TCR Welcomes Fellows to Summer Internship Program
The Chicago Reporter (TCR) is pleased to announce the recent appointments to its summer Fellows Program 2023. Following a period of fellowship being conducted virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s students will work in a new hybrid style, either remotely or on site.
This year’s students are from Indiana, Chicago and the District of Columbia. The fellows will work on projects in guided collaboration with our media lab partners.
The Fellowship Program is a springboard for a more diverse generation of investigative journalists. This prestigious paid program offers hands-on experience working at the forefront of social justice and is designed to harness the potential of rising young voices and leaders in the journalism and policy space.
Nour Al Hajjeh
Nour Al Hajjeh is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Minor in Biology from Valparaiso University. She comes to TCR through the CAPS (Calling and Purpose in Society) Fellows Program at Valparaiso University. Hajjeh’s experience includes work with the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., where she served as a Young Global Professional at the Middle East Center.
Hajjeh’s put her interest in foreign policy and curiosity about national politics to work for her district representative’s congressional office, and assisted efforts with the refugee settlement process as an intern at the Chicagoland Immigrant Welcome Network. At Valparaiso University, she worked as an International Student Ambassador at the Office of Multicultural Programs.
Hajjeh’s said of her fellowship at the Reporter, “My purpose now and in the future is to play an essential role in advancing human rights protection and bringing justice to the world.”
In her free time, Hajjeh enjoys listening to music and playing the guitar.
Zachary Leiter
Zachary Leiter is a student at the University of Chicago majoring in Political Science.
Leiter’s interest in journalism began in high school, while editing his school newspaper and writing opinion columns on topics ranging from state-run lotteries to dark-money political financing (PACs).
The Associate Editor of The Chicago Maroon, Leiter reported on campus and Chicago events for its news sections. Leiter put his passion for policy to work for Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, drafting constituent correspondences and transcribing federal congressional briefings for staff.
Leiter’s awards include the Presidential Scholar Nominee 2021 and the National Merit Student Commendation.
Mackenzie Tatananni
Mackenzie Tatananni is an investigative journalist who is unveiling one of Chicago’s dirty and underreported secrets; the presence of lead in Chicago’s drinking water.
Tatananni will expand her research and investigation efforts into lead seepage in municipal drinking water disproportionately effecting low-income communities and communities of color across Chicago. Her work will center on the effect of contamination on children, the most vulnerable to lead toxicity.
In this summer series, Tatananni will interview and feature local organizations, health officials and experts working to replace lead plumbing in daycares and underserved communities.
Tatananni is a Northwestern University Merit Scholar who is currently pursuing her master's degree at the Medill School of Journalism. She graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University in 2022 with a B.A. in English and Biopsychology, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa the same year.
Please join us in welcoming Nour, Zachary and Mackenzie to The Chicago Reporter!
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