Our Mission:
Empower Media Exchange (EMX) is committed to advancing media literacy for youth, students, nonprofit leaders and executive professionals with comprehensive training, expert consultation and content production to strengthen local news ecosystems.
Our Vision:
We envision a world where all individuals are equipped to critically engage with media, where all communities are authentically represented and where informed media practices drive the production of trustworthy and accurate news.
We endeavor to create meaningful change by empowering youth, students, nonprofit leaders and executive professionals with media-based knowledge. We strive to strengthen the impact of community reporting while fostering critical thinking and limiting misinformation.

CREATING
CONFIDENT
COMMUNICATION
Empower Media Exchange is a mission-based nonprofit organization. We believe that informed communities are empowered communities, and we are dedicated to fostering critical thinking, ethical storytelling and responsible media engagement.
We provide comprehensive training, expert consultation and content production support to equip youth, students, nonprofit leaders and executive professionals with the skills needed to navigate a complex media landscape. Our goal is to empower communities through media literacy and education.
We are strategic communication specialists who bridge the gap between organizations and the public. Our expertise amplifies messages that matter. Whether you’re a parent, a student looking to sharpen your media skills, a nonprofit leader seeking strategic guidance or an executive aiming to enhance your organization’s media impact, we are here to support you.

What We Do:
- Media Literacy Training: Interactive workshops and immersive learning experiences that help participants critically analyze and create media.
- Youth Journalism Programs: Opportunities for young voices to engage in fact-based reporting and storytelling that matters to their communities.
- Consultation & Strategy: Expert guidance for nonprofit and executive leaders to enhance media presence and communication strategies.
- Content Production Support: Resources and hands-on training to help individuals and organizations produce impactful and credible media content.
Meet our team

Ruby Jones
President & CEO

Laura McDowell
Development Director

Jon Lloyd
Creative Assistant

Alivia Smith
Program Coordinator
FAQs
What is your process working with young people?
Our youth media training services are created to be fun and engaging, while also delivering important information that promotes the safe, smart use of technology. Our programs are designed for youth ages 5 to 10 and 11 to 17, allowing our staff to devote the appropriate time and attention to each participant’s needs. We present information in a way that is age-appropriate, with opportunities for family involvement outside of workshops and classes. If your child requires individualized attention, we are happy to explore accommodations upon request.
Who is behind Empower Media Exchange?
Empower Media Exchange was founded by award-winning journalist and media professional, Ruby Jones. With over 30 years of journalism experience informing the development of our programs, Ruby draws upon her work as a multimedia journalist, a nonprofit administrator and the principal founder and CEO of PRSM Business Services | PRSM Communications to create impact through media literacy training and consultation.
Why is Empower Media Exchange a nonprofit organization?
Our experience and expertise differentiates us from other media consultation firms, but our accessibility as a nonprofit organization is what makes us truly special. We believe that media literacy training and consultation should not be cost-prohibitive. In an era of misinformation, digital saturation and declining trust in news, we work to equip individuals and organizations with the tools they need to engage with media responsibly. By fostering media literacy and ethical journalism, we help build a more informed, connected and resilient society.
Can I apply to be a part of the team or work as a contractor?
Empower Media Exchange engages in strategic partnerships with media and communications professionals, nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs working in media and journalism to amplify the impact of our programs. If you would like to explore ways in which you can support our work, please email connect@empowermediaexchange.org.
Join our board.
Together, we can create a stronger, more informed media landscape.
- Collaborate with a passionate group of peers.
- Empower youth and college students.
- Create stronger communication.
