Word In Black, a Public Benefit Corporation, is proud to announce the expansion of its leadership and operations team with the addition of three new employees and the appointment of a new Interim General Manager.
These hires coincide with previously announced funding from Knight Foundation and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, provided to Local Media Foundation, which will support Word In Black as it creates three new divisions — data, research and events.
The Knight funds are being used to launch a world-class data platform and events division, while the MacArthur funds will fuel the research arm of Word In Black. These strategic additions mark a significant step forward in advancing the organization’s mission to inform, uplift, and empower Black communities through trusted journalism and authentic storytelling.
Joining Word In Black are:
Dr. Christa Mahlobo, Director of Insights and Research
Dr. Christa Mahlobo is a research scientist, consultant, and lecturer with more than eight years of experience exploring the psychological needs and behaviors of Black Americans through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Her expertise lies in the end-to-end execution of large-scale, national research projects spanning multiple fields — including travel and tourism, arts and culture, and wellness in Black communities. Dr. Mahlobo earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies at The Pennsylvania State University, where her research focused on adolescent development and flourishing in Black Americans. She recently completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and is a lecturer at Penn, teaching a course on flourishing in diverse communities.
“I’m looking forward to learning from the Word In Black team, growing the Insights and Research Lab, and using the data we collect to tell stories that positively impact and inform the Black community,” said Mahlobo.
Kyle Rickhoff, Data Analyst
Kyle Rickhoff brings more than two decades of experience in audience analytics, digital transformation, and newsroom strategy to Word In Black. As a founding member of the Insights Team, Kyle’s background includes leading audience strategy at Lee Enterprises and founding AlignSimple, a strategy firm supporting newsrooms and broadcasters across the U.S. He specializes in helping media organizations unify data sources, implement zero- and first-party data strategies, and translate analytics into actionable business and editorial outcomes. Rickhoff holds an MBA from the University of Montana and is known for making data accessible, impactful, and aligned with the mission of public-interest journalism.
“I’m excited to join Word In Black and contribute to its mission through the strength of our leading Black publishers and original reporting. My passion lies in helping community newspapers translate data into insights that are meaningful to publishers and rapidly actionable across our expanding tech stack. This is a rare opportunity to support an organization prioritizing its social mission while making measurable gains in engagement, retention, and business sustainability. I’m honored to help amplify the voices of the communities Word In Black serves,” said Rickoff.
Shawanna (Swan) Lee, Events Manager
A nationally recognized media executive, producer, and creative strategist, Swan Lee joins Word In Black with more than 20 years of experience in event production, brand storytelling and experiential design. In her previous role as Chief Revenue Officer of Dallas Weekly and founder of Swan7 Productions and Swan7 Entertainment, she has led the development of high-impact, community-driven events for corporate, nonprofit and cultural clients worldwide. Swan Lee brings a proven track record as a high-performing sales executive, skilled in building strategic partnerships and driving growth. Her ability to cultivate relationships and secure impactful collaborations will be instrumental in elevating events and audience engagement at Word In Black. Swan holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Dallas.
“I am honored to join Word In Black as Events Manager and contribute to a mission that aligns so deeply with my passion for culture, community, and impact,” said Lee. “This is more than a role — it’s an opportunity to create meaningful experiences that amplify Black voices, celebrate our brilliance, and inspire collective impact across the nation.”
Patrick Washington, Interim General Manager
In addition to these exciting new hires, Word In Black has appointed Patrick Washington as Interim General Manager. Washington is a founding member of Word In Black and the former Publisher and CEO of The Dallas Weekly. With more than 20 years of experience in media leadership, digital development and brand visibility, Washington is a visionary strategist who brings a deep commitment to the legacy and future of the Black Press.
“These new additions to our team are not just staff—they are leaders and changemakers who will help drive our mission forward,” said Washington. “Together, we are expanding our capacity to tell deeper, more meaningful stories and to serve as a vital bridge between the Black Press and the communities we represent.”
As a collaborative of the nation’s leading Black publishers, Word In Black is committed to transforming the narrative about Black communities by reporting solutions, uncovering inequities, and amplifying the voices of Black people nationwide. With this expanded team, the organization is poised to increase its reach, deepen its impact, and create innovative pathways for storytelling, data-driven journalism, and community engagement.
For more information, visit www.wordinblack.com or contact hello@wordinblack.com.
About Word In Black
Word In Black is a groundbreaking collaboration of 10 legendary Black news publishers who came together to launch a new national brand focused on confronting inequities, elevating solutions, and amplifying the Black experience.