Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist Teaches Refugees Across the Globe
There are moments in a young journalist’s life that quietly reshape how they see the world. Participating in a recent class with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist
Kent Kobersteen was Director of Photography and Senior Editor at National Geographic magazine from February 1998 until January 2005. He joined the National Geographic in 1983 as a picture editor. Before joining the National Geographic, Kobersteen spent eighteen years at the Minneapolis Tribune. While at the Minneapolis Tribune, Kobersteen won numerous awards for his photography. A series on the drought in Africa’s Sahel, another on Cuba under Castro, a third on the major oil producing nations, and a fourth series on global poverty each received recognition from groups such as the Overseas Press Club and the National Press Photographers Association. During his tenure at the National Geographic, the magazine won the prestigious National Magazine Award for Photography five times and was a finalist an additional eight years. Kobersteen has lectured and participated in workshops and seminars on photography, journalism ethics, editing and newspaper production throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. Kobersteen is a graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. He and his wife share their time between Northern Virginia and Southern California.
Angela Madison holds a position in External and Legislative Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve). Prior to that, she was Chief of Staff for Caltrans Legislative Affairs. Also an accomplished journalist, Madison began her career in Chicago as a professional print journalist in the late 1990s. She led a news desk for the North Texas ABC station (WFAA) championing impactful digital, social media and on-air news stories, in addition to her own weekly on-air and digital segments. Prior to entering CA State service, Angela formed a consulting firm in 2014 where she built a client roster that included charter schools, Dallas Police Department, OSCAR qualifying films, professional athletes, and state politicians. She eventually formed a partnership with the National Football League to develop, staff and secure distribution deals for original content she created. The avid philanthropist is currently serving her second of a three-year commission on the Internal Revenue Service’s Taxpayer Advocacy Panel as the National Vice-Chair. She also believes in a global investment in our integrative future together. Angela fosters a People/Planet/True Value return on investment with social & financial investment in climate defense protocols in all we do, together. Her motto is, “We are all connected – Being kind to you is being kind to me and it is free.” Angela holds a B.A. in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago, a B.S. in Strategic Marking at Hampton University, and a M.S. in Sports Management at Texas Woman’s University (TWU). She completed her graduate studies at the UNLV Boyd School of Law, as well as a doctoral program in Health and Nutrition at TWU. Angela’s hobbies and interests include learning, traveling abroad, reading, cycling, legislation, media training, and clean eating.
Pat Keith is an educator and business executive with experience in building education-to-business relationships, and teaching at the secondary, undergraduate, and graduate level. As an educator, Pat taught high school English and Biology. Pat has an MBA with concentrations in business and economic theory. He also taught undergraduate and graduate courses for the University of Phoenix. Pat has worked in Operations/Research and Development, Organizational Auditing, Technology, and Education. He was frequently called upon to provide lectures and educational seminars at the state and federal level to auditors and managers. Pat has advised corporate executives on maximizing organizational performance. He successfully led and managed engagements with companies such as Exon Mobile and Bell Canada. His background in adult learning enabled him to effectively guide executives toward rapid personal development and corporate improvement. Pat is a professional photographer with a passion for teaching young people the technical and artistic components of photography.
Amanda Achterkirch has a demonstrated history of working in the education management and human resources industries with a strong passion for engaged, equitable, and inclusive practices to strengthen employee/employer connections. She was formerly an educational recruiter with Intermediate District 287 in Minnesota, which serves 11 member school districts in Minnesota. The district’s mission is to be the premier provider of innovative specialized services to ensure each member district can meet the unique learning needs of its students. Achterkirch has been working in HR and Talent Acquisition since 2011. She currently runs MinneHR Insights and is currently focusing on providing personalized and simple HR solutions for businesses and corporations. Achterkirch graduated with an MBA from Hamline University and a bachelor’s degree in Gender and Women's Studies, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Caden Choi is a student journalist and photographer. She founded Educada after recognizing that young people like her are surrounded by social media, yet struggle to distinguish credible information from misinformation. She also observed that many students, especially in rural and underserved regions, had little exposure to professional journalism. Determined to bridge that gap, she created Educada to connect students directly with journalists, global reporting, and writing workshops needed to critically analyze the media they encounter every day. Educada helps students not only understand the stories shaping their world, but also discover their own ability to tell them. Caden sees firsthand how powerful journalism can illuminate overlooked communities and inspire meaningful dialogue. Her team brings journalists and educators directly into classrooms, helping students analyze current events, ask critical questions, and recognize their own potential as storytellers. By exposing students to underreported stories and teaching them how journalism functions, Educada empowers young people to move beyond passive media consumption and become thoughtful participants in public dialogue.
Eduardo Ventura is a high school student from Riverside County, California. As a student activist, he loves to take on initiatives that impact the lives of fellow youth. Eduardo has participated in multiple public speaking competitions and leadership conferences through his local FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. Through this organization, Eduardo has been selected as a regional/state delegate and has traveled to the state capitol and to other parts California, voting for new laws and candidates. By working as a team leader and organizer, he hopes to lay down the path for the growth of this student-led organization. Eduardo has also advocated for Catholic youth by meeting with California government officials and providing a Catholic perspective on potential legislative issues.
There are moments in a young journalist’s life that quietly reshape how they see the world. Participating in a recent class with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist
Across the country, communities are facing a growing crisis: the disappearance of local news. As legacy outlets shrink or shut down, “news deserts” are expanding—leaving
Students Explore the Power of Media and Film in Journalism Educator Rosalia Soria once sat in the same classrooms her students now fill at Bridge
Educada proudly organized a special journalist visit for Stewart County Knights—middle and high school students eager to explore the world of journalism. The visit featured a
Over 100 students in Colleton County, South Carolina, recently participated in an unforgettable educational experience centered around the life of Omar Ibn Said, a prominent
