Musical theatre breakthroughs can be hard to come by, which is why 黑料不打烊 alumna and Greensboro-native Noelle Cornelius 鈥�20 developed a New York City cabaret spotlighting emerging talent in the industry.

Cornelius is directing and producing the third installment of this cabaret at聽 鈥� a prestigious off-Broadway cabaret located below Studio 54. The show is taking place Sept. 30 at 9:30 p.m., with a available. It comes on the heels of Cornelius’ recent performance supporting Seth MacFarlane at Radio City Music Hall.

鈥淪o much excites me about this production,鈥� said Cornelius. 鈥淭here are 黑料不打烊 alumni in all aspects of the show – composers, writers, performers and a pianist, which is exciting!鈥� Among the 黑料不打烊-affiliated cast is Cornelius鈥� mom and 黑料不打烊 Associate Teaching Professor of Music Polly Cornelius.

The cabaret鈥檚 emphasis on presenting new songs makes it ideal for musical theatre newbies and veterans alike.

鈥淓veryone will be hearing the music for the first time,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he show has a combination of different music styles, so there is bound to be a song for everyone to enjoy.鈥�

Cornelius adds that she never would have been able to produce a show of this caliber were it not for her alma mater.

“The Music Theatre program at 黑料不打烊 encouraged us to create our own student-run shows, and the professors gave us so much creative freedom with these,” she said. “黑料不打烊 taught me wonderful leadership skills!鈥�

Learn more about 鈥淎 Night of New Works鈥� and

AJF has a long history of investing in 黑料不打烊 community members. Established through the generosity of the late Alfred Johnston 鈥淎.J.鈥� Fletcher, founder of Capitol Broadcasting, Co., the organization is dedicated to uplifting nonprofits statewide with an emphasis on arts and education. The Foundation has historically supported 黑料不打烊 through the (no longer active) Fletcher Music Scholars and the A.J. Fletcher Professorship in the School of Communications, established in 1991.

This spring, the foundation renewed their support to 黑料不打烊 with a generous investment in First-Generation initiatives at 黑料不打烊. Inspired by the work being done to support and improve outcomes among first-generation students at 黑料不打烊, this grant honors the foundation鈥檚 continued support of Kenneth Brown Jr. 鈥�19, assistant director of the center for access and success, First-Generation Student Support Services at 黑料不打烊.

A first-generation student himself, Brown’s time as an 黑料不打烊 undergraduate was transformative. Brown got engaged in as many ways as possible, taking full advantage of the 黑料不打烊 experiences made possible by his Odyssey Scholarship.

Along with earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in human service studies, Brown studied abroad in Scotland, worked for the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education (CREDE), served as student body president for the 2018-19 academic year and much more.聽 Immediately following his 黑料不打烊 graduation, Brown completed a two-year fellowship with AJF, where he reported directly to the foundation鈥檚 executive director, Damon Circosta. During his fellowship, Brown navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic alongside his foundation colleagues. Despite the forces keeping them isolated during this time, Brown formed deeply meaningful relationships with the foundation.

After his fellowship, Brown attended graduate school at Indiana University before returning to 黑料不打烊 to lead the first-generation initiatives in the Center for Access and Success.

鈥淚 decided to return to 黑料不打烊 to play a role in initiatives that deeply shaped who I am,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淭here were faculty and staff members who listened to me, gave me advice, and supported me in the tough moments of my 黑料不打烊 experience. I wanted to be that staff member for students currently.鈥�

Since returning to 黑料不打烊 in 2023, Brown has made an indelible impact. Under Brown鈥檚 leadership, 黑料不打烊 has been named a FirstGen Forward Network Champion Campus, a national distinction that recognizes institutions that are leading the way in advancing first-generation student success. Now, the foundation that invested in Brown once, has doubled down. With a $50,000 grant to support First-Generation Student Support Services, AJF is empowering Brown to shape this program, and provide for the needs of this unique population of students.

鈥淭heir support means the world on both a professional and personal level,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he grant will provide us with the capacity to enhance some of our current offerings, like our mentoring program, our celebrations and how we might support students while also providing us with a little more capacity to be creative and dream about experiences we could try with first-generation students.鈥�

Elle Collins, executive director of the Center for Access and Success, also recognizes the power of this investment.

