Melekte Yohannes Hailemeskel
Melekte Yohannes Hailemeskel
Community Leader + Immersive Journalist
Hi! My name is Melekte Yohannes Hailemeskel, I’m a graduate student at the University of Southern California pursuing a Master of Science in Journalism. Originally I am from Las Vegas, where I began my journey as Chair of the Nevada Youth Legislature.
At USC, I am the founder and Executive Producer of Make It Happen, a digital media platform that celebrates Black excellence and culture. As a content creator, I’ve created innovative social content that has garnered over 100 million views.
I am passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and effecting positive change through storytelling. My diverse experiences reflect a commitment to leadership, innovation, and advocacy. These are defining qualities that I am eager to bring to future endeavors in law and media.
Leading the NYL profoundly deepened my appreciation for the legislative process and its capacity to effect meaningful change. As Chair of the NYL, I represented over 42,000 youth constituents and co-signed Senate Bill 108, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Nevada.
Multi-Media Journalism
I am the founder and Executive Producer of Make It Happen, a platform dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and culture. Through compelling content creation, my team and I have engaged over 80,000 viewers, featuring influential community leaders and public figures who embody empowerment and progress.
In my role as an Associate Producer at Annenberg Media, I utilize advanced reporting techniques and immersive multimedia formats such as extended reality to craft narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Notably, I have produced in-depth stories exploring the legacy of Nipsey Hussle and The Marathon Organization, blending investigative journalism with innovative storytelling methods.
Brand Partnerships
My professional experience extends to collaborations with prominent brands such as Shein and Samsung, where we have created innovative social content that has collectively garnered over 500,000 views. These roles have honed my skills in digital media production, strategic communication, and audience engagement.
