Kopenhaver Center

02/20/2026

Happy Black History Month ⭐️
At the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication, we proudly celebrate the legacy, leadership, and continued impact of Black women who are shaping the future of journalism, media, and civic storytelling.
Today, we highlight Samantha Ragland, Senior Vice President of Journalism Programs at the American Press Institute, whose work centers on strengthening local journalism, supporting newsroom leaders, and advancing more equitable and sustainable media ecosystems.
As Samantha has shared in conversation with the Kopenhaver Center, journalism is strongest when it is rooted in trust, community, and purpose a guiding principle that continues to shape her leadership and impact across the industry.
Through her dedication to empowering journalists, elevating inclusive leadership, and reimagining the future of news, Samantha exemplifies the Kopenhaver Center’s mission to prepare, empower, and advance women leaders in communication.
We celebrate her voice, her leadership, and her continued influence on journalism and the communities it serves.

02/13/2026

Happy Black History Month⭐️

At the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication, we proudly celebrate the legacy, leadership, and continued impact of Black women who are shaping the future of media and storytelling.

Today, we highlight Alex Finnie, award-winning journalist and WPLG Local 10 Anchor, whose work exemplifies the power of authentic storytelling, community connection, and purpose-driven journalism.

As Alex reminds future communicators, “There’s only one you, so what are you waiting for?”
Through her commitment to telling meaningful community stories and elevating diverse voices, Alex represents the very mission of the Kopenhaver Center to prepare, empower, and advance women leaders who will shape the future of communication.
We celebrate her voice, her journey, her leadership, and her continued impact on journalism and the communities she serves.

02/12/2026

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and media leader, Marian Chia-Ming (柳家明) Liu, for an insightful session on adapting your journalism toolkit. This talk, "From Skills to Strategy: Evolving Your Journalism Toolkit for the Next Era of News," will offer practical strategies for continuous learning, professional growth, and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of communication.
🗓️ Feb 19, 2026
⏰10:00 AM EST
📍Virtual

02/11/2026

🌟 Big Ideas from Exceptional Women: Amy Driscoll 🌟
In this inspiring talk, Amy Driscoll, Opinion Editor at the Miami Herald and Pulitzer Prize winner, shares her insights on success and the importance of perseverance.
Watch the full video to hear more from Amy Driscoll and get inspired to reach your goals!
FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts

02/06/2026

Happy Black History Month⭐️This month we are shedding a light on the remarkable Black women that continue to contribute to the advancement of women in communication.
Today we honor our 2022 Virgil and Joann Smith Thought Leaders Forum Key Note Speaker: Marsheila J. Hayes. Marsheila currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Culture, Belonging, and Outreach at FOX Corporation as well as a Kopenhaver Center Leadership Council member. During this Thought Leaders Forum Marsheila shared critical insights on navigating a career in modern media. You can revisit her impactful speech here 👉carta.fiu.edu/kopenhavercenter

02/04/2026

🎓🐾 FIU Panther Alumni Week Spotlight 🐾🎓
This Panther Alumni Week, we celebrate Graciela Martin’22, FIU alumna, landscape architect, and storyteller whose journey embodies mentorship, community, and purpose-driven leadership.  A graduate of FIU’s master’s in landscape architecture and a cohort member of the 2022 Kopenhaver Center Leadership Boot Camp, Graciela continues to inspire through her work and The Green Side podcast, uplifting diverse voices and future leaders. 💛💙
 
CreativeForcesAtWork

02/04/2026

🎙️ Proud to spotlight our Women on the Mic host, Stephanie Bertini!

Two weeks ago, Stephanie—award-winning journalist and host of the Kopenhaver Center’s Women on the Mic—was featured on a new podcast episode hosted by Maggie Castellon in collaboration with FIU Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator.

In this conversation, Stephanie shares powerful insights on the impact of AI in newsrooms, the rise of virtual anchors and reporters, and her journey as a journalist from Miami to New York—along with the meaningful stories that have shaped her career.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2vvDdoLZl2i270xLDW98ln?si=41Cd8nglTQSs01zMZmZwAQ&nd=1&dlsi=7d679e4725e14030
🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform.

College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts

Tech Conversations at FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator · Episode

02/03/2026

So much talent in one room 🎥🔥The Kopenhaver Center, in collaboration with and , had an amazing time hosting the 7th Annual ASFI Film Festival! Talented middle and high school filmmakers from across Miami-Dade County came together to showcase their passion, storytelling, and creativity. Check out our recap to relive all the excitement!

02/02/2026

On January 29, 2026, the Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center opened its new space to the FIU community and its stakeholders.
We also took the time to recognize an absolute trailblazer in the world of communication, journalism, and education—Dr. Dianne Lynch, our 2025 Woman of Distinction.
Dr. Lynch was President of Stephens College for 16 years and also serves on the Leadership Council for the Kopenhaver Center. Thank you Dr. Lynch for your continued support, dedication, and commitment to the advancement of women in communication.

01/16/2026

The Kopenhaver Center is proud to partner with and the After School Film Institute ( ) for the 7th Annual Future in Films Festival. This festival brings together talented middle and high school students from Miami-Dade County to share their creativity and passion for filmmaking. With the help of ASFI, students are mentored by film and production experts who equip them with the skills and vision to shape the future of storytelling through film.
🗓️ Jan 30th, 2026
⏰10:00 AM EST
📍FIU BBC Wolfe University Center, Mary Anne Wolfe Theatre

01/14/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate Janet Rivera-Hernandez in her new role at Mastercard, leading Employee Engagement, Culture, and People & Capabilities Communications globally. What an exciting and well-deserved next chapter after more than 20 years of impactful leadership across Latin America and the Caribbean!
As a valued member of the Kopenhaver Center Leadership Council, she embodies the power of people-centered leadership, cultural connection, and purpose. We are proud to see her take this incredible step and continue shaping workplaces and communities around the world!

01/12/2026

Last Friday marked an inspiring milestone as the newly appointed 25th President of Stephens College, Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen, visited the Kopenhaver Center's new space.

This visit wasn’t just a tour; it was a connection of purpose, progress, and possibility. Together, the Kopenhaver at Stephens and the Kopenhaver Center are strengthening their shared mission by advancing women’s leadership and exploring new opportunities.