JENIFER VAUGHAN (FENTON)
With a dynamic career spanning prestigious institutions like CNN, Al Jazeera, the United Nations, Yale University, and more, I've earned recognition for my exceptional contributions to journalism and advocacy. Garnering accolades such as three Peabody Awards, a Gracie Award, the National Association of Black Journalists Excellence Award, a National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honor, and other honors, my work has been lauded for its impact and excellence.
Currently, I serve as the spokesperson for the UN Special Envoy for Syria, where I am responsible for representing the office in external engagements and supervising the teams in Geneva and Damascus. Prior to this role, I contributed my expertise to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), where my responsibilities spanned information dissemination, reporting, advocacy, and coordination. This involved diverse tasks such as event planning and execution, crafting messaging and strategy for UN global campaigns, developing emergency communication plans, drafting press releases, and addressing daily inquiries on global refugee matters. Additionally, I have also worked for the UN in Jerusalem, further broadening my experience in international affairs and humanitarian efforts.
With 16 years in the television news industry, I've held senior positions. These jobs included extensive live-show producing to taped-program production; line producing; election production; long-term planning; wire work, writing for the web; booking and producing guests at all levels from analysts to heads of state; assignment editor work; field production and big production specials both in studio and in the field. As a seasoned leader, I've helped or led teams to deliver unparalleled coverage of major global events, including seminal moments like the 9/11 attacks, the US Invasion of Iraq, the Second Intifada, the Arab Spring, the elections of US Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and numerous elections worldwide, ensuring impactful storytelling and insightful analysis.
I played a pivotal role in opening the CNN Abu Dhabi bureau, launching a global show from there; and was also the senior planning producer overseeing the Middle East – and at times Afghanistan and Pakistan – for all CNN networks worldwide. This included story planning and execution as well as logistical support (satellites, visas, remote studios, planning for staff evacuations and more).
I have intimate knowledge of the global and regional media markets and content-related rules.
I’ve also executive produced numerous in-depth biographical award-winning interview shows featuring icons and influencers such as Angelique Kidjo, Art Spiegelman, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ethan Hawke, Forest Whitaker, George RR Martin, Gloria Steinem, Jane Goodall, John Lydon, Julian Bond, Misty Copeland, Moby, Norman Lear, Peter Gabriel, Richard Lewis, Spike Lee, and many more.
Beyond my broadcasting career, I've contributed to esteemed publications like the Financial Times, The New York Times, and the London School of Economics, and have facilitated events for renowned organizations including the Red Cross, the Tawakkol Karman Foundation, and the Human Rights Foundation.
As the sole Poynter Fellow-in-Residence at Yale (2017-2018), I delved into the nuanced narratives surrounding refugees in media, enriching my understanding of global communication dynamics.
Educationally, I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Laws with Merit from the University of London, a Master's degree in International Relations from Troy State University, and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona. Additionally, I hold certificates in Artificial Intelligence and Ethics from the London School of Economics; and Digital Design and Facilitation for Mediation from DPPA and Humanitarian Dialogue.
I’ve been based in Atlanta, Jerusalem, London, Abu Dhabi, Doha, New York, and Geneva. I also completed work/study programs in Japan and Italy.