Joanne Cherisma

I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, creativity, and a commitment to continuous learning. As a seasoned multimedia and digital media specialist, I have built a strong foundation in broadcast journalism, sales, camera operation, social media management, television production, and content creation. I am proud to be an alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where my passion for media and communication took root.

In my professional journey, I have developed and managed engaging content across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. By strategically scheduling posts to align with audience activity and curating materials that resonate with customers, I have been able to build meaningful engagement. Collaborating with creative teams, I conduct competitor analyses, support SEO initiatives, and develop comprehensive social media calendars that integrate email campaigns, marketing efforts, and website updates.

Beyond digital media, I design web and graphic elements, produce and edit videos, and utilize photography tools to enhance storytelling, ensuring all content reflects the brand’s voice and vision. I craft compelling, SEO-friendly copy that reaches target client personas while maintaining strong client relationships through consistent communication and project updates. Outside of work, I am passionate about photography and invite you to explore my portfolio here: Joanne Cherisma Photography
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The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor, Sarah Ackerman, a well-respected journalist in Tallahassee. She inspired me to embrace freelancing and showed me that journalism doesn’t stop outside of the newsroom. Her guidance taught me to be proactive, resourceful, and to pursue stories and projects wherever they lead, which has been invaluable in shaping my career in multimedia and digital media.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to aim high and pursue your passions with purpose. Don’t be afraid to reach for the sky—set ambitious goals, create a plan, and go for it. Start by interning to gain hands-on experience, understand your strengths, and discover how you can contribute while continuing to learn and grow.

I also live by the mantra: “Amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice so they don’t get it wrong.” Consistent practice, dedication, and a commitment to excellence will take you far in this field.

One of the biggest challenges in multimedia and digital media today is keeping pace with the constantly evolving technology and platforms. Audiences’ expectations are higher than ever, and content must be not only engaging but also optimized for different channels and devices. At the same time, this dynamic environment presents tremendous opportunities—there’s room to experiment with new storytelling techniques, reach global audiences, and leverage data-driven strategies to create content that truly resonates.

I draw inspiration from the mentors and experiences that have shaped my career, and I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, creativity, and persistence. Staying adaptable, continuously learning, and embracing new challenges have allowed me to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the media landscape.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are family, faith, and respect. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and integrity, and I draw inspiration from my community, which motivates me to keep moving forward. Professionally, I am most proud of a documentary I showcased this year for North Miami, which highlighted important issues in maternal health—using storytelling to make an impact is at the heart of my work.

I have a passion for traveling and learning about new cultures, which fuels my creativity and sense of adventure. Volunteering has also been an important part of my journey; I serve as a camera operator for FAMU TV 20 at 5, contributing to media production while giving back to my alma mater.

Academically, I am proud to be an alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where I earned my degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2018 and made the Dean’s List in May 2016. My education laid the foundation for my career, and I continue to build on it every day through both professional and personal growth.