Our Board

Cheryl Hatch (She/Her), President

Cheryl Hatch is a writer, photographer and educator. As a photojournalist, she covered conflict in the Middle East and Africa for nearly a decade. She is the founder of a journalism conference and multimedia workshop. Cheryl is an avid scuba diver and open-water swimmer.

Abby Bekele (She/Her)

Abby is a Social Media Manager for a destination marketing organization in North Carolina. Originally from Philadelphia, she moved to North Carolina to attend Guilford College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 2019. She later went on to complete her master’s degree in Interactive Media at Elon University. Abby is passionate about creating engaging, thoughtful content that sparks curiosity and helps audiences see things in new ways. She loves capturing meaningful moments and bringing them to life through a variety of digital media platforms. Outside of work, Abby enjoys traveling, Pilates, spending time with friends and family and discovering new foods.

Nancy Raskauskas-Coons (She/Her), Treasurer

Nancy works as a Public Information Officer and Grants Writer for a small school district on the South Coast of Oregon. Her previous work includes communication and public relations for nonprofits, marketing and comms for a large university department, and work as a journalist and salmon researcher. She is currently pursing her doctorate. Outside of work and school, Nancy loves the water, and she lives in the perfect place with her husband and kids by the ocean and between four incredible wild and scenic rivers: Rogue, Chetco, Smith and Klamath. 

Amanda Spadaro (She/Her), Secretary

Born and raised near Pittsburgh, Amanda graduated Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Science in biology. After graduation in 2015, she embarked on a career in journalism before returning to graduate school in 2018. She now teaches biology and health at a high school in New York City. When she isn’t working, she enjoys reading and baking; she is currently on a mission to find the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Honorary Scholars Board

  • Kazeneza Didacienne

    Creative Director | STEM Advocate | WEI Scholar Alumna

    Kazeneza Didacienne is a dynamic media professional who combines creativity, technology, and purpose to lead and inspire. She currently serves as a Video Mixer and Creative Director at Rwanda Television, where she has accumulated over five years of experience in live broadcasting, video production, and visual storytelling. Her work is grounded in a commitment to using media as a tool for education, empowerment, and social impact.

    Holding a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology and an Advanced Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Kazeneza bridges technical expertise with artistic vision. She is passionate about the power of digital storytelling to communicate real-world issues and drive innovation.

    Outside the studio, she is a dedicated mentor and STEM advocate, particularly for young women. Through partnerships with local and international organizations, she delivers training and mentorship programs, empowering youth across Rwanda with the skills and confidence to lead in technology and media.

    A proud scholarship alumna (2019) of Women’s Education Initiative, Kazeneza credits the program with shaping her leadership journey and expanding her professional opportunities. Today, she continues to give back by mentoring, creating, and championing inclusive growth in the media and tech sectors.

    Kazeneza Didacienne proudly joins the WEI Honorary Scholar Board as a shining example of what it means to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose.