Caplin School Industry Advisory Board

Christiana Carroll-Becerra
Executive Producer/Show Runner
“A Tiny Audience”

Christiana Carroll-Becerra is currently the Executive Producer and Show Runner for “A Tiny Audience,” airing on HBO/HBO Max, DIRECTV, and TURNER in Mexico City. Over the last four seasons, Chris has been integral to the show’s success, contributing to the International Emmy-nominated first season and winning a prestigious Telly Award for the series.

Before her acclaimed work on “A Tiny Audience,” Chris held prominent positions such as President of one of the largest postproduction studios in Miami and New York, and CEO of various companies. She also served as Executive Producer for many renowned media entities and led international sales for Copperfield Studios. Throughout her career, Chris has collaborated on productions for major networks including CBS, Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Health, Discovery Science, Discovery HD Theatre, and Travel Channel.

Marian Chia-Ming Liu
Project Editor of Special Newsroom Initiatives and Partnerships
The Washington Post

Marian Chia-Ming Liu, AAJA’s National Vice President of Civic Engagement and The Washington Post’s Projects Editor of Special Initiatives and Partnerships, has dedicated her career to the communities she represents — Asian, immigrant and female — and has covered everything from K-pop to anti-Asian attacks, interviewing everyone from Britney to BTS. https://wapo.st/marianliu. Marian is also the National Vice President of Civic Engagement for the Asian-American Journalists Association.

Calvin Hughes
Anchor, WPLG Miami
President, NABJ South Florida

305-919-5531

Joshua Shear serves as the multimedia producer for the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media. Before joining FIU in 2004, he worked in video and film production across the U.S., including St. Louis, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Eventually, he moved to Miami where he started his own business, shooting and editing promotional and corporate videos, legal videos, public service announcements, video news releases and short films. His clients have included The Miami Heat, BellSouth, Burger King and Homestead/Miami Speedway. Joshua is currently completing his BAS degree in Film, Television & Digital Production at Miami Dade College.

Chip Mahaney
Scripps Emerging Talent Leader

Chip Mahaney has more than 40 years’ experience in news, primarily in television and digital, with more than 30 of those years in leadership positions at local and corporate levels.  Chip is currently Emerging Talent Leader for The E. W. Scripps Company. His job and his joy are to save journalism and to grow Scripps by mentoring, coaching, recruiting, and hiring the next generation of journalists and media professionals.

In Chip’s 16 years at Scripps, he has served in multiple roles at the corporate headquarters and as News Director at Scripps’ hometown flagship, WCPO. Before coming to Scripps, Chip worked for local media organizations in the Fox Television, Raycom, Gannett and Belo groups.

Learn more about Chip Mahaney

Over many years, Chip has served the journalism industry by teaching for organizations like Poynter, the Carole Kneeland Project, and Radio Television Digital News Association. He was a member of the RTNDA board for more than a decade. He judges industry awards including Edward R. Murrow Awards, Emmys, and BEA. Chip is also finishing a master’s in liberal studies, with a concentration in journalism education, at Kent State University.

Chip lives in Cincinnati and works out of Scripps’ headquarters. He is married with two grown kids, two dogs, and two cats. There are only a few things in life he loves more than a predawn run.

Alex Mena
Executive Editor
Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald

Alex Mena has held several leadership positions throughout his 31-plus years as a journalist. He currently serves as the Executive Editor of the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald and as the Florida Regional Editor for McClatchy, the Herald’s parent company.

During his time at the Herald, Alex has covered high school games, written features, worked as a designer and a copy editor; and held leadership positions as assistant sports editor, deputy sports editor, night operations chief, news editor, senior sports editor, deputy managing editor and managing editor.

Learn more about Alex Mena

Alex also volunteers in the community at large — serving as South Florida Chapter President for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, President of the Florida Society of News Editors, member of the Miami Herald Charities board, and a member of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media Advisory Board.

The Florida International University and Miami Dade College graduate is also a 2024 Miami Dade College Hall of Fame inductee.

