Lauren Woodman

11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

USAFacts President Lauren Woodman will discuss data literacy as both a core journalism skill and a civic necessity. In a healthy democracy, an informed public depends on journalists handling information responsibly. This is especially important in our current era, where trust in news media is declining, in part due to a lack of data-driven reporting. Woodman will argue that when only some Americans believe media reporting is always or often based on factual information, according to our State of the Facts survey, it is essential now more than ever for reporters to ground their stories in nonpartisan source data. She will explain how USAFacts’ commitment to using source data has made it the most trusted and least biased content source, according to third-party site Ad Fontes Media. Reporters that use fact-based analysis will help readers when it comes to better understanding changes across federal budgets, crime rates, healthcare access, and employment figures.

More about Lauren
Lauren Woodman is President of USAFacts, a civic initiative founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer that provides Americans with easy access to nonpartisan government data. Prior to joining USAFacts, Woodman served as CEO of DataKind, a global nonprofit that applies data science and artificial intelligence in service of humanity. Before DataKind, she served as CEO of NetHope, an organization that unites nonprofits, technology companies, and funding partners to address the world’s most pressing challenges. For the past four years, Woodman has served as co-chair of various World Economic Forum Global Future Councils focused on data-related issues.

Dave Jorgenson

11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6

In a media landscape where misinformation can travel faster than the truth, journalists have an opportunity and a responsibility to meet audiences where they are. Award-winning journalist, digital creator, and Local News International co-founder Dave Jorgenson explores how journalists can use social media creatively and strategically to make credible information engaging, accessible, and shareable. Drawing from his groundbreaking work at The Washington Post and his latest ventures in social-first journalism, Jorgenson will examine how humor, authenticity, platform fluency, and strong reporting can help journalists cut through the noise, build audience trust, and counter misinformation. Student journalists will leave inspired to think differently about the role they can play in creating journalism that doesn’t just stop the scroll; it serves the public.

More about Dave
An eight-time Webby Award winner, Jorgenson’s recent honors include the 2026 Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Creator, Personality or Host; the 2026 Online Journalism Award for Digital Video Storytelling, Social Media; the 2026 WAN-IFRA Global Award for Best in Audience Engagement; and recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s 25 Most Influential Creators of 2026. He was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Media.

Sarah Kellogg and Rachel Lippmann

4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6

St. Louis Public Radio journalists Sarah Kellogg and Rachel Lippmann share insights from covering state government, politics, public safety and the courts. Drawing from their award-winning work, they will explore how journalists identify consequential local stories, use public records to hold institutions accountable, build trust with communities, and report thoughtfully on complex issues. Attendees will also gain practical guidance for developing sources, pursuing impactful stories, and building careers in political and investigative journalism.

More about Sarah
Sarah Kellogg (top) is the statehouse and politics reporter for St. Louis Public Radio. A St. Louis-area native, she began her journalism career as an intern at the station in 2015. She has covered state and local politics in Missouri and Arkansas, including reporting and hosting for KUAR in Little Rock. Kellogg earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism and was part of the St. Louis Public Radio team recognized with seven Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2025.

More about Rachel
Rachel Lippmann (bottom) is an investigative reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, where she covers courts, public safety and city politics. A St. Louis native, she joined the station in 2008 after covering state politics in Michigan. Her investigation into unsolved homicides received national recognition, including a 2024 EPPY Award and the 2025 Brechner Freedom of Information Award. Lippmann is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.

Matt Flener

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

Investigative Reporter Matt Flener shares his experience with overcoming anxiety, perfectionism, and the fear of public failure. It’s common for those with public facing roles. Flener shares how freezing during high school announcements and later during a live broadcast from the Oscars red carpet led to a growth mindset. Through supportive colleagues, and a transition into investigative and documentary reporting, he learned that slowing down and going deeper on stories could become a strength.

The speech also explores the teamwork behind KMBC’s Peabody award-winning “Restrained” investigation and journalism’s power to create meaningful change. Ultimately, it is a message about finding freedom in imperfection, trusting the process, and discovering how authenticity can lead to better storytelling.

More about Matt
Matt Flener is an award-winning investigative journalist and anchor at KMBC 9 News, where he has been telling Kansas City’s stories since 2013. He leads KMBC 9 Investigates, the station’s in-depth reporting team focused on uncovering facts, holding the powerful accountable and helping viewers understand the issues shaping their communities.

Matt also pioneered KMBC’s Chronicle franchise, an hourlong documentary series exploring the history, people and issues that define the Kansas City region. His recent work on KMBC 9 Chronicle: Restrained, an investigation into the use of restraint chairs in local jails, won a national Peabody Award and helped spur policy changes in more than 50 counties across Kansas and Missouri.

His reporting has also earned multiple Emmy Awards and recognition from RTDNA, the Society of Professional Journalists, NATAS, the Missouri Broadcasters Association and USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.