Name: Nahla Bendefaa
Hometown: Kenitra, Morocco
Major: Ph.D. in Communication and Media Studies
About me:
I am a digital content creator, multimedia journalist, and project management consultant based in Eugene, OR. My work has spanned quasi-governmental organizations, public radio and non-profit journalism, corporate communications, and higher education administration. I am excited to be conducting my internship with the Media Foundation for West Africa. Learn more about my work in Ghana and beyond on www.nahlabendefaa.com
Name: Stella Zhang
Hometown: Jiangsu, China
Major: Ph.D. in Communication and Media Studies
About me:
Stella is a first-year PhD student in School of Journalism and Communication at University of Oregon. Her research most focuses on Public Relations. As an international student from China, she finished her master’s study in Penn State. This is her first time to be in Africa and the Ghana program offers her a great opportunity to know Ghana and Africa. She is excited to do her internship in Penplusbytes in Accra, Ghana.
Name: Suenia de Azevedo
Hometown: Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
Major: M.A. in Communication and Media Studies
About Me:
I am a Brazilian journalist with experience in digital marketing, internal communication, and newspaper. My research is focused on Intersectional feminism and music in Brazil. My internship will be at the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights (ARHR) and I am excited to expand my knowledge regarding women of color and feminism here in Ghana.
Name: Kyla Morris
Hometown: Claremont, CA
Major: Master’s Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility
About me:
I am a graduate student in the Master’s of Advertising and Brand Responsibility program. I am originally from Southern California. I am excited to explore and work in Accra this summer. During the time I will be interning at the sports broadcasting organization, Joy Sports.
Name: Romie Avivi Stuhl
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Journalism
About Me:
Hello! My name is Romie Avivi Stuhl, and I am a third-year journalism student. This summer I will be writing for the Finder newspaper, and I am so excited for this opportunity! I look forward to meeting new people, eating new foods and immersing myself in Ghanaian cultures. I am thankful for this incredible experience and can’t wait for all the new memories ahead. Medaase!
Name: Kiasia Baggenstos
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Public Relations with a sociology and nonprofit administration minor.
About me:
I never thought that studying abroad would be possible for me as I’ve come from a background full of adversities and resilience. To be given such an opportunity to travel to a beautiful place such as Ghana is what I consider a blessing. As I’ve navigated through my first year of college as a Journalism and Public Relations student at the SOJC at the University of Oregon, I’ve enriched my passion for creative writing like no other. I am excited to see what Ghana has in store for me and my skills as a writer. I know that interning at The DailyGuide newspaper is going to prepare me for what is next to come in my future career field. I can only imagine the experiences that have yet to come for me in the majestic city of Accra.
Name: Jose Carrillo
Hometown: Wilsonville, OR
Major: Advertising
About me:
My name’s Jose and I’m a third year student in the School of Communications and Journalism. I’m from Wilsonville, Oregon and since a young age I’ve been really interested in art or anything involving creating something, which led me to focusing on Advertising at the University of Oregon. I first heard about the Ghana trip from students who previously went and instantly wanted to be able to attend the next visit. I’m really excited to gain professional experience, while being able to immerse myself in a different culture.
Name: McKenzie Days
Hometown: Brooklyn, NYC
Major: Journalism
I am a graduating senior in Journalism, and I’ve always been interested in the ways writing can connect and uplift others. I try to utilize my reporting power to bolster community relations and engagement, dissolve existing power structures and foster collective consciousness. Some specific issues that interest me are Black culture issues, BIPOC uplift, sports ethics and media ethics. My core interest in many of these issues derive from my standpoint as a Biracial/Black woman. In the Media in Ghana program, I hope that I can develop new journalistic skills and language grounded in the explored lifeworld and distinct cultural elements of Ghana. In addition, I specifically want to utilize the experience to break down journalistic practices that are U.S. based and become less dependent on the hegemonic Western model of journalism.
Name: Karis Frazier
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Public Relations
About Me:
I am a second year transfer student in the SOJC and am so thankful to have gotten this opportunity to be in Ghana interning for Touchpoint Magna Carta. I am studying public relations with a minor in sustainable business and would like to work with sustainable fashion brands in the future. I cannot wait to meet the people, taste the food, and see what life is like in Ghana.
Name: Monica Hobbs
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Major: Journalism
About Me:
Hey! I’m Monica, a fourth-year journalism major with a minor in business. I’m originally from San Jose, California. This experience is all new for me, as I have never traveled internationally nor interned. However I’m so excited to learn about Ghanaian culture and media! I love meeting new people and the adventures we have together. Throughout the program, I’ll be working in TV and radio. I’m hoping to gain greater perspective on how media and society intertwine, and utilize it as I progress throughout my journalism career. Ghana has such a unique, colorful culture. I’m grateful for the opportunity to dive in!
Name: Ke’ali McCarter
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Major: Advertising
About Me:
Hey ya’ll, my name is Ke’ali McCarter and I am a third year advertising major with a minor in sports business. I am originally from Honolulu Hawaii but have lived that latter half of my life in Portland, Oregon. For me, Media in Ghana is an opportunity that not only allows me to develop my advertising experience but also provides a chance for me to travel internationally and immerse myself in a new culture, something I have always wanted but never experienced. For these reason I am thrilled to be interning at Innova DDB advertising and delving into Ghanaian media and culture.
Name: Tariq Rasheed
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Advertising
About Me:
My name is Tariq Rasheed and I’m from Portland, OR. I’m a graduating senior with a bachelor’s degree in advertising, focused in copywriting. I can’t wait to take on this experience and see the world from a different view!
