Hello and Welcome from Your New Leadership
Hello, Chicago journalism community!
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Stephanie Choporis, and I’m the current president of the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s an absolute honor to lead one of Chicago’s oldest organizations of journalists.
CJA has been near and dear to me since I joined the organization as the inaugural Associate Board Chairman in 2014. During my time in this role, I organized journalism events/workshops for aspiring journalists. I loved creating opportunities to equip fellow young journalists with new knowledge and skills. The best part was always hearing how much attendees appreciated these events. It made me want to work harder and provide even more opportunities for aspiring and veteran journalists alike. I promise to bring that same level of passion and determination to my new role.
As the youngest president in CJA’s 84-year history, representing all of Chicago is a huge responsibility and one that I don’t take lightly. I already have several ideas that I am working to implement, but I can’t do this alone.
CJA is the grandfather organization of Chicago journalism and therefore represents ALL Chicago journalists. My goal is to better serve all of you. If you have ideas for new things that you’d like to see from CJA, please send them our way! I will do my best to consider and honor all feedback. You can learn more about our new Board of Directors here and reach us at chicagocja@gmail.com.
I follow in the footsteps of two great leaders, our president emeriti: Maudlyne Ihejirika and Allen Rafalson. I can’t thank them enough for all that they have taught me along the way. Allen, my first CJA mentor, would always leave us with these inspirational words: “Onward and upward.” I will maintain that tradition.
Stay tuned for more announcements soon! I look forward to all that we can accomplish together.
Onward and upward,
Stephanie Choporis
President
Chicago Journalists Association