Board of Directors

Nakia Cooper is a multimedia executive, journalist, and strategic communications leader with extensive experience across broadcast news, digital media, public affairs, and community engagement. She has led digital media operations at KPRC 2, KHOU 11, and CW39 Houston, and launched digital platforms for KTSU 90.9 FM, where she also co-anchored on-air news briefs. Her work in television news has earned numerous industry honors, including an Emmy Award, two Edward R. Murrow Awards, three Associated Press Awards, and two Lone Star Press Awards. Her leadership extends to government service, where she has specialized in public affairs, crisis communications, and strategic media engagement.

Cooper serves as president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists, co-deputy director for Region III of the National Association of Black Journalists, and CEO & publisher of Bayou Beat News, a print and digital publication covering civic, cultural, and community issues across the South.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communications and a Master of Arts in Digital Media, both from Texas Southern University, where she also serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Communication. As co-founder of Sister 2 Sistah, Cooper is committed to empowering the next generation through mentorship, education, and community leadership.

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 Multimedia for HABJ and the Weekend Morning Anchor at KTRK ABC13. As a native Texan, she couldn’t be happier to call H-Town home. She comes from a station in Jacksonville, Florida where she received two Emmy nominations — one for team coverage spot news and one for team coverage during Hurricane Matthew. While there, she also anchored the station’s Weekend Morning newscast and helped bring it to a #1 ranking.

After Duncanville High School (in the Dallas area,) she went off to the Midwest and graduated with a major in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Sociology from the University of Missouri. From there, she anchored and reported for KOMU-TV, then spent two years at KTAL in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Some of Simon’s most memorable interviews include NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Civil Rights icon Andrew Young.

One of her biggest passions outside of work is service. Simon 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, Simon is part of the Missouri Alumni Association. She loves sports, traveling and hanging with her husband and Sampson, their Dalmatian. They also just entered a new chapter with the birth of their first child.

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.

Digital Content Specialist | Houston Area News | Journalism Enthusiast Greetings! I’m Ninfa Saavedra, a seasoned Digital Content Specialist specializing in the Houston area news industry. With a career spanning over six years, I have developed a deep understanding of the digital landscape and its impact on journalism. My journey in this field began during my middle school years when I was introduced to a media program at Lake Olympia Middle School, igniting my passion for storytelling. Beyond work, I find joy in maintaining an active lifestyle, exploring new cultures through travel, and indulging in the culinary wonders of 5-star restaurants. Let’s connect and collaborate on exciting projects!

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.

To date, Bridgett S. Holden is the Principal Owner of Houston based Public Relations Firm, SHE Bridges PR (SBPR), whose slogan matches its purpose of “Bridging the Gap Between You and the Media!” Bridgett has evolved her company by strategically branding her clients in the industries of Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, Sports, Nonprofits, and Politics. She has successfully secured Brand Placements for her clients via media outlets through television, radio, print, and podcasts on International, National, Local and Digital platforms! Always keeping on trend to grow her company, Bridgett became certified with the City of Houston, The Port of Houston, METRO, the State of Texas and the Federal Government in 2016; qualifying SHE Bridges PR to do business with local/state and government entities as an MBE, WBE, SBE, HUB and WOSB Minority Owned Business. For the past 20 years, Bridgett has successfully managed the roles of being a business owner, entrepreneur, volunteer, board member, speaker, cohost on several podcast, Host of Bridge Talk TV Podcast, Content Creator, YouTuber, Fashion Enthusiast, and an active participant in the Houston community. In 2009 Bridgett was named volunteer of the year by the West Orem YMCA for leading the board in exceeding their fundraiser goal of $50,000 during their Partnership Campaign to the tune of $64,000. She has served on (and is a member) of the Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) Board which raises scholarships for college students majoring in Journalism as the Media Monitor. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), has served on the Men of Style Steering Committee which raises funds to find a cure for Sickle Cell Anemia, and has served on the Texas Drowning Prevention Alliance Board which brings awareness to local communities around drowning prevention.
Bridgett currently serves on the Dreams UnleaSHEd She Networks Board, a nonprofit organization whose Mission & Vision is to grow and develop young ladies for holistic success. She is often seen on Fox 26’s Isiah Factor Uncensored as a commentator lending her expert opinion on various news stories from a PR perspective. Bridgett is a proud mom of one son (Kamren) who is currently
getting his MBA in Criminal Justice at the University of North Texas. Bridgett’s philosophy in life is to be intentionally happy every day 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

Vannessa Wade is the founder and CEO of Connect The Dots PR. Often called an “idea oven” and “branding magnet,” she has been featured in magazines such as Black Enterprise and Fast Company.

From working on legislative campaigns, to supporting UNICEF, Wade has been able to help brands position themselves in newsworthy and culturally relevant ways. Her contacts span the gamut across the African American media and influencer landscape.

Wade is as driven about public service as she is about public relations. She volunteers her time and expertise to various civic organizations including Kids Meals and The Sickle Cell Marc Thomas Foundation. She serves as Diversity Chair for PRSA Houston, Executive Director of ColorComm Houston and has spoken at The Texas Conference for Women and presented at NABJ. In 2015, she created a branding series aimed at helping college students learn how to brand themselves.

Wade is a graduate of the University of Houston.

Alex Jones has more than 25 years of experience in journalism, primarily writing for newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle, The Times Picayune and the Associated Press. He is currently a freelance journalist for several media outlets, including the Houston Chronicle (freelance writer and statistician for high school football), Regal Magazine (sports writer) and BallerTV.com (videographer).

The New Orleans, Louisiana native also has 12 years experience in television production, serving as an associate producer for WGNO-TV as part of its production of the first 30-minute high school highlight show in NOLA in 1992.

Willis is a graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has taught journalism as an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University.

He’s proudly made Houston home for the last 14 years and is the longest serving HABJ board member.

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. A graduate of Jack Yates High School, Damanion was a member of the school’s football team and has long been passionate about sports.

His athletic accomplishments extend beyond the football field. In 2017, he earned All-American Junior Olympian honors in track and field after competing at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.

Damanion has also built a strong presence as a digital content creator, amassing more than 31,000 followers on TikTok. Through his engaging sports and lifestyle content, he continues to grow his audience while developing his storytelling and multimedia skills. Follow him on TikTok at @djayytohollywood.

Combining his love for athletics with his passion for media, Damanion aspires to become a sports reporter or sports photographer, using visual storytelling and journalism to bring audiences closer to the games and athletes he loves.