Roosevelt has a rich history of political activism, founded to promote accessible higher education for all, regardless of race, gender or social class. Notably, Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, was an alumnus, and this year Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered the Commencement address for the class of 2023. The faculty includes political commentators, public policy experts and social justice advocates, while students continue Roosevelt’s legacy by addressing peer needs through leadership in various organizations. Alumni graduate with a strong social justice mission at the heart of their education, which influences their careers, especially in journalism.
Roosevelt alumni are champions of journalistic integrity, from beat reporters to news anchors. With the Democratic National Convention recently held in Chicago and the 2024 Presidential election approaching in November, the Roosevelt community is actively engaged. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to vote and create a voting plan. The University will be closed on Election Day to ensure everyone can access the polls.
Journalists often hail from diverse majors such as journalism, English, communications, history, political science and public administration. Here are some recent accomplishments from our alumni in journalism:
Ameshia Cross (MPA, '12)
Ameshia Cross is a political analyst with the Sinclair Broadcasting Group, where she writes and produces her own show, Cross Point. Cross also leads media strategy and external affairs for the Education Trust. Previously, she was state policy director for the Pretrial Justice Institute, focusing on bail reform. Her nonprofit experience includes roles at the National Black Child Development Institute and Chicago Public Schools. Ameshia has also worked in communications for Vice President Al Gore, President Barack Obama and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She serves as a political commentator on cable news, SiriusXM and iHeart Radio.
In 2020, Cross moderated the final panel of The American Dream Reconsidered Conference at Roosevelt. Of her experience at the University, Cross says, “Young people are the folks who rise above and the people who push social change across this country.” She continues, “I’m proud, honored and thankful that Roosevelt continues to produce those young people and watch them grow.”
Alex V. Hernandez (BA, '09)
Alex V. Hernandez, originally from Chicago, has contributed to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, Chicago Magazine, City Bureau, In These Times and 90 Days, 90 Voices. He was a finalist for the 2017 Peter Lisagor Watchdog Award for creating an interactive Chicago Reporter database on police misconduct in Chicago. While studying at Roosevelt, he served as Editor in Chief of The Torch, the university’s official student newspaper since 1945. Currently, he is a reporter at Block Club Chicago, covering the Lincoln Square, North Center and Irving Park neighborhoods. You can follow him on Twitter/X @AVHndz.
Nicole Joseph (MSIMC, '10)
Nicole Joseph is a multimedia journalist at the Chicago Defender, with additional work featured on BlackDoctor.org. An accomplished integrated marketing communications strategist, she specializes in marketing, social media, communications, media and public relations. Fueled by a passion for storytelling, Nicole skillfully combines journalism, filmmaking and marketing communications to create engaging narratives across diverse platforms. She holds several journalism certificates, an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University and a BS in Sales & Marketing from Tuskegee University.
Samantha Latson (BA, '21)
Samantha Latson is a fellow at Politico. Previously, she was a breaking news reporter at the Kansas City Star and interned at the Washington Post as an Ida B. Wells and Ben Bradlee Fellow during both of her internships. She also contributed to the “Invasion of Faith Project” and served as a reporter/editor for the “Unforgotten 51 Project”, which created award-winning reports on the untold stories of murdered women in Chicago. Samantha has received first-place NABJ Salute to Excellence awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a master's degree in journalism from Indiana University in Bloomington.
Ricardo Torres (MS, '11)
Ricardo Torres is an award-winning reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where he covers significant stories like the Foxconn project. He earned the Roosevelt Young Professionals Award in 2020. Originally from Milwaukee, Ricardo completed his undergraduate degree in 2009 before pursuing a master’s in journalism at Roosevelt University. His education helped launch his successful career. He began at the Catholic Herald, reporting on immigration issues before joining the Racine Journal Times to focus on the Foxconn campus. Committed to social justice in his reporting, Ricardo believes it’s an exciting time to be a journalist due to better access to sources. He has received multiple awards, including the Racine Interfaith Coalition’s Outstanding Community Service Award, highlighting his impact in journalism.
