The Texas Tribune has recently welcomed eleven promising college students and recent graduates into its fellowship program, marking a significant step in nurturing the next generation of journalists. This summer, these emerging talents will assist the nonprofit newsroom in navigating the fast-paced landscape of breaking news, political developments, and the challenges faced by Texas media outlets.
The fellowship program provides paid opportunities for young professionals to engage in various roles, support signature events, broaden audience engagement, and enhance the in-depth coverage for which the Tribune is known. The organization invites everyone to extend a warm welcome to these bright individuals joining the team.
Meet the Fellows
Ellie Ashby, based in Austin, serves as a reporting fellow with both the Texas Tribune and Religion News Service. A 2024 graduate of Harvard College, she previously contributed to The Harvard Crimson as a member of the editorial board, focusing on campus religion coverage. Ellie also holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School, with an emphasis on American religious history and evangelicalism. Originally from Houston, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Kaiden Chandler, another talented fellow, focuses on product development at The Texas Tribune. Passionate about the significance of local news, he merges design, technology, and journalism to connect audiences with vital information. Before joining the Tribune, Kaiden held various design and product roles at the Ithaca Times and the Connecticut Examiner. He is currently pursuing a degree in communication strategy and design at Ithaca College and enjoys distance running and reading.
Spanish reporter Alejandro Santos Cid combines narrative journalism with coverage of violence, organized crime, human rights, migration, and countercultural movements. He worked at El País in Mexico City from 2021 to 2025 and has received several accolades, including the Mexican National Journalism Award in 2023. Alejandro’s work has been featured in international publications, and he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in bilingual journalism at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism while based in Austin this summer.
Photography fellow Aiden Gonzalez hails from Irving and is a recent graduate in photojournalism from the University of North Texas. He has an impressive portfolio, having served as photo editor for the university’s student newspaper and held various roles in the university’s student-led photo agency. Aiden’s work has resulted in over 300 published photographs, and he is also involved with the university’s National Press Photographer Association chapter.
Sam Habashy, a reporting fellow based in Washington, D.C., covers Texas’ congressional delegation. A Dallas native, she recently graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in journalism and international relations. Sam is the founder of Northwestern’s chapter of the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists’ Association and has contributed to several news outlets, including The Daily Northwestern and the Indianapolis Star.
Juliana Lightsey serves as an audience engagement fellow in Austin. A recent Rice University graduate, she studied English, political science, and social policy, while also managing the university’s student newspaper. Previously, she interned at the Houston Chronicle and worked with other media organizations, enhancing her experience in audience engagement.
General assignment reporting fellow Katlyn Ma, who is also based in Austin, graduated from the Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism at Columbia University. With experience at the Financial Times and MS NOW, she brings valuable insights to her role. Originally from Brooklyn, Katlyn enjoys knitting and listening to podcasts in her spare time.
Graphic design fellow Itzel Mazariego is based in Houston and recently graduated from the University of Houston, where she focused on art and advertising. Her experience includes internships in graphic design and leadership roles in student competitions. In her free time, Itzel enjoys movies, printmaking, and spending time with her dog, Max.
Nneoma Mgboji is a marketing and communications fellow in Austin, currently a senior at the University of North Texas, where she studies public relations. She has volunteered for her campus television station and worked in various marketing roles. Nneoma enjoys movies and exploring creative projects in her leisure time.
Sophia Nabours, based in Austin, is a video engagement fellow with a background in multimedia journalism and criminology from the University of Arkansas. As editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, she leads efforts in digitally translating stories for the student audience. Sophia has previously worked in data journalism and enjoys playing the drums and city exploration.
Hien An Ngo, a data visuals fellow, brings experience from internships at CNN and NBCU Local, where she focused on data reporting. A graduate of George Washington University, Hien An studied data science and political science. Originally from Paris and raised in Chicago, she is fluent in Vietnamese and continues to work from Washington, D.C.
