Kayleigh Skinner joined Mississippi Today in January 2017 as an education reporter and has advanced to a senior staff member in her four years with the company. Now the managing editor, Skinner earned her bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Mississippi. At Mississippi Today, she has focused on education and politics and how they intersect to impact the lives of people in Mississippi. She has appeared on MSNBC, NPR, and BBC Newsday Radio to discuss her reporting.

Letitia S. Johnson is a lifelong Mississippi resident.  The Magnolia native received her undergraduate degree from Tougaloo College, and subsequently attended Mississippi College School of Law where she earned Juris Doctorate.  In addition to her commitments as a dedicated wife, mother of five and attorney, Letitia demonstrates continued commitment to reinvesting in the Jackson community through service on the Jackson Public School Board of Trustees and as an active member of the Jackson Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Chuck Poole is a native of Macon, Georgia. He attended Mercer University, completing a B.A. in Christianity and English. He completed his Master of Divinity Degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The recipient of an honorary doctorate from Mercer University, Chuck has served as a Baptist pastor for over thirty years. He has served as a visiting preacher and teacher on the campuses of Furman University, The Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Duke University, Mercer University, Campbell University, Mississippi College, and Gardner-Webb University. He is the author of seven books and numerous published articles. Chuck served as Northminster’s Senior Pastor from 1997 to 2003. From 2003 to November 2007, Chuck served as Community Minister with the LifeShare Foundation in Jackson, Mississippi, and returned to Northminster as Senior Pastor in December of 2007.

Michelle Y. Owens, MD is a Maternal Fetal Medicine subspecialist and Professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).  Dr. Owens completed her residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and her fellowship at UMMC.  She serves as the Division Chief and Fellowship Director for Maternal Fetal Medicine.  Her research and clinical interests are in Maternal and Infant mortality,  hypertensive and substance use disorders in pregnancy, preterm labor, health disparities and adolescent health.  She has authored numerous articles and book chapters, and was appointed by Governors Phil Bryant and Tate Reeves to the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure and also serves on the State Board of Nursing.  Dr. Owens is the host of “Southern Remedy for Women”, a talk-radio show focused on health issues for women and the people that love them.  She and her husband  have three children: Tripp, Joshua and Taylor.