Jayla Poindexter and Dwana Bradley are the recipients of the 2026 Greenlee/Kappa Tau Alpha Community and Media Impact awards.
Poindexter is a senior in journalism and mass communication in the Greenlee School, and Bradley is the owner of Iowa Urban Media and “The Urban Experience” magazine.
The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University established the Kappa Tau Alpha Community and Media Impact Awards to recognize a professional journalist and a Greenlee student for their excellence in communication through ethical storytelling and impactful representations.
Poindexter is an author at Black Iowa News. Her impact on the community is emphasized through her positive storytelling and her ability to give Black student leaders a voice in the media.
“Having teachers that encouraged me to write about what I want really helped me,” Poindexter said. “I started writing about issues surrounding the Black Community in my journalism classes. I also want to credit the Ireland trip we went on because I was able to use my portfolio-ready content to work at Black Iowa News.”
Poindexter was part of a group of Greenlee students who traveled to Ireland in August to cover the Aer Lingus Classic. Students’ coverage was featured on KCCI.
“Jayla is an exemplary student in and out of the classroom,” said Kelly Winfrey, associate professor in the Greenlee School. “She models how one can apply their drive and skills, even as a student, to tell impactful stories to build a more inclusive society.”
Bradley has used her voice and the voices of others to highlight and celebrate overlooked communities in Iowa. By creating an outlet to attract Black voices, Bradley has reinvented what it means to be a trustworthy and intentional journalist. Urban Experience Magazine emphasizes the importance of mental health in minorities and emphasizes faith as a foundation for the overall message.
“I was ready to quit the work of the magazine. I came to a point where I felt defeated, and then I received this letter about being recognized. This recognition has inspired me not to give up,” Bradley said.
“Dwana Bradly has demonstrated the importance of community-focused journalism by centering the stories about and for often-overlooked communities,” Winfrey said.
Recipients were awarded $250 and recognized at the Greenlee Awards and Honors Banquet this spring. Honorees are nominated by faculty and staff and selected by the Cultural Proficiency and Community Engagement Committee, of which Winfrey is chair.
Kappa Tau Alpha is an honor society for students majoring in the Greenlee School. Iowa State’s chapter was founded in 1986.