brands, leaders, and organizations across fashion, beauty, entertainment, sports, nonprofit, political, and corporate sectors.

Through targeted media relations and brand storytelling, Bridgett has secured television, radio, print, podcast, and digital media placements for her clients on international, national, and local platforms. Her work is rooted in helping clients gain visibility, credibility, and long-term brand equity—not just press.

In 2016, Bridgett expanded SBPR’s impact by becoming certified with the City of Houston, Port of Houston, METRO, State of Texas, and the Federal Government, qualifying SHE Bridges PR as an MBE, WBE, SBE, HUB, and WOSB—allowing the firm to work with municipal, state, and government entities.

Beyond agency leadership, Bridgett is a speaker, media commentator, content creator, YouTuber, and podcast host of Bridge Talk TV, where she highlights entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders making meaningful impact.

Bridgett is a regular television commentator, appearing on Fox 26’s Isiah Factor Uncensored, which is nationally syndicated via Fox Soul, as well as the CW39 Morning Show and Chattin’ With Chelsea. She has also appeared nationally as a commentator on TV One’s Fatal Attraction.

Bridgett’s commitment to service and leadership is equally strong. She currently serves as Parliamentarian for the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ), supporting scholarship initiatives for future journalists. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Vice President & Membership Chair of Dreams UnleaSHEd | SHE Networks, and a board member of the Anderson Center for the Arts. Her past service includes leadership roles with the Texas Drowning Prevention Alliance, Men of Style Steering Committee, and West Orem YMCA, where she was named Volunteer of the Year after leading a capital campaign that exceeded its $50,000 goal.

As a sought-after speaker, Bridgett has presented at institutions and platforms including University of Houston Procurement, Prairie View A&M University, PRSA, Texas Black Expo, Social Media Day Houston, NAWBO Houston, Alpha Kappa Alpha Women’s Entrepreneur Summit, and numerous business and marketing conferences. Her speaking topics center on Brandfluence, storytelling, crisis management, executive presence, AI in PR, and reputation management.

In recognition of her leadership and community impact, Bridgett was named a Woman of Worth, received commendations from the Houston City Council and Texas State Representatives, and was selected as a 2025 Pinnacle Awards Nominee by the Greater Houston Black Chamber.

Bridgett is the proud wife of Dr. Timothy Waugh and mother to Kamren, an MBA candidate at the University of Denver. Her personal philosophy is simple yet powerful: be intentionally happy—because peace is priceless.

ShaVonne Herndon is in her 7th year as a Graphics Operator for ESPN. She is a former news reporter, previously working at KTAB (Abilene, Texas), KWTX (Waco, Texas), KYTX (Longview, Texas) and KTAL (Shreveport, La).

Herndon proudly joined the National Association of Black Journalists in 2006. From volunteering at national conferences and coordinating panels, she continues to pour her energy into the organization, and is proud to now serve on the local Board.

Herndon attends Garden Oaks Church of Christ. In her spare time, you can find her on a yoga mat or spending time with family. This Houstonian is a graduate of Lamar High school (Go Redskins) and Abilene Christian University. Herndon says she is eager to welcome new members into this fine organization and enter greater heights with HABJ

With more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and brand storytelling, Vannessa has a strong track record of driving high-impact messaging, leading cross-functional initiatives, and strengthening community engagement.

She is widely regarded as a strategic thinker, effective collaborator, and results-driven communicator who performs exceptionally well in fast paced high-visibility environments.

As founder of Connect The Dots PR, Vannessa has been able to help brands position themselves in newsworthy and culturally relevant ways. She’s represented Stanford University School of Medicine, Texas Southern University, The Rose, DePaul University, 9/11 Day, Space Center Houston, Classic Christmas, YES Prep Charter Schools, Penn Entertainment and others.

She volunteers her time and expertise to various civic organizations including Kids Meals and the Marc Thomas Foundation.

Vannessa is a graduate of the University of Houston, Go Coogs! where she founded a branding class to help college students brand themselves before graduation. To date, over 82 students are working in their chosen profession.

She is a sought after speaker and trainer and has hosted dozens of branding and AI workshops.

She enjoys pilates, is a certified Zumba instructor, a French Fry connoisseur and avid traveler.

Alexis “Fly” Jones is a sought-after host and emcee, and the host of ‘60 Seconds to Fly,’ a reel podcast spotlighting established brands and rising stars. An award-winning TV producer and media personality with 20+ years of experience, Alexis uses storytelling and stage presence to uplift communities and celebrate culture. A proud Clark Atlanta University graduate, she spent eight years producing Great Day Houston on KHOU 11 with host Deborah Duncan, and later appeared on OWN’s Ready to Love: Houston (executive produced by Will Packer).

Known for her community engagement, Alexis serves as an emcee and host for fashion, political and community-wide events, demonstrating her commitment to various companies and organizations, including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, The Fragrance Group, Afro-American Police Officers League, Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Nixon Homecare, Model of The Year Awards, HSPVA Black Alumni Network and the Houston Association of Black Journalists to name a few.

Alexis is a 10x Telly Award winner and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a charter member of the Houston Metropolitan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Additionally, her commitment to community service earned her President Joe Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Clark Atlanta University’s Top 40 Under 40, and recently the A.V. Young Humanitarian Award.

Through her platform, Alexis “Fly”, she inspires others to First Love Yourself…and lead with purpose.

An experienced communications expert with emphasis on leadership, management, strategic planning, problem solving, marketing, marketing strategy, online marketing, public relations, graphic design and speech writing, internal and external communications, public speaking, crisis management, corporate communications, branding, managing large teams, project managing multiple projects across different functions, communications consultant and media relations. But most importantly, I’m results driven.

17+ years of executing successful communications plans & strategies to millions.

Everyone needs an effective communicator – and in the midst of social media & misinformation, my skills are needed now more than ever.

Currently the Executive Producer for dayside newscasts at KHOU 11 News in Houston. Responsible for molding producers and reporters who work on the station’s noon, 4p-hour, 5p and 6p newscasts.

My skills go beyond the news of the day, as I’m proud to have led a team of anchors, producers, graphic designers, editors and photographers as EP of two Juneteenth documentaries. Links to both specials can be found under my work experience

The first special, Juneteenth: 1865-2021, did more than just touch on what happened during the emancipation of enslaved Texans, it then chronicled the history of the Black American experience to the present day.

My passions also lie in public speaking, social media presentation, community outreach, and education about communication in general.

I have experience as a multimedia producer (for television and web), reporter, public relations specialist and television host.

Specialties: Communication, writing, public relations, producing, t.v. personality, shooting and editing video, public speaking, etc…

*Final Cut Pro
*Luci Chyron Program
*Axis Graphics Program
*I-News
*ENPS
*Hatmos graphics
*Inergize Web Program
*Canvas Technology web system
*MEDIA OS
*Microsoft
*Powerpoint
*Excel
*Microsoft Teams
*AP Playbook

Damanion Cooper-Lee is a sophomore at Texas Southern University, where he is pursuing a degree in Radio, Television and Film as he prepares for a career in sports reporting and photography—a natural blend of his lifelong passion for athletics and media.

A graduate of Jack Yates High School, Damanion competed in football and track. In 2018, he earned All-American Junior Olympian honors in the triple jump and long jump after competing at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Before transferring to TSU, he attended the College of Biblical Studies, where he served as the team photographer for the men’s basketball team, gaining firsthand experience covering collegiate athletics.

Damanion is also a content creator with more than 31,000 followers on TikTok, where he continues to build his audience while refining his skills in multimedia production and audience engagement.

Follow Damanion on TikTok: @djayytohollywood.