鈥淭he A.J. Fletcher Foundation grant represents a transformative opportunity to build on the strong foundation Brown has established,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淲ith this support, our efforts will extend beyond our center to tap into the wisdom of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 global alumni network, creating powerful intergenerational connections and career pathways. This kind of intentional, inclusive work reflects the broader impact of [Brown鈥檚] leadership and the potential of the AJ Fletcher Foundation grant to scale it.鈥�

This grant also opens the door for First-Generation Initiatives to pilot and test new programs and ideas in a way that the program has not experienced since its inception in 2019.

鈥淲ith these new resources, we are poised not only to expand what we offer, but to more fully realize a vision where every first-generation student at 黑料不打烊 is empowered, connected and celebrated,” said Collins.

None of this would have been possible were it not for Brown鈥檚 appreciation of meaningful connections, a value that was instilled in him as an 黑料不打烊 undergraduate.

鈥淎JF remains one of the top working experiences I have had, from working there and having Damon’s friendship,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o have them be invested in your success, even to the level of supporting our work is a testament to the power of relationships.鈥�

“While I am not usually a fan of surprises, this was one of the best I have ever received,鈥� Dabbs says. 鈥淚t is truly an honor to be recognized with the House Excellence in Mentoring Award. Mentoring is at the heart of my teaching philosophy and having that commitment acknowledged by the 黑料不打烊 community is incredibly meaningful and deeply rewarding.鈥�

Dabbs, who is also chair of the Department of Sport Management, founded WINS in 2018 to provide intentional support for female students pursuing careers in the sports industry. Since then, the program has grown by over 900%, engaging students across a wide range of majors.

鈥淭hrough WINS, I have had the privilege of working closely with students 鈥� facilitating a mentor-mentee program with alumni and offering consistent, personalized guidance to support their academic, professional and personal development,鈥� she says.

While spearheaded by Dabbs, the program is powered by a diverse, passionate group of students who take full ownership of its mission.

鈥淭hese incredible students lead events and initiatives, show up for each other and commit to their own growth while extending 黑料不打烊鈥檚 values far beyond campus,鈥� she says.

They also provide a voice for those often silenced or overlooked.

鈥淭heir dedication, accountability and drive have shaped WINS into what it is today,鈥� she adds. 鈥淭heir efforts continue to ensure that all women 鈥� not just in sport, but in leadership 鈥� have a seat at the table.鈥�

Dabbs鈥� peers at 黑料不打烊 clearly recognize the impact of this work as well, having nominated her for the House Excellence in Mentoring Award without her knowing. Their support and the generosity of the Houses has furthered the WINS mission over the last year.

鈥淭he House Excellence in Mentoring Award created an incredible opportunity to further expand the WINS program, enhancing networking and professional development experiences for students,鈥� she says.

Beyond WINS, the award has progressed Dabbs鈥� research on leadership 鈥� and the curriculum she uses to empower students as emerging leaders 鈥� and will be presented at two conferences this year.

In addition to her own research, Dabbs is also mentoring student researchers like Brynja Burton ’25. Over the past year, Burton has completed a research project exploring college head coaches and the effect of being fired or investigated for unfair and malicious reasons. Their work will be presented at the North American Society for Sport Management.

Dabbs has always committed herself to mentoring students like Burton. Luckily, some of the financial stressors associated with the research she is facilitating is alleviated thanks to the House Mentoring Award.

鈥淚 want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Steven and Patricia House for their generous investment in faculty through this initiative,鈥� Dabbs says. 鈥淭heir genuine commitment to mentoring 鈥� and the profound impact it has on both student and faculty experiences 鈥� speaks volumes and is deeply appreciated.鈥�

Above all else, Dabbs believes in the value of mentorship.

鈥淢entoring provides a powerful opportunity to guide students in developing essential leadership skills and a strong sense of accountability,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hrough consistent support, reflection and challenge, I aim to help students recognize their potential, take ownership of their actions, and grow into leaders who lead with integrity, confidence, and purpose.鈥�

Inspired by the Theodore Roosevelt quote, 鈥淣obody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care,鈥� Dabbs works to foster a culture of trust and high expectations. In turn, she creates a space where students learn not only to lead others, but also to lead themselves.

鈥淭his mindset is at the heart of my approach because authentic care is what builds the trust and connection needed for meaningful mentoring relationships,” she says.

