Bonita Sostre, current president of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) and a coordinating producer at CBS News has had an amazing career, which kicked off shortly after her graduation from Hampton University. As she ascended up the corporate ladder, she became committed to fighting the good fight for fledgling journalists and keeping active in her chapter as well as volunteering her services to the national organization. Currently a candidate for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Secretary in the organization’s upcoming election, she emphasized her ability to manage communication through newsletters, emails, and social media, are skills she believes will be valuable if she’s elected to the board in August 2025. Sostre also shared her pride in the chapter winning the Professional Chapter of the Year in 2024, a first since 2013, and detailed successful events, including partnerships with Amazon and networking opportunities at prestigious venues. She expressed her commitment to balancing virtual and in-person events to cater to all members’ needs.
NYABJ Board Members Will Patterson and Bill Allen share a candid moment with President Bonita Sostre at the 2025 Juneteenth Gala. Photo courtesy Darrell T. Hazelwood/NYABJ
Sostre discussed the chapter’s First Take high school journalism program, which has been running for over 30 years and provides students with opportunities to learn about various media careers through a 6-week intensive workshop. She highlighted the program’s partnership with the Bronx, NY Borough President’s office and the scholarships students receive upon completion. They also discussed the Juneteenth Gala, a major fundraiser for the organization that has raised over $100,000 in the past three years, featuring awards for journalists and a cocktail hour and seated dinner.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BONITA SOSTRE AND HER RUN FOR AN NABJ POSITION AND MORE!
Bonita Sostre is presented a special award at the 2025 NYABJ Juneteenth Gala while board members Will Patterson, Diane King Hall, and Cynthia Horner smile with pride. Photo credit: KENTHEPHOTOGRAPHER
