![\"Taylor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_TaylorInternDay.jpg\" "\\"Taylor")
Taylor Adams’ impact as a “GMA3” intern landed her in the spotlight. During National\n Intern Day, she was featured on national television alongside other standout interns
\n from across the country. Photo courtesy: Taylor Adams\/Disney<\/p>\n
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) has announced the 2025-2026 cohort of the Disney Storytellers Fund at
\n FAMU.<\/p>\n
The program empowers the next generation of storytellers by preparing students to
\n be leading communicators and innovators in journalism, public relations, and design
\n through academic engagement, professional development, and mentorship. The fund is
\n headed into its fifth year of supporting junior and senior scholars, who are also
\n eligible to gain experience at several of Disney\u2019s news brands.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s cohort members, slated to receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year,
\n plus an annual stipend, and hands-on, on-the-job training opportunities, include:<\/p>\n
Seanna Miller, junior, journalism<\/p>\n
Clarissa Elysee, junior, journalism<\/p>\n
Venecia Easter, senior, public relations<\/p>\n
Shayla Jones, junior, public relations<\/p>\n
Trinity Olivier, junior, journalism<\/p>\n
Andrew Watson, junior, graphic design\u00a0<\/p>\n
Terrill Smith, junior, graphic design\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yulissa Garcia-Martinez, senior, graphic design<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents selected to join the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU demonstrate strong
\n academic commitment and passion for multimedia journalism, communications, and visual
\n storytelling,\u201d said FAMU SJGC Dean\u00a0Mira Lowe. \u201cThese scholars have positioned themselves to benefit from the power of mentorship
\n and field experience. We are proud of their accomplishments and grateful to work with
\n Disney to expose them to some of the industry\u2019s top media experts and platforms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Taylor Adams’ impact as a “GMA3” intern landed her in the spotlight. During National
\n Intern Day, she was featured on national television alongside other standout interns
\n from across the country. Photo courtesy: Taylor Adams\/Disney<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s cohort members recently participated in immersive summer internships at
\n top news organizations within Disney\u2019s media content portfolio.<\/p>\n
As several of them returned to campus or started new endeavors after completing their
\n assignments, they shared their experiences, encouraging the newest cohort about what\u2019s
\n ahead.<\/p>\n
As a 2024-2025 participant,\u00a0Taylor Adams served as a second-hour production intern for ABC\u2019s \u201cGood Morning America\u201d and \u201cGMA3.\u201d
\n She described her experience as \u201cincredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Taylor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_TaylorGMADesk.jpg\" "\\"Taylor")
Taylor Adams had an “incredible” experience as a “GMA3” intern.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI gained valuable skills in anchor producing for \u2018GMA3,\u2019 coordinating segments, and
\n being able to adapt to the fast-paced world of live television. All that I have learned
\n at my internship has strengthened my passion for storytelling and on-air production,\u201d
\n said Adams, a senior journalism student, who is applying the tools she\u2019s gained to
\n her internship as this semester\u2019s FAMU football digital media strategist and sideline
\n reporter, and as a sports host for Word Around Campus\u2019 \u201cFirst Strike.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cSJGC and \u2018GMA\u2019 have taught me to tailor my craft and channel my passion
\n for storytelling.”<\/p>\n
![\"Kennedy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_DisneyKennedySign.jpg\" "\\"Kennedy")
Kennedy Richardson’s Disney experience empowered her dreams and strengthened her network,
\n providing a springboard for nex opportunities. (Photo special to FAMU)<\/p>\n
Kennedy Richardson,\u00a0a senior public relations student and Storytellers Fund participant last academic
\n year, interned with ABC News\u2019 \u201c20\/20.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Disney\/ABC experience has had such a positive impact on me,\u201d she said. \u201cI gained
\n valuable insight into production and learned what it takes to put a show together.
\n I also built meaningful connections both within and outside of The Walt Disney Company,
\n and the experience gave me the chance to live and work in New York City.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Professional](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_DisneyKennedy.jpg\" "\\"Kennedy")
Kennedy Richardson’s Disney experience empowered her dreams and strengthened her network,
\n providing a springboard for new opportunities. (Photo by Justyn Thomas)<\/p>\n
Richardson expressed gratitude for FAMU SJGC partnerships like the Disney Storytellers
\n Fund, which provides students with experiential learning resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate how the program prepares you for the real world,\u201d she said, adding that
\n with the skills she has gained from Disney and FAMU SJGC, she is better positioned
\n for success, including recently garnering an invitation to participate in the 2025
\n Black Sports Business Academy.<\/p>\n
![\"Ernest](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_ErnestWayans.jpg\" "\\"Ernest")
Ernest Walker III had the opportunity to pitch and produce content for the popular
\n “Nightline” show. He is pictured with actors Marlon Wayans (left) and Tyriq Withers,
\n stars of the movie “HIM.” (Photo special to FAMU)<\/p>\n
Ernest Walker III\u00a0represented the 2024-2025 cohort as a production intern at ABC\u2019s \u201cNightline.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve loved my time at \u2018Nightline.\u2019 The team has been very supportive, collaborative,
\n and open to new ideas,\u201d said Walker, who graduated within just three and a half years
\n from the journalism program with honors in spring 2025. \u201cMy crowning achievement so
\n far was pitching my own story idea and being able to produce it. It aired recently
\n and was an interview with Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, the two stars of the newly
\n released film \u2018Him.’\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker was also selected to work with \u201cGMA\u201d for several weeks earlier in the summer
\n to help with rehearsals for ABC\u2019s newly unveiled studio, including serving as a stand-in
\n for host Michael Strahan in preparation for the show.<\/p>\n
![\"Ernest](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_ErnestNightline.jpg\" "\\"Ernest")
Ernest Walker III immersed himself in his “Nightline” experience. (Photo special to
\n FAMU)<\/p>\n
As a result of his contributions as an intern, he was offered the opportunity to continue
\n in his role through January.<\/p>\n
He said he is \u201cbeyond grateful\u201d to benefit from the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU.<\/p>\n
Adams and Richardson will continue to participate in the Disney Storytellers Fund
\n as returning cohort members. They will be accompanied by other FAMU SJGC students
\n who were part of last year\u2019s group, including:<\/p>\n
Hannah Kirby, a senior journalism student, who worked with ABC News Talent Development as a booking Naji Rutherford, a senior journalism student, who served as a production intern for ABC News Live Tai Johnson,\u00a0a senior graphic design student, who will start her internship experience this year.<\/p>\n Learn more about the Disney Storytellers Fund at FAMU and its criteria here.<\/p>\n Media Contact:\u00a0 Kanya Simon Stewart
\n intern. (Her Disney experience was highlighted by the University recently\u00a0here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n
\n Reports.<\/p>\n![\"Collage](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024x768_DisneyCollage.jpg\" "\\"Disney")
Hannah Kirby (top) and Naji Rutherford (right) enjoy their respective experiences
\n in talent development and live news from the media capital of the world, New York.
\n Tai Johnson, (bottom) is preparing to begin her internship experience as a returning
\n Disney Storytellers Fund cohort member. (Photos special to FAMU)\n <\/p>\n
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
Communications Consultant & Strategist
School of Journalism & Graphic Communication
kanya.stewart@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n