Grouping of CAJ Fall 2024 mentor pictures

Fall 2025 Mentor Bios

Below you will find an alphabetic list of mentors for the Fall 2025 round of the mentorship program. Each mentor has their bio, who they are looking to mentor, the languages they speak, and what kind of mentee they are looking to work with.

Applications are now closed for this round. Please stay tuned for future rounds of the program.

Mohsin Abbas

(he/him)
Publisher | Diversity Reporter Media Inc.

I’m a Canadian journalist and publisher dedicated to amplifying the voices of local communities through grassroots media. With years of experience reporting on social issues, cultural diversity, and civic affairs, I’ve built a reputation for delivering honest, impactful stories that matter. I founded and manage several community newspapers, providing a platform for underrepresented perspectives and fostering dialogue across neighborhoods. My work is driven by a passion for public service journalism and a commitment to empowering readers with reliable, relevant information. I believe local news is the heartbeat of democracy—and I’m proud to help keep it strong.

Emerging journalists with a passion for rural and small-town storytelling who aspire to build careers in local mainstream and community newspapers.

English

Southern Ontario

Shelley Ayres

(she/her)
Investigative journalist/Producer | CBC News – The Fifth Estate

I strive to tell stories that spark thought, action and raise questions. I seek characters who need a voice and strive to investigate with a wide lens, a fair and balanced approach and not shy away from the raw and real things that cause hurt, danger and trauma.

Someone who carries a similar POV and want in terms of journalism. Someone who needs some guidance on the tools & strategies needed to do solid and meaningful journalism.

English

Toronto

Aaron Beswick

(he/him)
Reporter | The Chronicle Herald

I’m currently a reporter with The Chronicle Herald newspaper in Nova Scotia. I’ve worked as a roaming reporter covering rural life, resource industries and crime for the past two decades at newspapers in northern Newfoundland, NWT and Nova Scotia. I believe in showing up, whether it be on fishing boats, at crime scenes or at kitchen tables, and developing an understanding with the protagonists of a story. In 2024, I was honoured with Journalist of the Year by the National Newspaper Awards for my coverage of fishing disputes in Nova Scotia.

Anyone. Journalism is a hard road. If you do it right, you’ll open your mind to so many ways of being human.

English

Atlantic Canada

Karen Briere

(she/her)
Reporter/Analyst | Western Producer

I have more than 40 years of experience as a reporter in Saskatchewan. Most of that was gained as the Regina-based reporter for the Western Producer, working out of my office in the Saskatchewan Legislature. I also taught at the University of Regina School of Journalism as a sessional lecturer. There, I taught a variety of classes including agriculture reporting, political reporting, copy editing, media history and more.

Someone who is interested in agriculture and rural life. Agriculture is an industry that requires reporting about food, science, climate, politics, policy, business, health, education and all aspects of rural life.

English

Saskatchewan

Shannon Busta

(she/her)
Interim head of opinion audio | The New York Times

I am newsroom leader with nearly 20 years of journalism experience. I have held a number of roles at the forefront of change, from digital, to social to video and audio. I bring an audience-first lens to my work and believe in the power of journalism to improve lives and protect democracy.

An ambitious woman journalist looking to have an impact on the industry.

English

Outside Canada

Thomas L. Chabot

(he/him)
General manager | Quartier Libre

I have worked for media at the community level in leadership positions as general manager, director and editor-in-chief. I worked in the Northwest Territories, started three medias, built a network between student newspapers in Québec and was mandated to restructure in depth Quartier Libre, the independent newspaper at the Université de Montréal.

Someone who is looking to start a media or want mentoring regarding leadership in journalism at the community level.

French, English

Montreal

Elaine Chau

(she/her)
Senior producer | CBC Front Burner

I’m the senior producer of CBC’s daily news podcast Front Burner, where I aim to bring context to the news and make it irresistible to listen to. I’m an audio journalist who’s previously worked on Q with Tom Power, and current affairs radio in Vancouver.

I love making radio documentaries and have covered issues like anti-Asian racism during the pandemic, and the legacy of Hong Kong immigrants in Vancouver, which was recognized by RTDNA Canada in 2016.

Early career racialized journalists interested in audio storytelling. I can share knowledge and experience around podcast production, pitching, and inclusive storytelling.

English

Vancouver

Falice Chin

(she/her)
Multimedia journalist | The Hub

I am the Alberta Bureau Chief for The Hub, an independent outlet covering politics and economics. Previously, I was Executive Producer of News at CBC Ottawa, where I oversaw daily and investigative coverage, including The Banned Teacher podcast. I later returned to Calgary to revamp CBC’s West of Centre podcast. I have a strong background in enterprise and investigative journalism, with interests in public policy and business. My work has also appeared in The National Post, Mergermarket, The Calgary Herald and other publications.

Possibly an independent journalist, or someone who is trying to become independent. Other areas of interest: investigative journalism, long-form analysis and reporting, podcasts… I am also interesting in mentoring anyone who wants to add business, “hard” data and facts into their stories.

English

Calgary/Edmonton

Michelle Cyca

(she/her)
Bureau chief of conservation and fellowships | The Narwhal

I’m the bureau chief of conservation and fellowships at The Narwhal, assigning and editing stories about Indigenous stewardship and sovereignty. I’m also a contributing writer at The Walrus, and my freelance journalism appears in The Globe & Mail, Maclean’s, Chatelaine, and elsewhere. I teach as an adjunct faculty member in the UBC graduate journalism program, and serve on the board of tâpwêwin media, an Indigenous-led nonprofit. Previously, I was a co-publisher and editor-in-chief of SAD Mag, a biannual print magazine celebrating arts and culture in Vancouver.

Early-career journalists, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, who are interested in narrative/literary journalism, reporting in Indigenous communities, or freelancing.

English

Vancouver

Mitchel Fleming

(he/him)
Lawyer | Mitchel Fleming Media Law

I am a media lawyer who works with publications/journalists and specializes in media, entertainment and documentary/current-affairs reporting.

Publishers who wish to have a greater understanding of media law and how to proactively build editorial structures which economize resources.

English, French

Ottawa

Jeremy Hainsworth

(he/him)
Legislative reporter | BC Today

I have been a journalist for 26 years. My experience runs from running a small-town daily newspaper to working for international news services such as The Associated Press, Reuters and Bloomberg. I am currently a legislative reporter for BC Today having just finished a seven-year run as an investigative and crime and courts reporter.

Anyone interested in hard news. Can offer freelancing assistance as well.

English

British Columbia

Kenneth Jackson

(he/him)
Investigative journalist | APTN

I’m an investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker dedicated to uncovering hidden or uncomfortable truths, often through the voices of marginalized people and communities. I believe this is the fundamental purpose of journalism. My work strives to hold people and institutions accountable while telling stories with care and integrity.

Reporters who see journalism as a lifestyle, not just a profession.

English

Ottawa

Gavin John

(he/him)
Photojournalist | Freelance

I am a freelance journalist with a focus on defense policy, conflict, and security issues for publications like The Globe and Mail and The New York Times. I use a combination of photojournalism, in the field reporting, and investigative journalism to tell stories of the people, places, topics, and regions impacting Canadian defense policy. I work within the intersection of institutions like the, Canadian DND, Canadian Armed Forces, NORAD, and NATO. I am also taking my Masters in Strategic Studies with a thesis on Canadian Arctic Security.

Journalists (both writers, and photojournalists) with an interest in defense policy, security, and conflict studies.

English

Calgary/Edmonton

Nam Kiwanuka

(she/her)
Host/Producer of (MIS)Treated | TVO

I’m driven by a curiosity to understand the world around us. I love learning and discovering new things. I spend a lot to time in nature, enjoy gardening and am a mom of two. I’ve worked in journalism for over 20 years in entertainment, sports, reporting on Africa and current affairs, health and politics.

Someone curious, open-minded and looking to understand others. I’d like to help in anyway. I’ve never had a mentor and am sensitive to how a mentorship can help one in the journalism field.

English

Toronto

Ariane Lacoursière

(she/her)
Investigative reporter | La Presse

I am part of the Investigative team at La Presse since 2023. Before that, I covered the Health sector for 15 years. Twice, I have won the “beat journalist” award at the Canadian Newspaper Awards. Along with three other colleagues, I helped La Presse win the Michener Award in 2024 for its coverage of youth protection issues.

Journalists of all ages who are just starting out in “health” or “beat” reporting. I’d also like to help journalists who want to get into investigative reporting or are new to the field.

