The Walrus Appoints Ketsia Beboua as 2025/26 CIBC Fellow

The Walrus has named Ketsia Beboua as the 2025/26 CIBC Digital Fellow for Emerging Black Journalists. This initiative, supported by CIBC, marks the fourth year of a partnership designed to empower early-career Black journalists in Canada. The announcement was made on November 8, 2025, highlighting The Walrus’s ongoing commitment to diversity and innovative storytelling.

Beboua, a passionate writer and creator, brings a rich background in various media forms, including film, television, and digital platforms. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a keen interest in narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. As part of the fellowship, she will receive hands-on training and mentorship aimed at enhancing her ability to produce engaging digital content.

“I’m excited to join The Walrus as this year’s CIBC Digital Journalism Fellow and contribute to the kind of journalism that informs and inspires,” Beboua stated. She emphasized the fellowship as a meaningful opportunity to refine her skills in digital storytelling while collaborating with industry leaders.

The fellowship program prioritizes the development of contemporary journalism practices, particularly in digital production. It aims to support the next generation of Black journalists and promote compelling multimedia storytelling that contributes to Canada’s cultural dialogue.

Makda Mulatu, Digital Production Manager at The Walrus, expressed enthusiasm about Beboua’s appointment, drawing on her own experience as a previous fellow. “Having begun my own journey at The Walrus as the 2023/24 CIBC Digital Journalism Fellow, I know first-hand what an exciting and formative role this is. I’m thrilled to welcome Ketsia to the team,” she remarked.

In a statement, Andrew Greenlaw, Senior Vice-President at CIBC, congratulated Beboua on her fellowship. He remarked, “Together with our community partners, we’re creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to realize their ambitions. We are proud to support emerging Black journalists like Ketsia at a time when the value of fact-based journalism is of critical importance to the communities we serve.”

Beboua’s projects include the PBS-aired short documentary Passion & Pursuit and her surrealist short film Thalia. She is currently working on a half-hour comedy series titled MisDirected, which has been optioned by Archipelago. Through her work at The Walrus, she aims to blend creative and journalistic storytelling, reaching audiences on a global scale.

The CIBC Digital Fellowship for Emerging Black Journalists is a vital part of The Walrus’s mission to foster equity and inclusion within the field of journalism. The organization continues to invest in mentorship and digital innovation, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in contemporary media.

For further information about The Walrus or Ketsia Beboua, interested parties can contact Monita Mohan, Marketing Director at The Walrus, via email at [email protected].

The Walrus, as a registered charity, is dedicated to provoking new thinking and sparking conversation on issues critical to Canada. Through independent, fact-based journalism and various initiatives, it contributes to the cultivation of informed citizens, which is essential for a healthy society.

CIBC, a leading North American financial institution, provides a comprehensive range of services to over 14 million clients, including personal banking, business solutions, and wealth management. More details about CIBC can be found on its official website.