Alissa Figueroa

Alissa Figueroa is a Lecturer in the Department of Multimedia Journalism at Morgan State University's School of Global Journalism and Communication. She holds a BA in History from Amherst College and an MJ from UC-Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

Her professional expertise centers on investigative reporting and documentary production, with emphasis on:

• Systemic social justice issues
• Ethnic diversity in journalism
• Political accountability through visual storytelling
• Emerging journalist mentorship

Figuerora's award-winning documentaries address critical societal topics, particularly gerrymandering and juvenile incarceration systems. Her work demonstrates consistent focus on marginalized communities and structural inequities through longform television formats.

Notable recognitions include:

• Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award (2017)
• NABJ Salute to Excellence Award
• Emmy Nomination (2016)
• Prestigious fellowships from Knight-Wallace and Film Independent

She directs significant professional development initiatives including the Ida B. Wells Fellowship for journalists of color, providing intensive mentorship to emerging investigative reporters. Her industry background spans NBC News, Fusion's investigative unit, and Type Investigations.

Outside academia, Figueroa maintains strong cultural ties to Guatemala (her birthplace) through annual visits, while pursuing pottery, novel writing, and filmmaking in her Baltimore residence.