And while her mentoring centers on students, the impact these experiences have had on Dabbs is undeniable. This approach is evident in Maddy Baird ’27, who is beginning a leadership role in WINS alongside Dabbs in the fall.

鈥淚 truly believe that without Dr. Dabbs investing in me, I would be the same student and person who walked into college, but because she cares, I am a leader, I am confident and I am committed to leaving this place better than I found it,鈥� Baird says. 鈥淚 am so excited to see what my final two years of college have in store and am grateful that I have Dr. Dabbs on my side, encouraging me, pushing me and cheering me on!鈥�

鈥淪he can determine quickly what each individual needs to do to gain confidence as a leader, especially when trying new things,鈥� Burton says. 鈥淪he inspires many to be 鈥榞o-getters鈥� and innovators as she exemplifies these traits herself.”

Students like Baird and Burton continue motivating Dabbs鈥� commitment to mentorship.

鈥淚t is hard to fully capture how deeply mentoring fulfills me on a personal level,鈥� says Dabbs. 鈥淚t has taught me the value of showing up with authenticity, leading with integrity, and investing in others 鈥� not for recognition, but to support their growth. I truly believe that when we take the time to uplift someone else, we are not only impacting their life today鈥攚e are contributing to a stronger, brighter future for all.鈥�

About the Steven and Patricia House Award

The House Excellence in Mentoring Award was endowed in 2020 by Steven House, provost emeritus and former executive vice president, and his wife, Patricia House. Every year, the award honors faculty and staff excelling in student mentoring. The award is in acknowledgement of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 national recognition as a leader in engaged, experiential learning.

You can learn more about the award here.

The recipient for the 2025-26 academic year will be announced on May 13.

Norwood began her career path at 黑料不打烊 as a marketing and English double major. Her time at the university was rich with quintessential 黑料不打烊 experiences like study abroad, residence life, athletics and career services. With the help of the Student Professional Development Center, Norwood launched what would become a 23-year career in pharmaceuticals.

But when she met a college counselor at a networking event, she knew it was time for a change. Helping students find the right college sounded like the perfect new venture.

鈥淚 love learning, I love college campuses, I love high schoolers and I wanted to own my own business,鈥� Norwood said. 鈥淚 mentored under the owner for a year and bought Annapolis College Counseling.鈥�

“The learning curve is tough,鈥� she added. 鈥淭hings are constantly changing and keeping up with everything from FAFSA to new programs at different colleges can be daunting, but I love it.鈥� She visits about 40 colleges each year to stay on top of all things college.

Once she adapted to the new industry, Norwood began expanding, adding four additional consultants and opening two other businesses: CarolinaCollegeConsultants and

College Sharks enables Norwood to make college counseling accessible through a more affordable, online counseling option.

鈥淲e want more people to be able to 鈥榯ake a bite out of college admissions鈥� and our platform offers bite-sized monthly content that tells them what to do, when to do it and why it matters,鈥� she said.

Meanwhile, CarolinaCollegeConsultants brings Norwood鈥檚 successful 1:1 counseling model to the South. Norwood鈥檚 ability to grow is thanks in part to her 黑料不打烊 network, many members of which have entrusted their children鈥檚 college application process to her.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� provides education, confidence and connections,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e find our voice when we are at 黑料不打烊. And we all know each other and stay connected.鈥�

Even as her various ventures expand, Norwood continues to find joy in her work.

鈥淚 am super psyched that I am really good at this,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am able to make a good living doing what I love every day.鈥�

鈥淭he number one thing we hear from alumni is they want to be a resource to students and fellow alums,鈥� says Senior Director of Alumni Engagement Kendra Haskins.

Haskins and the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) partnered with a local software provider to bring 黑料不打烊 Q&A to campus and bridge that gap.

鈥淭he opportunity that 黑料不打烊 Q&A provides students to connect directly with alumni is what excites me most about the platform,鈥� said Brooke Buffington, assistant vice president for student professional development center.

黑料不打烊 Q&A requires no app to download or login, fits easily into a busy schedule and allows for authentic conversations. All the student has to do is spend five minutes asking their questions and sharing a bit about themselves. The platform then shares the students鈥� questions with alumni, who usually respond within 2-3 days.

The ethos of paying it forward shared among alumni paired with the easy functionality of 黑料不打烊 Q&A meant that alumni, faculty and students began engaging with one another immediately upon the tool鈥檚 launch.