John Pagano
VP Digital Studios
Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon

John Pagano is a seasoned media professional with nearly two decades of experience. Starting at Nickelodeon’s Brand Creative department, he crafted promos for shows like Degrassi, SpongeBob, and iCarly, swiftly rising from Production Assistant to Executive Producer. Leading a large creative team, John directed branding for Nickelodeon’s top live events and digital channels, including TeenNick, NickToons, Nick Music, and Nick Sports.

In 2018, John pivoted to digital media, playing a key role in launching Nickelodeon’s Digital Studio. He managed content for high-profile YouTube channels like SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Avatar: The Last Airbender, driving these channels to millions of subscribers and billions of watch time minutes.

Learn more about AJohn Pagano

By 2024, John globalized the department, overseeing 53 Nickelodeon YouTube channels worldwide, producing over 1,000 videos monthly. An early adopter of AI, he launched an innovative video editing system using ML and AI technology.

John also served as Executive Producer for on-air and streaming specials like SpongeBob’s Super Bowl Party and the documentary Behind the Dangerverse. His work has earned accolades from ProMax, Kid Screen, and The Shorty Awards.

Moira Rauch
CEO, Kaeru Media International

Moira Rauch is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Kaeru Media International, a Peabody, Emmy, and Telly-award winning live broadcast translation company specializing in breaking news, documentaries, films, and multi-platform scripted and unscripted programming. She and her partner, husband Cesar A. Cardoza, successfully positioned Kaeru Media as the longtime embedded strategic translation, and media consulting partner to the Telemundo and NBC networks and corporate-owned affiliates, in addition to corporate clients and a variety of third-party productions across the Americas.

Learn more about Moira Rauch

Under Rauch’s leadership, the Kaeru Media team has worked closely with broadcast journalists, senior executives, technical and production teams, and affiliates in the conceptualization, research, analysis, and delivery of breaking stories of national and global importance in multiple languages. By parsing the meta language revealing the “story behind the story,” Rauch and her team have served as a seamless extension of in-house news organizations, bringing topics and stories to life via skilled real-time interpretation, voice acting, and media production. Applying cutting-edge strategies and technologies, Moira’s team have applied its expertise in multi-site events that have included coverage for the Olympic games, breaking political news, state funerals, international awards ceremonies, and the November 2023 Republican Primary Debate which involved a set design, translators, and coordination on content research and strategic planning. Additionally, she has delivered media training and support to prominent executives in the public and private sectors.

Rauch earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Minor in Art from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, pursued advanced studies in business at the Dominican Republic’s Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), and holds an Executive Certificate from the MIT Sloan School of Management in “Innovation of Products and Services: The MIT Approach to Design Thinking”. She held leadership roles in academic and government policy and global business development and, managed a diversified business portfolio comprised of multiple asset classes on behalf of a family office.

A native of Venezuela, Rauch has lived in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. She has traveled globally, and is fully fluent in English, German, and Spanish and conversational in French. Son Jose Miguel Baez Rauch holds a diploma from the FIU Department of Economics, daughter Rebecca Rauch-Thane a diploma in Natural and Applied Sciences & Psychology from the FIU College of Arts, Sciences & Education, and daughter Raquel Cristina Baez Rauch graduated in Communication & Marketing from Lynn University. She lives in North Miami with her husband Cesar and their three dogs – Chunk, Pom Pom, and Max.

Ruben Robledo
SVP Production Operations
TelevisaUnivision

Ruben Robledo Senior Vice President of Production of Operations at TelevisaUnivision, U.S.

Ruben Robledo is Senior Vice President of Productions of Operations at TelevisaUnivision, the world’s leading Spanish-language media company. In his role, Robledo plays a pivotal role in the oversight of operations across all TelevisaUnivision local stations in the United States. His responsibilities encompass collaborating with Directors of Operations, Special Events teams, News Technical and Creative Services Teams working closely with the stations’ General Managers and Tecnology Teams from the Local Media business. He ensures seamless operations by maintaining critical partnerships with key service providers.

Learn more about Ruben Robledo

Robledo supervises corporate operational initiatives such as Fleet Management, News Sets for local stations, the organization of the Copa Univision nationwide soccer tournament, and the development of on-air branding for news, elections, and special events. He also manages Uforia live concerts broadcasts, as well as live streaming initiatives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ruben oversees the STEP program for Students and the STORM project for developing meteorologists.

