Nadeen Abusada
Cleveland,,Ohio
Summary
My work as an Emmy-nominated journalist is rooted in a simple belief: whose stories we tell shapes whose lives are valued. I focus on communities that are too often overlooked in mainstream coverage, especially Arab American voices, and I work to bring depth, nuance, and humanity to their experiences.
In my reporting, I seek out stories that sit at the intersection of identity, policy, and lived experience; whether that is families navigating immigration systems, communities responding to hate and surveillance, or young people redefining what it means to belong in America. I am intentional about including community members as experts of their own lives, not just as subjects, and I prioritize context so audiences understand the systems behind individual stories.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
News Reporter / Fill-in Anchor
WEWS-TV
Cleveland, Ohio
09.2021 - Current
- Report and produce daily enterprise and breaking stories on immigration, Middle Eastern affairs, and communities across Cuyahoga County, shaping coverage priorities in a top local newsroom.
- Uncovered and reported on immigration scams, census undercount of Arab Americans, and gaps in domestic violence protections, prompting community dialogue and resource sharing.
- Deliver live breaking news coverage and in-depth, solutions-focused reporting across Northeast Ohio for on-air and digital platforms.
- Build and sustain trust with diverse and immigrant communities, resulting in increased access, source depth, and more accurate, representative storytelling.
- Consistently center Arab American voices in mainstream coverage, challenging stereotypes and broadening audience understanding of the community’s lived experiences
- Regularly fill in on the anchor desk, maintaining viewer engagement and newsroom continuity during high-pressure, fast-paced news cycles.
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure timely broadcast of news segments.
- Conducted in-depth research to develop news stories and reports.
News Reporter / Fill-in Anchor
WBRZ-TV
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
08.2018 - 09.2021
- Reported, shot, edited, and produced daily TV and digital stories
- Extensively covered major court cases, including the hazing death of Max Gruver; followed the investigation into LSU’s mishandling of Title IX complaints; and reported on the city’s inadequate infrastructure that contributed to severe flooding in Ascension Parish.
- Provided live field coverage of major weather emergencies, including hurricanes and flooding.
- Told clear, engaging stories on key community issues and public concerns
- Filled in on the morning anchor desk as needed.
Station Manager
LSU Student Media
11.2015 - 08.2018
- Served as the first Arab American station manager at Tiger TV, leading a 50+ person newsroom team and managing a $70,000 annual budget.
- Mentored emerging journalists in reporting, storytelling, production, and editorial judgment, elevating overall newsroom quality.
- Directed day-to-day newsroom operations across multiple departments, shaping editorial strategy, workflows, and content direction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Mass Communication
Lousiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA05-2019
Honors & Recognition
- Two-time Emmy Award nominee for storytelling excellence
- Member of a Murrow Award–winning newsroom
- Selected Fellow, 2024 Media Law School — University of South Carolina
- Moderator of the first Palestinian forum at The City Club of Cleveland and interviewed Mehdi Hasan
Community Involvement
- Arab American Professionals of Cleveland, Vice President of External Affairs: Drive outreach initiatives to connect, elevate, and empower Arab American professionals like out networking mixer or charity events during wars or disasters in the middle east, Lead social media strategy and community outreach like highlighting business during Arab heritage month, Strengthen visibility and representation of Arab Americans in professional spaces
- Cleveland Public Theatre — Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, Actress/Writer: Co-create and perform original productions centered on Arab American identity and lived experiences, Use storytelling to challenge stereotypes and promote cross-cultural understanding
- Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, Event Emcee & Advocate: Emcee major fundraising events supporting humanitarian aid for children in Palestine, Use public platform to raise awareness and mobilize community support
- American Red Cross, Volunteer: Improve community safety by canvasing and installing fire alarms in underserved neighborhoods
Timeline
News Reporter / Fill-in Anchor
WEWS-TV
09.2021 - Current
News Reporter / Fill-in Anchor
WBRZ-TV
08.2018 - 09.2021
Station Manager
LSU Student Media
11.2015 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Mass Communication
Lousiana State University