National Press Club Awards Lewis Scholarship to Zora Shakhan
The National Press Club has named Zora Shakhan the fall 2024 recipient of its Lewis Scholarship, a program created to support student journalists of color. The award provides a $4,000 stipend and housing in Washington, D.C., so recipients can take on internships that build skills, confidence, and a professional network.
Internship with SiriusXM in Washington, D.C.
Shakhan will spend the semester interning at SiriusXM, stepping into the fast-paced world of audio and digital media in the nation’s capital. A rising senior at Wittenberg University majoring in communications, digital media, and journalism, she’s distinguished herself through strong academics and inventive storytelling—work that points to both discipline and curiosity.
Grounded Experience as an Editorial Intern
Most recently, Shakhan completed an editorial internship at Cox Enterprises. There, she covered community events including Pride and the Clark County Fair, learning to report on people and places with care and specificity. Those assignments sharpened her reporting and writing, and they deepened a goal she keeps returning to: elevating voices that too often go unheard.
A Commitment to Amplifying Diverse Voices
In her application essay, Shakhan was clear about why journalism matters to her: it’s a way to challenge bias and build understanding. “I envision a career in journalism where I can amplify underrepresented voices and challenge prevailing biases,” she wrote. She sees reporting as a bridge—one that can connect communities through shared humanity and everyday stories that reveal what people have in common.
Active Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Her work doesn’t stop at coursework. On campus, Shakhan tutors at the Writing Center, helping peers find clarity on the page. She also develops social media strategies for Wittenberg’s communications office, translating institutional goals into posts people want to read. In addition, she plays a leadership role in Shades of Pearls, an organization dedicated to connecting African American and Hispanic women, strengthening community through mentorship and mutual support.
Endorsements from Professors and Mentors
Faculty and supervisors describe Shakhan as steady, thoughtful, and eager to learn. Karen L. Gerboth, vice president of marketing and communications at Wittenberg University, praised her initiative and creativity: “Zora has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, demonstrating thoughtfulness in her approach to every task.” That feedback reflects what people who’ve worked with her routinely note—she shows up prepared, follows through, and finds ways to lift the work of others around her.
The Lewis Scholarship’s Growing Legacy
Established in 2022 by the family of former Washington correspondent Robert “Bob” D.G. Lewis, the Lewis Scholarship is awarded each semester to one undergraduate student journalist of color. Its purpose is simple and powerful: remove barriers so students can gain experience through internships in Washington, D.C. The program continues the Lewis family’s commitment to expanding representation in media, building on earlier efforts to open doors for students of color.
What Comes Next
As she prepares for her internship, Shakhan is focused on learning with purpose and taking on new challenges. Emily Wilkins, president of the National Press Club, put it plainly: “Zora is a rising star who is not afraid to step out of her comfort zone and take on new challenges.” With the scholarship’s support—and the track record she’s already built—Shakhan is well positioned to contribute to the field and to the audiences she serves. The work ahead won’t be easy. But it will matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lewis Scholarship?
The Lewis Scholarship is a National Press Club program that supports student journalists of color with a $4,000 stipend and housing in Washington, D.C., so they can accept semester-long internships and gain real newsroom experience.
Who is Zora Shakhan?
Zora Shakhan is a rising senior at Wittenberg University majoring in communications, digital media, and journalism. She’s the fall 2024 Lewis Scholarship recipient, recognized for strong storytelling, leadership, and a clear commitment to public-interest reporting.
Where will Shakhan intern during the scholarship?
She will intern at SiriusXM in Washington, D.C., using the semester to learn inside a major media organization and deepen her reporting and production skills.
What prior journalism experience does she bring?
Shakhan recently served as an editorial intern at Cox Enterprises, where she covered community events such as Pride and the Clark County Fair—work that sharpened her reporting, writing, and sense of audience.
How does the scholarship help students get started in media?
By covering housing and providing a stipend, the scholarship reduces financial barriers to internships in Washington, D.C., giving students crucial on-the-job experience, mentorship, and access to professional networks.