He undertook the crucial task of improving and executing operational responsibilities for 20 stations nationwide, all while exploring innovative approaches to media delivery, including live streaming and interactive content experiences. This involved spearheading the creation, organization, and development of high-demand projects, national and local endeavors, as well as orchestrating Special Events and Concerts, where he directed artists and supervised crews, agents, and managers.

Robledo is a seasoned creative professional and broadcast executive with a rich history in shaping and developing productions for the Hispanic media landscape. His career is defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation with great commitment to fostering competitiveness and a strong emphasis on organizational development. Over the years, he has honed his expertise in brand positioning, audience engagement, value creation, and driving sustainable growth in the ever-evolving media industry.

Robledo undertook the crucial task of improving and executing operational responsibilities for 20 stations nationwide, all while exploring innovative approaches to media delivery, including live streaming and interactive content experiences. This involved spearheading the creation, organization, and development of high-demand projects, national and local endeavors, as well as orchestrating Special Events and Concerts, where he directed artists and supervised crews, agents, and managers.

Before this role, Robledo was the Vice President of Production Operations of Local Media, where headed operations for the legacy company Univision Communications Inc.’s local stations, supervising the local operations working closely with the local director of operations. He joined the company over 27 years ago and has held various roles in the Local Media business unit, and as a trusted producer and advisor for key events in both the U.S. and Mexico, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to exceptional event production.

Robledo holds a bachelor’s in communications with expertise in Mass Media, Television, Radio and Research from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua.

Tamara Beliard Rodriguez
Senior VP/Chief Financial Officer
Island TV

Tamara Béliard Rodriguez is a seasoned businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist, Tamara is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Fatima Group, a longstanding family-owned holding company with a predominant presence in three key industries: shipping, hospitality, and media. Tamara played a pivotal role in a recent partnership with Marriott International, successfully securing a multimillion-dollar publicprivate investment for the conversion of one of the hospitality group’s hotels into a Marriott brand.

Known for her motivational leadership, adaptability to change, and influential relationship-building skills, she consistently delivers innovative and profitable solutions. Tamara is a clear thinker and team player. She seeks dialogue and diversity of opinions.

Learn more about Tamara Beliard Rodriguez

Tamara’s Miami story began at the age of nine, following a year in Canada after immigrating from Haiti. For almost four decades, Tamara has called South Florida home, and she continues to embrace its vibrant culture.

After graduating with an accounting degree from the University of Miami, she embarked on a professional journey leading to diverse corporate and community experiences, including years at PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC), and later at Southern Glazer’s, North America’s leading wine and spirits distributor.

For the last 15 years, Tamara has been a key member of the Fatima Group and the recent rebranding of Island TV, the newest media acquisition for the group. Island TV, based in Miami, is the premier platform for the dissemination of Caribbean news and culture. Under the strategic umbrella of Fatima Group and Tamara’s leadership, Island TV is now accessible to over 500,000 households in South Florida, while simultaneously reaching millions through its diverse digital platforms. Island TV has expanded its footprint to 15 island markets, establishing a strong presence through cable channels across the Caribbean.

With an exceptional ability to cultivate robust relationships within communities, Tamara has been instrumental in creating a unique opportunity for entities to connect with the community, fostering understanding and collaboration. Her extensive community engagement is not only evident in Island TV’s success but is also reflected in her role on several local and national boards, including the United Way of Broward, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, Junior Achievement of South Florida, HaitianAmerican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, and the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). Tamara’s profound understanding of the community’s needs, challenges, and opportunities positions her as an indispensable asset, providing unique insights that contribute significantly to Fatima Group’s success and community impact.

Most recently, Tamara was named to the Miami Host Committee Board of Directors for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

As a reflection of her rich background, Tamara is a polyglot. She is fluent in French, English, HaitianCreole and is proficient in Spanish.

Tamara lives in South Florida with her husband, Richard, and their two teenage daughters, Emma and Cora.

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