The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) has announced the 2026-2027 cohort of the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU.
The program empowers the next generation of storytellers by preparing students to be leading communicators and innovators in journalism, public relations, and design through academic engagement, professional development, and mentorship. The fund is headed into its fifth year of supporting junior and senior scholars, who are also eligible to gain experience at several of Disney’s news brands.
This year’s cohort members, slated to receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year, plus an annual stipend, and hands-on, on-the-job training opportunities, include:
- Seanna Miller, junior, journalism
- Clarissa Elysee, junior, journalism
- Venecia Easter, senior, public relations
- Shayla Jones, junior, public relations
- Trinity Olivier, junior, journalism
- Andrew Watson, junior, graphic design
- Terrill Smith, junior, graphic design
- Yulissa Garcia-Martinez, senior, graphic design
“Students selected to join the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU demonstrate strong academic commitment and passion for multimedia journalism, communications, and visual storytelling,” said FAMU SJGC Dean Mira Lowe. “These scholars have positioned themselves to benefit from the power of mentorship and field experience. We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful to work with Disney to expose them to some of the industry’s top media experts and platforms.”
Last year’s cohort members recently participated in immersive summer internships at top news organizations within Disney’s media content portfolio.
As several of them returned to campus or started new endeavors after completing their assignments, they shared their experiences, encouraging the newest cohort about what’s ahead.
Taylor Adams’ impact as a “GMA3” intern landed her in the spotlight. During National Intern Day, she was featured on national television alongside other standout interns from across the country. Photos courtesy: Taylor Adams/Disney.
As a 2024-2025 participant, Taylor Adams served as a second-hour production intern for ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “GMA3.” She described her experience as “incredible.”
“I gained valuable skills in anchor producing for “GMA3,” coordinating segments, and being able to adapt to the fast-paced world of live television. All that I have learned at my internship has strengthened my passion for storytelling and on-air production,” said Adams, a senior journalism student, who is applying the tools she’s gained to her internship as this semester’s FAMU football digital media strategist and sideline reporter, and as a sports host for Word Around Campus’ “First Strike.”
She added, “SJGC and ‘GMA’ have taught me to tailor my craft and channel my passion for storytelling.”
Kennedy Richardson, a senior public relations student and Storytellers Fund participant last academic year, interned with ABC News’ “20/20.”
“The Disney/ABC experience has had such a positive impact on me,” she said. “I gained valuable insight into production and learned what it takes to put a show together. I also built meaningful connections both within and outside of The Walt Disney Company, and the experience gave me the chance to live and work in New York City.”
Kennedy Richardson’s Disney experience empowered her dreams and strengthened her network, providing a springboard for new opportunities. Top photo: Courtesy of Kennedy Richardson/Disney. Left photo: Justyn Thomas.
Richardson expressed gratitude for FAMU SJGC partnerships like the Disney Storytellers Fund, which provides students with experiential learning resources.
“I appreciate how the program prepares you for the real world,” she said, adding that with the skills she has gained from Disney and FAMU SJGC, she is better positioned for success, including recently garnering an invitation to participate in the 2025 Black Sports Business Academy.
Ernest Walker III represented the 2024-2025 cohort as a production intern at ABC’s “Nightline.”
“I’ve loved my time at ‘Nightline.’ The team has been very supportive, collaborative, and open to new ideas,” said Walker, who graduated within just three and a half years from the journalism program with honors in spring 2025. “My crowning achievement so far was pitching my own story idea and being able to produce it. It aired recently and was an interview with Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, the two stars of the newly released film ‘Him.'”
Ernest Walker III had the opportunity to pitch and produce content for the popular “Nightline” show. He is pictured left with actors Marlon Wayans & Tyriq Withers, stars of the movie “HIM.” Photos courtesy: Ernest Walker III/Disney.
Walker was also selected to work with “GMA” for several weeks earlier in the summer to help with rehearsals for ABC’s newly unveiled studio, including serving as a stand-in for host Michael Strahan in preparation for the show.
As a result of his contributions as an intern, he was offered the opportunity to continue in his role through January.
He said he is “beyond grateful” to benefit from the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU.
Adams and Richardson will continue to participate in the Disney Storytellers Fund as returning cohort members. They will be accompanied by other FAMU SJGC students who were part of last year’s group, including:
- Hannah Kirby, a senior journalism student, who worked with ABC News Talent Development as a booking intern. (Her Disney experience was highlighted by the University recently here.)
- Naji Rutherford, a senior journalism student, who served as a production intern for ABC News Live Reports.
- Tai Johnson, a senior graphic design student, who will start her internship experience this year.
Naji Rutherford (left) and Hannah Kirby (center) enjoy their respective experiences in talent development and live news from the media capital of the world, New York. Tai Johnson (right) is preparing to begin her internship experience as a returning Disney Storytellers Fund cohort member. Photos: Courtesy Naji Rutherford and Hannah Kirby/Disney; Justyn Thomas.
Learn more about the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU and its criteria here.
