Spring 2026 Members

This spring 2026,  staff and interns are largely students from SUNY New Paltz and the University at Albany, representing a range of academic backgrounds with many pursuing studies in journalism, media and communication. This semester, the newsroom is expanding its digital presence by introducing new podcast series, youtube content, and broader social-media initiatives to reach audiences in more interactive ways. The team is united by a shared interest in people , storytelling and current events. By experimenting with multi-media formats and platforms- specific storytelling. Students aim to make comic coverage more accessible, engaging and responsive to their readers and audience. 

Zander Doring , Multimedia Reporter 

Zander Doring, from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is a history major with a journalism minor at SUNY New Paltz, expected to graduate in Spring 26,  and a staff member for The Legislative Gazette. He is a content creator who publishes YouTube videos focused on media topics that he finds interesting. In his free time, you can find him admiring the Denver Broncos, going on passionate discussions about ‘Wicked,’ or watching movies.

Yann G, Noumbi,  Staff Reporter and Multimedia Reporter/Editor

Yann Gleinn, a Cameroon native living in New York, is a senior Media Studies major at SUNY New Paltz with experience in digital media and production and a growing interest in multimedia reporting, audience engagement, and public-affairs storytelling. At the Capitol this semester, he hopes to sharpen his reporting and production skills while gaining firsthand experience covering New York State government. Outside the newsroom, Yann enjoys following current events and exploring creative media. He aims to build a career in media production or journalism that informs communities and makes complex issues easier to understand.

Kyra Higbie, Assistant Editor

Kyra Higbie from Long Island, N.Y., is a senior journalism major at SUNY New Paltz and a multimedia reporter for The Legislative Gazette. She is interested in politics, conservation, and the ways public policy shapes communities. An avid reader— currently of Sylvia Plath and an advocate for accountability and accessibility in higher education, Kyra brings a thoughtful and investigative approach to her reporting.

 

Patrick Kelly, Staff reporter/Legislative Correspondent

Patrick Kelly, from Sullivan County, N.Y., is a senior journalism major with a focus on state and local politics. He previously interned for Assemblymembers Tony Simone, D-75, and Sarahana Shrestha, D-103. Patrick also co-directs 88.7fm WFNP The Edge’s news program, and hosts “WFNP News: Special Report,” an hour-long news program that runs on Fridays. He is a staff writer for the New Paltz Oracle, where he moderated a debate between New Paltz Town Supervisor candidates.

 

Mia Lucero,  Creative Director Intern/digital content editor

Mia Lucero, from Buffalo, N.Y, is a senior majoring in Digital Media Management and Spanish, with a minor in LatinX studies and a micro-credential in German. She is invested in digital strategy, intercultural communication, and global engagement across a variety of networks. Grounded in language study and international experience, Mia brings a careful and globally informed approach to her media handling. 

Mawazi Matende, Video Editor

Mawazi Alemo Matende, from Hyde Park, N.Y.,  is a senior at SUNY New Paltz, majoring in Digital Media Production with a minor in Film Studies. Expected to graduate in May 2026, is currently completing their final year of undergraduate study. Matende focuses academically on media creation, storytelling, and film analysis while preparing for future opportunities in the digital media and film industries.

 

Nancy Mac Innes,Reporter

Nancy Mac Innes, from Pearl River, N.Y., is a fourth-year student journalist at SUNY New Paltz. They have interned with For the Many, a political organization located in Poughkeepsie, NY,  and have had their writing bylined in The Little Rebellion and The Legislative Gazette. Mac Innes was also a part of WFNP News as a reader, engineer, writer, and Co-News Director during the 2024-2025 academic year. They aim to report on underrepresented topics in New York City politics and have that as their primary beat.

Zamia Okpara

Zamia Okpara from Brooklyn, NY, is a Sophomore at University at Albany, majoring in Journalism and minoring in Criminal Justice & Law & Philosophy. I would like to work out podcast journalism this semester at the capitol as well as news writing and reporting on any events or topic that really stick out to me to help people gain an understanding of what interests me. Future goals include being a reporter maybe in a big news network or being able to connect my minor of Criminal Justice to Journalism. I hope through the Legislative gazette to better my confidence in speaking in public with podcasts Journalism as well as becoming better of a reporter and a writer. 

Marietou Sacko, Podcast Producer

Marietou Sacko, from New York, N.Y., is a senior Media Studies major with a minor in communications at SUNY New Paltz University. They have worked with representatives from “The Stephen Colbert Show,” gaining insight into Television production while shadowing creative producers and writers. She is currently interning for The Legislative Gazettes and plans to pursue a career in media management and marketing while effectively utilizing multimedia content and social media platforms to engage audiences and consumers. 

Emily Salazar, Staff Reporter & Art Coordinator

Emily Salazar, from Newburgh, N.Y., is a sophomore at SUNY UAlbany majoring in English with minors in journalism and criminal justice. She serves as public relations chair for the UAlbany Literature Club and is interested in writing and marketing. This semester, she hopes to develop her reporting and writing skills during her time at The Legislative Gazette. 

 

Sesema Senehang, feature writer/web editor

Sesema Senehang, from Kathmandu, Nepal, is a Communication major at SUNY Albany., She is particularly interested in intercultural/interpersonal communication and political communication. She enjoys experimenting with new recipes, geeking out over cinematography, and capturing moments through photography. Sesema views storytelling– through words, visuals or food – as a way to connect with people.  

Jack Stegmayer, Multimedia Editor/Reporter 

Jack Stegmayer from Saugerties, N.Y., is a senior at SUNY New Paltz majoring in International Relations and Journalism. He has worked as a staff editor, contributor, and photographer for The Little Rebellion and has served as a director, cinematographer, writer, and editor for various short-form and long-form video projects. He has a passion for writing on culture, religion, and social mobilization, both on the national and international level.