Ruby Jones is founder and CEO of Empower Media Exchange, a Colorado nonprofit advancing storytelling, media literacy and local news. An award-winning journalist and speaker, she created platforms like Front Range Focus and CityStory Denver, collaborates statewide, and serves on the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Associate Board.
Lisa Blum Nigro spent over 40 years in radio, including 36 years at Audacy, where she retired as VP of National Partnership Investment. She led national sales across 230+ stations and built a career from local advertising in Miami to national leadership. She now spends summers and fall in Colorado.
Kathy Neustadt has been a freelance field producer for ABC News since 1993, following roles in Denver television and Colorado radio. A former board chair of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center and longtime JCC leader, she also helped establish the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature.
Kerry Sanders is a longtime NBC News correspondent known for storytelling and hurricane coverage, reporting on over 100 storms. Over a 32-year career, he contributed to NBC Nightly News, Today and MSNBC, earning major awards including a Peabody and Emmy. He retired in 2023 and is exploring long-form reporting.
Gary Shapiro spent nearly 50 years in television journalism, including 39 years at Denver’s 9News. A reporter, anchor, and documentary producer, he covered stories from Denver’s Five Points to WWII internment camps. An Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award winner, he holds degrees from the University of Nebraska and Iowa State.
Tiya Ashantia Trent is program director of Denver’s Project Voyce, engaging youth in personal and community development. An activist, mentor, and social justice performer, she holds degrees in Theater, Ethnic Studies, and Women & Gender Studies. She also owns Patty Bakes and enjoys theater, dance, writing, and mountain biking.