New Leadership Team Announced to Guide Charlotte Journalism Collaborative’s Next Chapter at Queens

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 10 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.”