Shifting Ground
December 11, 2025
We utilize our collective power to research and voice solutions to city crises and explore creative ways of reaching audiences with an eye towards impact.
We remain hyper focused on the information needs and lived experiences of Charlotte's residents while supporting local news organizations in producing work that reflects, reaches, and serves the region's diverse communities.
We intentionally create opportunities for communities to engage and share information that helps residents navigate complex situations.
The Charlotte Journalism Collaborative is dedicated to provide a platform and structured community journalism partnership that supports the future of Charlotte in its work, serves as a trusted source of information and news, and addresses the problems that are the most important to our city’s residents.
Shardae Brown
Director, Charlotte Journalism Collaborative
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.
Sana Silvera-Roy
Charlotte Documenters Program Manager
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.
How 6 newsrooms in Charlotte are trying to create a local news ecosystem
POYNTER, MARCH 14, 2019
Past members and project partners have included BOOM Charlotte, Carolina Public Press, Free Press and Queen City Zine Fest.
Director’s Picks
Visit the old CJC website for content prior to 2024. Link
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