NNS reporting intern Chesnie Wardell, shown during an appearance on “Lake Effect” on WUWM-89.7-FM, Milwaukee’s NPR, is one of 19 students who will be mentored by journalists at The New York Times. (Photo provided by Joy Powers)

Chesnie Wardell, a Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service reporting intern, has been selected to be in the second cohort of The New York Times Corps, a mentorship program that allows undergraduate students to receive guidance from Times journalists.

Wardell, a junior majoring in journalism and digital media in the Diedrich College of Communication at Marquette University, has worked for NNS since her first year in college. She now compiles the popular “5 things to know and do” columns as well as writes news and feature stories.

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In addition to her work in our newsroom, Wardell writes for her family’s business in Friars Point, Mississippi. Wardell has volunteered at the student-run Marquette Wire, where she’s reported on weather, sports, anchored the news desk and put together news packages. Along with modeling and acting, Wardell enjoys freelance photography, being a substitute teacher and mentoring teens across Milwaukee. 

Participants in The Times’ program meet with their advisers several times a year to receive mentoring on their careers, In addition, they will hear from speakers and participate in training sessions.

Launched in 2022, The Times Corps serves students from underrepresented groups in journalism, such as students of color and students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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