Support staff

Marty Blader

Counselor

Pronouns:

he/him

Marty Blader is a rising junior from Downers Grove, Illinois, and he is studying Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a second major in Spanish. In addition to his coursework, he is involved in the IDS as the local business reporter, he is on the executive board for PRSSA and a Media School ambassador. Outside of The Media School, he is a chair for the public relations committee for IU Dance Marathon. This summer, Marty is completing a public relations internship for What Does Not, a live events venue in London.  

Cashmere Booker

Counselor

Cashmere Booker is a rising senior at Indiana University, majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Creative Technologies in Art+ Design. Throughout her time at IU, she has been deeply involved in The Media School, where she is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, contributes as a Black Voices writer for IDS, and serves as a Media School ambassador.

McKenna Cardona

Counselor

Pronouns:

she/her, they/them

McKenna Cardona just graduated with a major in public relations at The Media School. She also worked as a communications assistant in The Media School's comms office. Cardona loves creative writing, photography, video games, and being involved with media projects. This is her second summer working with HSJI.

Emerson Elledge

Counselor

Pronouns:

she/her

Emerson Elledge is a rising sophomore double majoring in Journalism and Political Science. She has worked at the Indiana Daily Student since her freshman year on the Arts and Visuals desks. In her free time, Emerson enjoys hiking and crafting. She is very excited to work at HSJI this summer.

Brian Gring

Counselor

Pronouns:

he/him

Brian Gring is a rising junior from South Bend, Indiana. He is double majoring in Theatre and Journalism, concentrating in playwriting and news reporting and editing respectively. Brian works at the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism and hosts the Deep End on IUSTV.

Shobha Iyer

Teaching Assistant

Pronouns:

she/her

Shoba Iyer is a doctoral student at The Media School, where she is focused on the rapidly evolving media landscape influenced by technology. Her research interests include journalism, labor in the media sector, gender issues, media consumption, and the impact of media on democracy. Before pursuing her PhD, Shoba gained fifteen years of experience in journalism, research, and digital media, having worked with prominent publications in India. Her award-winning reporting on gender issues contributed to the book "Across the Crossfire: Women and Conflict in India." Additionally, she led a team at a women's rights organization that focused on digital campaigns against violence, utilizing media and pop culture as tools for activism. As an advocate for open access, Shoba actively contributes to Wikipedia to help bridge the gender gap on the platform. She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology from the School of Economics, Delhi University, India.

Hayden Kay

Teaching Assistant

Pronouns:

she/her

Hayden Kay is a rising sophomore at Indiana University majoring in Fashion Media with a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. She was the Website and Social Media Editor for the Excalibur Yearbook and Editor-in-Chief for Inklings Newsmagazine at Crown Point High School. Hayden worked at the IDS as the fashion beat reporter. She enjoys sewing and being involved with fashion events on campus.  

Ben LeGrand

Counselor

Pronouns:

he/him

Ben LeGrand is a rising junior from Naperville, Illinois majoring in Journalism with a minor in Political Science. At IU, he's been heavily involved with the Indiana Daily Student, where he most recently served as a News editor. He has previously held positions as General Assignments editor and breaking news reporter. He's also an active member of Run Club at IU. In his free time, Ben loves baseball, movies and rewatching HBO's The Wire.

Avery Lowry

Counselor

Pronouns:

she/her

Avery Lowry is a rising junior from Noblesville, Indiana, and is majoring in Journalism and American Studies with a minor in History. She currently works for the Media Advising team as a Peer Coach and for the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism as a reporter. In her free time, she loves reading, writing, spending time with friends, and playing with her kitten Bea. As a former HSJI attendee herself, Avery is eager to return.

Sophia Orbaugh

Office Assistant

Pronouns:

she/her

Sophia Orbaugh is a rising junior from Bloomington, Indiana. She is majoring in Journalism with a concentration in social and digital media. Sophia is the website coordinator for Delta Phi Epsilon and is in Ski and Snowboard club. She enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

Edie Schwarb

Head Counselor

Edie Schwarb is a rising junior studying journalism with a concentration in social and digital media. She is from Indianapolis, and attended HSJI as a high school student. She is a social and digital media intern with the Cuban Center which produces creative content for IU Athletics. She also works as an intern with the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism and as an ambassador for The Media School. Edie is passionate about traveling and loves to spend time outside.

Diana Traas

Head Counselor

Diana Traas is majoring in Media with a concentration in Advertising. She is also minoring in Creative Technologies in Art + Design. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, going to concerts and reading fantastical books. She loves all things creative and seeing how others show their creative talents. If you have any questions about the Media School, Advertising Track, or any general IU questions, feel free to reach out to her.

Olivia Trevino

Counselor

Pronouns:

she/her

Olivia Trevino is a rising fifth year senior double majoring in journalism and studio art with a focus on ceramics. She is heavily involved with the student ceramic guild in Bloomington. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time in her studio making art. She is looking forward to HSJI!

McKenzie Vitale

Counselor

Pronouns:

she/her

McKenzie Vitale is a rising sophomore studying Journalism at The Media School, as well as a minor in Criminal Justice. McKenzie writes for the news desk at the Indiana Daily Student. This summer she is excited to be a head counselor for HSJI. Vitale loves to rock climb, read, and hike in her free time.

Alayna Wilkening

Pronouns:

she/her

Alayna Wilkening is a senior studying journalism with a concentration in photojournalism and a minor in studio art. She has worked for the Indiana Daily Student since she was a freshman and has served in several editorial and management positions. She also works as a reporter for the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism. In her free time, Alayna enjoys going to motorsport races and watching sitcoms.