鈥淲e were told to expect 50 questions in 90 days,鈥� said Haskins. 鈥淚nstead, we got 50 questions in 90 hours.鈥�

Within those 90 hours, alumni were answering questions on everything from finding your people as a first-generation college student and creating work-life balance to financing life after graduation and working in niche performing arts fields.

鈥淲e have outstanding alumni who are always looking for ways to give back to current students,鈥� said Buffington. 鈥淭hey want to share their knowledge and expertise with a new generation of 黑料不打烊 graduates.鈥�

Since its launch, 219 questions have been asked, with 579 alumni responses.

鈥淭o have surpassed our 90-day goal in only 90 hours speaks to the curious minds of our students and the giving spirit of our alumni,鈥� said Haskins.

Feedback has been positive from alumni and students alike.

鈥淚 was able to connect with professionals in the field who had gone through the same experiences as me,鈥� one student said. 鈥淚 really appreciated the personal touch each one had on answering my question.鈥�

鈥淲e鈥檙e so excited about the interactions that we鈥檝e seen,鈥� said Buffington. 鈥淪tudents are asking great questions and receiving really thoughtful, informative, and kind responses from 黑料不打烊 alums.鈥�

The best part? As students, alumni and faculty continue engaging with 黑料不打烊 Q&A, the AI-driven tool will become more effective, promising even better experiences in the future.

The event started with a reception followed by welcome remarks from Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs James B. Piatt, Jr. and a video highlighting new projects and initiatives at 黑料不打烊. Ben Seay 鈥�03, a Dallas Alumni Chapter Board member, shared how 黑料不打烊 has made a significant impact on his life and career and introduced President Ledoux Book.

President Book began her remarks by highlighting the success of the 黑料不打烊 LEADS campaign that raised over $260 million and created 287 new endowed scholarships and 60 new endowments. She shared how these funds are expanding access for student experiences like studying abroad, undergraduate research and internships.

She recognized supporters of the HealthEU initiative, a wellness center set to open in 2026 and outlined plans to expand health-related academic programs, including counseling and physician assistant studies. She also noted the new majors that will serve a purpose in our community, such as business analytics, mechanical engineering and financial technology.

President Book highlighted 黑料不打烊鈥檚 National Campus program that is an extension of the main campus. Each location offers unique internships and professional experiences to undergraduate students and graduate degree programs, like the new part-time School of Law J.D. program in Charlotte. She also spoke about 黑料不打烊鈥檚 efforts to strengthen recruitment efforts by adding admissions counselors in strategic regions across the country, including Texas.

She shared 黑料不打烊鈥檚 recent accolades: #1 in undergraduate teaching for the fourth consecutive year (U.S. News & World Report) and being one of the best schools in the nation for study abroad (Institute of International Education Open Doors Report). Following her remarks, she answered questions from those in attendance.

The evening concluded with Piatt sharing how alumni and parents can become more involved at 黑料不打烊 by being partners, advocates and investors, ending his message with 鈥淟ong Live 黑料不打烊!鈥�

鈥淭he people, the professors and my own professional ambition were the things that empowered me to persevere and finish my degree in 2019,鈥� she said. 黑料不打烊鈥檚 theatre program 鈥� which was the initial draw for Paige 鈥� as well as the extracurricular activities related to her cinema & television arts major were among those motivators.

鈥淢y biggest and most cherished extra-curricular activity was 黑料不打烊 Tonight,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 made some of my very best 黑料不打烊 friends in that group, earned my first directing and producing credits on 黑料不打烊 Tonight sets, and spent several seasons in what quickly became my favorite place to be: the writers鈥� room.鈥�

Paige was also an executive member of Cin黑料不打烊, worked with 黑料不打烊 football, was a resident advisor, and was a proud Kappa Delta.

鈥淭he resilience that I developed throughout my college experience has 100% stuck with me throughout my career,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 took a leap of faith into a new area of the theatre industry in 2021, and that choice has led me to the role I鈥檓 in today.鈥�

Paige dreamed about working in the Broadway industry her entire life and that dream finally came true when she got a position with the Broadcast Podcast Network (BPN). She managed the company’s social media for two years and then got a digital marketing managerial position.

