The People Behind the Publications
Haley Lopez
Business & Advertising Manager for Beach Media Business
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations | Class of 2026
Haley Lopez’s journey with student media began during a time of uncertainty. As a second year with an undecided major, the clock was ticking. While exploring her options, she enrolled in the Business of Journalism course taught by Professor Jennifer Newton (JOUR 425); Where her final project was coordinating DIG’s spring launch party.
After successfully organizing one of the highest performing launch parties, Lopez was inspired to take the next step, applying for the Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator role at Beach Media. During her time as coordinator Lopez went beyond her role and took the initiative to learn about the ins-and-outs of Beach Media. Her determination to succeed earned her the position of Business & Advertising Manager, where she now oversees operations and strategy across all the teams at Beach Media.
However, stepping into a leadership role of this scale came with its challenges. For Haley, the most significant hurdle was overcoming imposter syndrome when leading six different teams. As the primary liaison between three editorial and six business teams every message must be timely and concise.
Once she settled into the role, she realized that her doubts were not rooted in a lack of ability, but in the pressure to be perfect. By redefining what leadership meant to her and focusing on her commitment to the role, she was able to move forward with greater confidence and clarity. This mindset shift allowed her to lead more effectively while staying grounded in her purpose.
Not to mention, what most people don't realize is while the Business Manager role often centers on strategy and campaigns, Haley highlights the importance of the smaller, often overlooked responsibilities.
From arriving early to clean the newsroom to restocking office supplies, she takes pride in maintaining a space that is welcoming and functional for everyone. She believes these behind-the-scenes efforts play a direct role in the team’s overall success, creating an environment where staff can focus, collaborate, and produce their best work.
For Haley, the most rewarding part of her position is seeing ideas come to life. Leading multiple campaigns alongside her teams, she enjoys watching strategic plans evolve from initial concepts into successful, tangible outcomes.
“I love seeing a strategic plan turn into a reality,” she shares, highlighting the fulfillment that comes from both collaboration and execution.
Her advice? Haley encourages students to explore widely within student media before narrowing their focus.
By trying different roles, students can better understand their strengths and interests while building a diverse skill set. This hands-on experience not only helps clarify career paths but also strengthens portfolios for post-graduate opportunities.
Outside of student media, Haley is an entrepreneur. She founded her baking business, Looney Bites, to support her cheerleading and through that experience, discovered her passion for business and public relations.
Her personal motto, “Pressure is a privilege,” reflects the mindset she brings to both her work and her leadership.
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Nikoletta Anagostou
Editor-in-Chief for DIG Magazine
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in Linguistics | Class of 2025
Nikoletta Anagnostou’s journey with DIG Magazine began with a moment of curiosity. After seeing the magazine on campus, she was immediately drawn to its creativity and voice. When applications opened, she took the leap and joined as an online editor. Then after spending a year developing her skills and contributing to the publication, she applied for the Editor-in-Chief position.
“It’s a pretty ordinary story,” she says, “but it just goes to show that if you want something and set your mind to it, anything is possible.”
However, one of the biggest challenges Anagnostou has faced in her role is managing her time, especially during the intense production weeks leading up to print. With tight deadlines and multiple moving parts, she learned to stay grounded by focusing on one task at a time and trusting her team through delegation. This technique. That lesson helped her manage her workload as well as strengthen the communication and collaboration within her editorial team.
Not to mention, what most people don't realize is, while the title of Editor-in-Chief carries authority, the responsibility of the role can feel daunting.
“It’s kind of odd to have the final decision on certain things,” Anagnostou shares. “When people start asking, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘What do you think?’ it feels intimidating—like sometimes I think, ‘What do I know?’”
Anagnostou emphasizes that the role requires a balance of trusting your instincts while also creating space for collaboration. By balancing confidence with openness, she ensures that the best ideas rise to the surface. Because at the end of the day, it’s about making the best decision you can in the moment and continuing to move forward.
Her advice? Anagnostou encourages students to approach student media with confidence and curiosity.
“We are all students and we are all learning,” she explains. “Even if you’re new, your ideas have value.”
She also emphasizes the importance of taking initiative whether that means applying for a role, starting a conversation, or asking for guidance. Often, a simple question or connection can open the door to meaningful opportunities.
