Joanne Cherisma

I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith, which serves as the foundation for how I live, lead, and create. It shapes my values, grounds my purpose, and guides my commitment to integrity, excellence, and service. Alongside faith, my family and community are constant sources of inspiration—reminding me that storytelling is not just about content, but about connection, legacy, and impact.

As a multimedia and digital media professional, I bring a well-rounded background in broadcast journalism, television production, camera operation, sales, social media strategy, and content creation. My foundation was shaped at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where my passion for media, communication, and meaningful storytelling took root.

Throughout my career, I have led and managed content across multiple digital platforms—including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X—developing strategies that prioritize authentic engagement and brand alignment. I take a data-informed approach to content, strategically scheduling posts based on audience behavior, conducting competitor analyses, and building cohesive social media calendars that align with broader marketing initiatives such as email campaigns, website updates, and brand launches.

Outside of my professional work, photography remains a creative outlet and a form of storytelling—one that allows me to document moments, celebrations, and preserve stories within families and communities.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor, Sarah Grady 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. Academically, I am proud to be an alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where I earned my degree in Broadcast Journalism. My education laid the foundation for my career, and I continue to build on it every day through both professional and personal growth.