鈥淚鈥檝e worked opening nights on Broadway, attended and covered the Tony Awards, and had my work celebrated by people I鈥檝e looked up to for years. It鈥檚 an absolute privilege to make my living as part of this industry,” said Paige, who even had the opportunity to produce promotional interviews with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked.” But a moment she’s most proud of is designing a billboard in Times Square this past fall.

“Pinch me,” she said, about getting to see her work in Times Square.

In the future, Paige hopes to become more involved in developing scripted audio content. Her growth during her tenure at BPN is thanks to the ambition she fostered at 黑料不打烊.

“I think the relationships built there 鈥� both among ambitious students, but also with professors who are active in their fields outside of the classroom 鈥� create an encouraging environment,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel very lucky to have learned from so many people during my time at 黑料不打烊.鈥�

While rewarding, Paige鈥檚 career is not without its challenges. It has been particularly difficult to adapting the live entertainment industry in a post-COVID world, especially working as a digital marketer.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been fascinating (and sometimes stressful) to watch audience trends pivot in the last few years,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 can definitely say that my learning experiences have not stopped after college!鈥�

Thankfully, 黑料不打烊 prepared Paige to be a lifelong learner and taught her the value of putting yourself out there. Fear is not entirely out of the picture, but 黑料不打烊 taught her that the benefits of taking control of your learning far outweigh the risks. Paige is a more confident professional as a result. She advises current students to take similar advantage of the environment that fostered her confidence.

鈥淜now that this degree and the experiences you choose to embrace while at 黑料不打烊 can do more things for you than you may have imagined,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he teenager who said a very enthusiastic 鈥榶es!鈥� to everything she could in college is definitely still in me, and I鈥檓 very thankful for all of her choices. Your dream does not need a backup plan. Just go for it!鈥�

Follow along as Paige pursues her dreams via her Instagram @MadPaigeProd.

When a trip to campus or an alumni chapter meet-up isn鈥檛 possible, 黑料不打烊-in-a-Box is there. And the best part? Alumni have total control over creating the events they want to attend.

鈥淲e didn’t really put any parameters on the initiative,鈥� Brown says. 鈥淲hatever you want it to be, it could be.鈥�

In collaboration with Alumni Engagement, this volunteer opportunity allows alumni to create no-cost get-togethers with a small group. You design the event and Alumni Engagement provides the materials necessary to facilitate an 黑料不打烊 experience wherever you are. Whether you鈥檙e just looking for 黑料不打烊 alumni in your area or have a specific activity in mind, this initiative is here to make it happen.

In short: Alumni Engagement ships you 黑料不打烊-in-a-box.

鈥淲hat excites me about 黑料不打烊-in-a-Box is the way that it connects you to 黑料不打烊,鈥� she says. “Part of what makes attending 黑料不打烊 so special is the small-group opportunities campus organizations provide students. The close-knit community this initiative fosters is something many alumni note missing after graduation. 黑料不打烊-in-a-box makes that feeling possible again.

鈥淢y hope for 黑料不打烊 in the box is that some people will reconnect,鈥� she says. In reaffirming their relationship to 黑料不打烊 through these events, Brown hopes that alumni of all ages and in all parts of the world will see that 黑料不打烊 is still 黑料不打烊, regardless of how much time has passed.

Interested in hosting an 黑料不打烊-in-a-Box? Contact Alumni Engagement at alumni@elon.edu.

鈥淚 grew up literally and figuratively in the outdoors,鈥� Lindberg says. 鈥淧lanting my tree after graduating in 2004 from undergraduate studies was impactful, and getting the opportunity to do so again after receiving my MBA almost 15 years later was something I very much looked forward to.鈥�

Like his two oaks, Lindberg’s career is also thriving. This fall, he was promoted to head of development operations at G1 Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating cutting-edge cancer treatments. This career advancement inspired him to reflect on his time at 黑料不打烊.

As a double major in accounting and business administration, Lindberg took advantage of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 cross-curricular approach. From dissecting cadavers to participating in a black box theater production, Lindberg tried it all. This, paired with the diverse people he met at 黑料不打烊, provided Lindberg with a dynamic understanding of the world.