Outside of her role as Editor-in-Chief, Anagnostou is also deeply involved in music. This semester, she participates in two CSULB choirs—Bel Canto and ConChord—balancing her passion for storytelling with her love for performance.
Isabella Siqueria
Editor-in-Chief for ENYE Magazine
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Spanish Interdisciplinary Studies | Class of 2027
Isabella Siqueria was introduced to student media through the professor's grapevine. With encouragement from Professor Puente and immersion during Week of Welcome, Siquera found her entry point into ENYE as a translator.
That initial role became the diving board for her growth. After further developing her skills and taking Bilingual Journalism (JOUR 450), Siquera stepped into the Editor-in-Chief position, transitioning from contributor to leader and taking on a greater role in shaping the publication’s voice.
However, leading a small but dedicated team has been one of Siquera‘s biggest challenges. While each team member has their own responsibilities, the reality often requires everyone to step in and support one another when needed.
Balancing this dynamic can be demanding, especially when resources are limited. Siquera has responded to this demand by focusing on ways to grow the team and create more support systems that will allow both the staff and the publication to thrive.
Not to mention, what most people don't realize is, heavy is the head that wears the crown, Siquera emphasizes that the responsibilities go far beyond print deadline and final edits.
“It’s hard,” she admits. “Overseeing a team doesn’t just mean working until the print deadline.. if someone doesn’t do their job, it’s up to the Editor-in-Chief to figure it out. ”
From checking in on social media and graphics to supporting the podcast and translation teams, her role requires constant attention and adaptability. When challenges arise, it ultimately falls on her to find solutions and keep the publication moving forward.
On the other hand the most rewarding part of Siquera’s role has been witnessing growth, both in herself and in her team.
“Seeing myself and other staff members grow not just as journalists, but as people has been the most rewarding part,” she shares.
This transformation goes beyond skill-building, reflecting the deeper impact of student media as a space for personal and professional development.
Her advice? Siquera encourages students to take initiative and build relationships within student media spaces.
“Work your way up and don’t be a stranger,” Siquera advises. “Ask current leaders what they wish they knew sooner and what their aspirations are.”
By learning from others and staying engaged, students can better prepare themselves for future leadership roles while making meaningful connections along the way.
This semester, she was able to contribute her own photos to a story written by ENYE’s podcast manager, blending her technical skills with her artistic perspective.
Outside of her editorial responsibilities, Siquera sharpens her visual skills. Since much of her work focuses on editing and translation, she actively looks for opportunities to express her creativity through photography.
Khoury Williams
Editor-in-Chief for the Long Beach Current
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism | Class of 2026
Khoury Williams knew early on that student media would play a key role in his journalism journey. While still at El Camino Community College, he made the decision to pursue journalism and with it, a commitment to getting involved in a newsroom environment.
Before even transferring to CSULB, Williams applied to join The Long Beach Current (formerly the Daily Forty-Niner) and was hired as a copy editor assistant. On his very first day, he was sent out on assignment to cover a teacher’s strike across the CSU system.
That early vote of confidence set the tone for his experience. Through persistence and a willingness to take on any opportunity, Williams worked his way up to Editor-in-Chief.
Not to mention, what most people don't realize is, the role also requires constant communication and relationship-building.
An overwhelming portion of his work as Editor-in-Chief revolves around meetings—whether with staff, advisers, campus organizations, or members of the community. These conversations are essential in shaping the publication’s direction and ensuring alignment across all areas of the newsroom.
“It’s a lot of talking,” he notes, “but it’s what helps set the vision for the publication going forward.
For Williams , the role of Editor-in-Chief is all-encompassing and that’s exactly what makes it rewarding. “I’m enjoying every aspect of it,” he shares, “and I’m just grateful to be in this position and to be leading the publication this year.” Rather than pointing to a single moment, he finds fulfillment in every aspect of the position, from leading the team to shaping coverage and engaging with the community.
His advice? Williams encourages students to take initiative early and make their presence known.
“Start immediately to get your foot in the door, and don’t be shy,” he says. By volunteering for opportunities and staying engaged, students can demonstrate their abilities and build the foundation needed for future leadership roles.
Outside of journalism, Williams is deeply committed to discipline and personal growth. He has maintained a vegan lifestyle for over eight years and enjoys cooking most of his own meals. In fact, he shares that if journalism weren’t his primary passion, he could see himself pursuing a career as a professional chef.