French, English

Montreal

Tchadas Leo

(he/him)
Multimedia journalist | CHEK News

I am a multimedia journalist and podcaster from Vancouver Island. A graduate of BCIT’s Broadcast and Journalism program, I joined CHEK News in March 2023 and became the first Coast Salish person to anchor a newscast in Coast Salish territory.

I am the creator and host of the Indigenous‑focused podcast/TV show Our Native Land, which has earned awards including “Outstanding Indigenous Series” at the Canadian Podcast Awards

In 2024, I received RTDNA Canada’s Emerging Journalist Award and the BC Association of Broadcasters’ Performer of Tomorrow Award; in 2025 I was honoured by CAJ for Emerging Indigenous Journalist of the year.

A journalist in the beginning of their career that is passionate about human rights, Indigenous, arts & culture and environmental reporting.

English

British Columbia

Wency Leung

(she/her)
Reporter | The Local

I’m a reporter for The Local, an independent, non-profit magazine. I write in-depth, longform, and occasionally investigative features that focus on underreported issues and underrepresented communities in the Toronto area. Previously, I worked at The Globe and Mail as a health reporter. I’ve also worked in Cambodia and the Czech Republic.

Reporters with at least a couple years experience who are interested in longform feature-writing and/or trying to figure out where they fit into the industry.

English

Toronto

Maggie Macintosh

(she/her)
Beat reporter | Winnipeg Free Press

The education reporter at the Winnipeg Free Press, I cover everything from breaking news to 2,500-word features. Prior to joining the WFP, I was a 2019 CBC Joan Donaldson scholar. I’ve reported for print, web and radio. I currently work out of a print-newsroom bureau in the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Early-career journalists interested in beat reporting (education, politics or another arena), improving their pitching and freedom-of-information skills and/or developing sources

English, French

Winnipeg

Justin McElroy

(he/him)
Municipal affairs reporter | CBC Vancouver

I am the Municipal Affairs Reporter for CBC Vancouver, covering city politics across British Columbia. I report for TV, web, radio, TikTok, and everywhere in between, using data, sources, charts, archival documents, and many other tools to craft compelling stories about big cities and small towns alike.

Someone energetic about local reporting, video reporting, social media, connecting with broad audiences.

English

Vancouver

Cara McKenna

(she/her)
Editor | IndigiNews

I am the editor of IndigiNews, based in Treaty 6 territories in amiskwaciywâskahikan (Edmonton). Previously, I worked on the editing desk at The Globe and Mail and was the editor of the Salish Sea Sentinel magazine. I have also worked at the Nanaimo Daily News, APTN National News, The Canadian Press and more.

Reporters at any career level who are interested in moving into editing, and would like to learn about the ins and outs of being an editor, strategies for shaping content, the evolution of language and being the last eyes on a story before publication.

English

Calgary/Edmonton

Kristin Nelson

(she/her)
Head of Audio | The Boston Globe

I am the Head of Audio at The Boston Globe, where I recently launched the Spotlight podcast. I am an experienced journalist, documentarian, story editor and producer. My work has been recognized by the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) Awards, the Scripps Howard Awards, the du-Pont Columbia Awards, the Society for Features Journalism, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Canadian Journalism Foundation, the National Edward R. Murrow Awards, the Third Coast International Audio Festival, RTDNA Canada, the New York Festivals Radio Awards and the Gracie Awards.

Print reporters trying to branch into multimedia storytelling. Also, people looking to launch into audio or considering a move to the States.

English

Outside Canada

Tim Petruk

(he/him)
Editor | Castanet Kamloops

I’m a veteran court reporter and true crime documentary film producer, currently serving as editor at Castanet Kamloops. Before taking on that role in 2021, I spent more than a dozen years as a newspaper reporter covering cops and court. I was associate producer on In Cold Water: The Shelter Bay Mystery, a docuseries about a murder I covered in court, and I am currently working with the same team on a new documentary project about another case.

Early or mid-career court and crime reporters, and journalists interested in true crime storytelling.

English

British Columbia

Trina Roache

(she/her)
Assistant professor | University of King’s College

I’m a proud member of the Glooscap Mi’kmaw First Nation in Nova Scotia. I got my start in radio with CBC but spent most of my career as a video journalist in daily news and long-form investigative visual storytelling with APTN. I’m an assistant professor at the School of Journalism at the University of King’s College in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). I bring a Mi’kmaw perspective and over two decades of experience working for CBC, APTN National News, and APTN Investigates to my current role as an educator.

