(Rochester, NY) October 7, 2026 — Jamila Evans has joined WXXI Public Media as Director of Donor Stewardship and Community Engagement. With more than 12 years of community engagement experience, she is an expert in event project management, collaborative partnerships, culturally diverse events, and community initiatives. In this new role, she will be responsible for creating and managing an integrated approach that centers the organization-wide events strategy alongside donor engagement, board effectiveness, and community leadership.
For the past six years, Evans has owned Agape PR, an agency specializing in non-profit public relations, media consulting, and event coordination. Her client list includes Rochester Oratorio Society, Gateways Music Festival, University of Rochester, and Finger Lakes Opera. The list also includes WXXI, where Evans served as project manager for the Antiques Roadshow 2026 Tour to film three episodes of the award-winning PBS series at the Genesse Country Village and Museum last summer. More than 3,000 guests participated in the taping, sharing their stories, treasures, and a love of history.
“Jamila’s strong background in community engagement, project leadership, and special events will be integral to our vision for a new future for public media in our community,” explains Chris Hastings, WXXI President & CEO. “As Director of Donor Stewardship and Community Engagement, she will serve as the primary architect of donor stewardship, board engagement, volunteer leadership, and institutional relationship management.”
“Building authentic relationships and creating meaningful connections has always been at the heart of my work,” said Evans. “As someone who grew up in Rochester, I’m thrilled to join WXXI and contribute to an organization whose impact is deeply tied to the community it serves. WXXI is sustained by relationships in this community, and I’m beyond excited to now be part of this historic institution that means so much to this region.”
In her personal time, Evans is active with Friends of Frederick Douglass, William Warfield Scholarship Fund, and the National Day of Prayer Initiative. She is a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan and holds a certificate in Radio, TV, and Film from Specs Howard School of Media Arts.
With the hire of Evans and in support of this new role, Lisa Medina has been promoted to Manager of Donor Stewardship and Board Relations. Medina joined WXXI in 2015 as an administrative assistant and has served as Development Coordinator for the past seven years. Focused on donor account relations, budget management, and volunteer coordination, Medina’s new role will focus on donor and trustee engagement and recognition, and stakeholder experiences across WXXI, The Little Theatre, and CITY Magazine initiatives. Medina will work under the direction of the Director of Donor Stewardship and Community Engagement, the Chief of Staff, and the CEO.
Beyond her primary professional duties, Medina is a dedicated leader in community and wellness initiatives. An advocate for holistic health and a dedicated vegan, she has 10 years of experience as a Certified Group Exercise Instructor. She leverages this passion to promote plant-based nutrition alongside physical fitness as a Facilitator for the WXXI Health & Wellness committee, where she coordinates the annual J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge and provides comprehensive health guidance. Medina is a 2025 United Way Latino Leadership Development graduate.
