Director Shardae Brown and Documenters Program Manager Sana Silvera-Roy prepare to lead the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative's next chapter in strengthening local news and civic engagement.
A new leadership team for the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC) initiative at Queens University of Charlotte has been named, marking a new chapter for the CJC, reaffirming the university’s long-term commitment to strengthening local journalism, civic engagement and journalism education.
Shardae Brown has been named director of the CJC, while Sana Silvera-Roy will serve as the inaugural Charlotte documenters program manager. Together, they will lead the CJC’s continued work connecting local news organizations, community institutions and residents while expanding opportunities for civic participation.
Chris Rudisill, who has led the CJC since 2020, will transition into a Senior Advisor role to support the leadership transition and ensure continuity as the new team assumes responsibility for the collaborative’s growing programs and partnerships.
“This is an exciting moment, not only because of two outstanding hires, but because it reflects our continued investment in the CJC’s work and its impact in the community,” said Sarah Fatherly, provost at Queens University. “The Charlotte Journalism Collaborative has become an essential part of Charlotte’s local news ecosystem, and we’re thrilled to welcome Shardae and Sana as they help lead its next chapter.”
Since its launch in 2019, the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative has grown into one of the nation’s most respected local journalism collaborations. Bringing together local news organizations, universities, libraries, and community organizations, the CJC has expanded collaborative reporting, convened community conversations through the annual Local News Impact Summit, developed innovative civic information resources, strengthened student journalism, and recently launched Charlotte Documenters – a resident-powered initiative that trains and pays community members to document local government meetings.
The creation of a full-time director position through Queens University’s Knight School of Communication reflects the university’s commitment to making the CJC an important part of its journalism and civic engagement mission.
About the New Leadership
CJC Director Shardae Brown brings more than 15 years of experience leading projects, programs and teams across the corporate, nonprofit, government and community sectors. Her work is rooted in a human-centered approach that recognizes the power of personal narrative to strengthen organizations and communities. Brown is the co-founder of the community-based production company Epoch Tribe, which has put Charlotte’s Black stories at the forefront of the stage, including through “I Am Queen: Charlotte” where hundreds of women have shared their stories.
Brown studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before earning a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and a Master of Education from Northeastern University. She is passionate about history, culture and community, and says her love of legacy is the driving force behind both her personal and professional life.
“As someone who believes deeply in the power of community, collaboration and storytelling, I’m honored to join the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative,” Brown said. “The CJC has built an extraordinary foundation, and I look forward to working alongside our partners to strengthen local journalism, expand civic participation and ensure every resident has access to trusted local information.”
Charlotte Documenters Program Manager Sana Silvera-Roy joins the CJC with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, higher education, media relations and community engagement.
Most recently serving as media relations specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Silvera-Roy has also held communication roles with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, WXII 12 News and was an assignment desk editor at WSOC Channel 9. She currently teaches communications as an adjunct instructor at Central Piedmont Community College.
She holds a Master of Science in Strategic Communication from Troy University, a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Trinity University and is an AI Champion Ambassador.
“Charlotte Documenters is about empowering residents to better understand and engage with local government,” Silvera-Roy said. “I’m excited to help build a network of community members who are invested in strengthening civic participation while supporting local journalism.”
A Thoughtful Transition
Rudisill will continue serving as senior advisor during the transition, providing strategic guidance while supporting Brown, Silvera-Roy and Queens as they continue expanding the CJC’s work.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our partners have built together over the past six years,” Rudisill said. “Seeing Queens deepen its commitment to the CJC and welcome leaders like Shardae and Sana gives me tremendous confidence in its future.”
Today, the CJC includes Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, The Charlotte Observer, the Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte, La Noticia, QCity Metro, QNotes, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, WCNC Charlotte, and WFAE, alongside dozens of community partners working together to strengthen Charlotte’s local news ecosystem.
“The CJC has always been built on the belief that no single newsroom, university or community organization can meet today’s information challenges alone,” Brown said. “That belief remains unchanged, and I’m excited to continue building on that shared commitment.”