Journalists interested in any of the following: reporting on Indigenous stories, diverse communities, visual or audio storytelling, and/or long-form narrative journalism.

English

Atlantic Canada

Cathy Senay

(she/her)
National assembly correspondent | CBC/Radio-Canada

I have been CBC’s National Assembly Correspondent since 2018. Before that I was a journalist for Radio-Canada. Starting in 2001, I worked in Saskatchewan, Alberta and then moved to Quebec City. I did several current affairs, investigative, military and political stories. I received the 2024-25 Media Fellowship of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. I produced radio and web stories on robots in Japan. What a great experience!

Early-career journalists that need some help/advice or guidance to orient their career.

English, French

Quebec

Bernard Simon

(he/him)
Writer, editor and coach | Freelance

I am currently a freelance writer, editor and coach. I was previously the full-time Canada and North American automotive correspondent for the Financial Times. Earlier in my career, I was managing editor of the Financial Post (Canada), deputy editor of Business Day (South Africa), and a regular contributor to The New York Times, The Economist, among others. From 2012-23 I was on the faculty of the University of Toronto’s Fellowship in Global Journalism.

Someone interested in business and financial news but would also be happy to mentor applicants with more general interests (politics, sports, technology etc.)

English

Toronto

Elizabeth St. Philip

(she/her)
Director, Program development | TVO

I am the Director of Program Development at TVO, and the executive producer of Big [If True], a current affairs series about misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracies. Previously I was a senior producer with Saloon Media, where I directed and co-produced the documentary Inside the Statue Wars, which was nominated for the Donald Brittain Award for Best Social/Political Documentary in 2024. I spent 20 years as a senior producer at CTV, covering health stories for national news and the investigative show W5. I have also worked at Discovery Channel, the National Film Board, and CBC.

Early stage journalists who are passionate about current affairs and documentary storytelling. I am particularly interested in working with individuals who want to explore social issues and amplify underrepresented voices.

English

Toronto

Nathalie Sturgeon

(she/her)
EIC/Senior Producer | The Courier/CHCO-TV

I am the Editor-in-Chief of The Courier and Senior Producer with CHCO-TV in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. Over the course of my career, I have worked with nearly every major network as well as the Telegraph-Journal. My background spans all facets of journalism—from writing and editing to video and radio production. I bring hands-on experience behind the camera, in the editing suite, and in the newsroom, combining technical expertise with strong editorial leadership.

Early-career journalists passionate about local news, with interests in writing, editing, video production, and camera work.

English

Atlantic Canada

David Topping

(he/him)
Chief content officer | Zoomer Digital Network

I’m somewhere in the middle of my career in Canadian journalism, and I’ve gotten to do just about everything. That’s meant reporting and editing — and also product management, audience development, making infographics, and launching podcasts and newsletters. Before my current job as Chief Content Officer at Zoomer Digital Network, where I oversee all our newsrooms, I worked up and down the masthead at Torstar, Toronto Life, The Grid, Torontoist, and OpenFile. (And yes, only two of those still exist.)

Anyone figuring out how to navigate an industry that doesn’t seem to have an obvious spot for them, or a job that they’re having a hard time with.

English

Toronto

Nathan VanderKlippe

(he/him)
International correspondent | The Globe and Mail

I’m an international correspondent with The Globe and Mail, with a primary focus on the U.S. I previously spent nearly eight years posted to Beijing for the Globe, in addition to a number of years covering the energy sector in Alberta. Before that, I worked in the North, reporting across the three territories for Canwest Global News.

Journalists with an interest in reporting from more distant places — whether that’s the outer reaches of Canada, or other parts of the world.

English

Vancouver

Andrea Woo

(she/her)
BC bureau journalist | The Globe and Mail

I’m a journalist in The Globe and Mail’s B.C. bureau, where I often cover health, climate, social issues and politics. I’m passionate about human-driven storytelling, giving voice to those traditionally underserved by media and offering nuance on subjects too often reduced to extremes. Before joining The Globe in 2012, I worked at The Vancouver Sun, The Georgia Straight, and various music publications. My work has been recognized by the National Newspaper Awards, the Canadian Association of Journalists and the Jack Webster Awards.

Early-career print/online journalists who are passionate about health or social issues, or those seeking to be strong general assignment reporters.

English

Vancouver