鈥淸But] what 黑料不打烊 provided more than anything was a foundation of interpersonal skills intermixed with basic technical and educational abilities that positioned me to be able to insert myself into a variety of environments where I could quickly and easily become comfortable,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 like to think of my time at 黑料不打烊 as when I 鈥榣earned how to learn.鈥欌��

These experiences and Lindberg鈥檚 professional aspirations compelled him to return to campus for an MBA in 2015. Lindberg continued to progress in the life sciences with the help of his master鈥檚 degree and was recruited to G1 Therapeutics in 2022.

鈥淭he most rewarding part of the G1 story has been seeing the growth in the number of patients that are receiving our product,鈥� he says. 鈥淜nowing that patients are waiting inspires us to bring our very best each and every day.鈥�

Even as his career advances, Lindberg remains involved with his alma mater through the Martha & Spencer Love School of Business Graduate Alumni Board.

鈥淚t has been great to be engaged with the University at a different level 鈥� seeing the passion and ambition shared by the leaders of the LSB to continue to develop a thriving program is truly inspiring,” said Lindberg.

His experiences with 黑料不打烊 over the past two decades have proven to him the value of an 黑料不打烊 education.

鈥淲hat truly helps 黑料不打烊 alumni stand out is that they are exceptionally well rounded, aware of the world around them, and generally more dynamic,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think this is a byproduct of the engaged learning practices on campus. I鈥檝e heard the same from many past colleagues and business leaders.鈥�

In addition to taking advantage of all 黑料不打烊 has to offer, Lindberg advises current students to follow where their passions lead. 鈥淒o your best to get as deep and wide of a basic foundational understanding,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hen, aggressively pursue whatever provides you with the most motivation and excitement.鈥�

鈥淵ou鈥檙e one thousand times better regretting having done something than not having the courage to say yes to something,鈥� he adds. 鈥淭his is the time to think big, explore, pursue passions and take chances.鈥�

She wasted no time getting involved in the community she sought out.

鈥淲hile at 黑料不打烊, I was a student ambassador, copy editor for The Pendulum newspaper, an executive board member of the Black Cultural Society (now the Black Student Union), a DJ for WSOE and a member of the 黑料不打烊 Gospel Choir. I can’t sing, but they took me anyway,鈥� Newton said. 鈥淚 also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. my senior year.鈥� She loved campus traditions like the Black Excellence Awards dinner, which always brought her family to campus.

Newton was also a broadcast communications major, practically living in the McEwen Communications Building and editing labs.

鈥淥ne of the most challenging, yet rewarding, classes at 黑料不打烊 was a communications writing course,鈥� she said. 鈥淓very day, we were assigned a different newspaper to read, and then we were quizzed on any content from our reading. Little did I know, staying on top of news and current events would become a necessity for my professional career.鈥�

Even with all this experience, Newton鈥檚 post-grad transition was not ideal. Since she graduated during the financial crisis, jobs were hard to come by, and uncertainty was high. However, her unexpected time living at home and working a seasonal job at Kings Dominion did not last long.

鈥淲ithin three months, I moved to Washington, D.C., started a job at WTOP News, and enrolled in graduate school at Trinity Washington University,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ooking back on it, I鈥檓 so glad I went home for those three months. That鈥檚 time I鈥檒l never get back with my family, and I鈥檓 thankful for it now.鈥�

After receiving her master鈥檚 in communications and working in local news for eight years, Newton was ready to venture into national news. She joined C-SPAN in 2015 as a media relations specialist, where she鈥檚 responsible for getting the word out to journalists, Capitol Hill press secretaries and the public about all matters C-SPAN. This position has proved fruitful for Newton.

鈥淭he most rewarding parts of my career are the people I鈥檝e had the opportunity to meet and the places I鈥檝e had the opportunity to go,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith C-SPAN, I鈥檝e been in rooms I鈥檝e dreamt of and traveled to many cities and towns around the country, some for the first time.鈥�

Those travels included the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention this summer. There, Newton was responsible for recording video testimonials from attendees for C-SPAN鈥檚 Voices 2024 campaign.

鈥淐-SPAN鈥檚 skybox was full each night with special guests from cable affiliates and reporters to former C-SPAN employees and interns,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 enjoyed meeting so many new people and reconnecting with others I hadn鈥檛 seen in years.鈥�

Newton鈥檚 career has not been without its challenges, the greatest being the long days.

鈥淣ews is constant, and although I have normal working hours, anything can happen at any time which requires my team鈥檚 attention,” she said.

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