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About Natasha S. Alford

Natasha S. Alford is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and media executive who uses the power of storytelling to inspire and inform. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer of theGrio, she leads a national newsroom dedicated to amplifying overlooked narratives and reporting on critical issues impacting the Black community. 

A versatile creator, Natasha is the executive producer and director of the Amazon Prime Video documentary Afro-Latinx Revolution: Puerto Rico (2020), which explores the complexities of Afro-Latino identity. In 2024, she published her critically acclaimed memoir, American Negra (HarperCollins), which earned an International Latino Book Award and reflects on her journey navigating race, identity, and a career in media.

Before her executive leadership roles, Natasha was a general assignment reporter for WROC-TV and an educator with Teach For America. Her work has been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, The Guardian, Vogue, and Oprah Daily. Recognized for her impact, she was named "Emerging Journalist of the Year" by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in 2018.
Areas of Expertise

Digital Media Leadership & Strategy
Afro-Latino Identity & Diaspora Stories
Political Analysis & Social Justice
Documentary Filmmaking & Production
Memoir & Narrative Non-Fiction Writing

Professional Experience

Senior Vice President & Chief Content Officer — theGrio (Present)
Political Analyst — CNN (2019–Present)
Vice President of Digital Content — theGrio (2019–2024)
Adjunct Assistant Professor — Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
General Assignment Reporter — WROC-TV (Rochester, NY)

Education

Master of Public Policy (MPP) — Princeton University, School of Public and International Affairs
Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism — Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism

Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies — Harvard University

Follow her on social media at @natashasalford across all platforms.

All Articles

November 23, 2017
The former Hollywood agent, whose clientele has included every from Oprah Winfrey to Missy Elliott, is building his own empire…
November 21, 2017
Actress Carmen Ejogo says when it comes to happiness, money isn't everything...
Denzel Washington Receives the Film Icon Award - TheGrio Awards 2023
November 21, 2017
Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington says making positive change in black communities starts at home...
November 15, 2017
Tonight is the moment we’ve all been waiting for: The Season finale of Queen Sugar. Throughout Season 2, we’ve watched
November 9, 2017
When I was a middle school teacher, I found myself praying for the protection and wellness of my students on
November 2, 2017
[griojw id=”WQLtuDYg” playerid=”BqxyiSkR”] When Congresswoman Maxine Waters went viral for “reclaiming” her time during a committee meeting this summer, black women
October 30, 2017
Black athletes have been getting a lot of attention since Colin Kaepernick took a knee.  Whether they speak out or
October 27, 2017
White House correspondent April Ryan won’t be stopped by critics or detractors. On Thursday night, the veteran journalist and best-selling
October 22, 2017
Poet Nikki Giovanni has been telling it like it is for over three decades.  The award-winning writer, activist and educator
October 19, 2017
When Alejandra Castillo stepped into the role of CEO for the YWCA last month, she made it her mission to
October 16, 2017
The night Randall Woodfin won the hotly contested race for mayor of Birmingham, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with dozens of his
Sheryl Lee Ralph performs Lift Every Voice and Sing prior to Super Bowl LVII thegrio.com
October 7, 2017
Editor’s note: Our previous reporting on “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” its lyrics and how it became the Black national
October 2, 2017
When it comes to haircare, finding the right stylist can change your life. With so many beautiful hairstyles to try,
September 27, 2017
Shaka Senghor knows the power of redemption. The New York Times bestselling author, educator and activist has dedicated his life
September 15, 2017
In an era of Instagram-perfect weddings and engagement photos, sometimes the hardest parts of love and marriage don’t get enough
September 5, 2017
Teff Hinkson doesn’t sound like your average rapper.  The Barbados-born artist is bringing a fresh sound to music that captures the
September 1, 2017
How Rorrey Fenty Built Crop Over’s Hottest Band (and Keeps Sis Rihanna Coming Back) This summer, theGrio went #travelnoire when
August 25, 2017
Antoinette Warner understands the definition of love standing the test of time. Her husband Colin Warner spent 21 years behind
August 16, 2017
Fans of Queen Sugar know that when it comes to the Bordelon siblings, the drama is real but so is
August 10, 2017
If you saw Rihanna‘s Crop Over costume this week, you know that she slayed the Grand Kadooment celebration in Barbados.