The Tacoma Ledger is the independent weekly collegiate newspaper of the University of Washington Tacoma. All content is generated by Ledger-employed student journalists currently enrolled at UWT. The Ledger strives to adhere to student interests and local news. UWT Administration, student organizations, and students and clubs exercise no editorial control over the publication. Funding is provided through the UW Tacoma Services and Activities Fee and supplemented by advertising revenue.

Our Mission Statement: The Tacoma Ledger is committed to presenting high-quality student news to inform and engage with the University of Washington Tacoma community. We strive to represent student voices while creating a professional environment in which student writers can hone their journalism skills and express themselves.  

EDITORS

Jamenson Aleman – Editor-in-Chief 

For Jamenson Aleman, every story is a window into the human spirit. As a former staff writer for The Pinnacle at Pierce College, he’s learned that everyone has something important to say. Whether he’s lost in a good book or unraveling a philosophical question, Jamenson draws on his love of history, theology, philosophy and writing to discover the truths that shape our daily lives. Now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Writing Studies after earning an Associate of Art from Pierce College, he is more determined than ever to share stories that challenge, inspire, and connect us all.  

Michaela Ely – Managing Editor

Michaela Ely is a senior at UWT majoring in Writing Studies and has begun her Master’s in Education program. She hopes to eventually teach high school English and drive more students to appreciate the subject.  

 

 

MANAGERS 

Zecret Truex – Layout/Content Manager  

Zecret Truex is a senior at UWT majoring in Arts, Media and Culture. With an extensive background in artistry she earned her Associate’s degree in Fine Arts from Green River College where she found a passion for oil painting. Beyond the classroom, she is a successful commission painter and also enjoys doing special effects makeup, sculpting, theatre prop design and content creation. When she is able to master the balance of school/work and designing content layouts for The Ledger, she spends her free time with her family, enjoys nature, hiking, traveling, and a good book paired with good wine. 

Justen Bertelsen- Content Assistant

WRITERS 

Huzaifa Afzal – Reporter

As a Master of Cybersecurity & Leadership grad student. he is also an international Husky. Syed Huzaifa Bin Afzal covers campus life, tech, and entertainment for The Ledger. He’s especially interested in real-world AI, gaming, and all things tech. Before UWT, he spent 6+ years in cloud and DevOps, building what works and fixing what doesn’t (mostly on AWS). Outside reporting, he enjoys exploring new places, hiking, and playing soccer and volleyball.

 MJ Cameron- Reporter

MJ is a junior at UWT and is majoring in Communications. MJ is hoping to pursue a career in digital marketing or journalism. He started at TCC as a senior in high school in 2023 and completed his Associate of Arts degree in June 2025. Outside of school, he enjoys exploring Washington with his partner and his family, creating digital art on photoshop, and dancing to hip hop or tap.

 

Ella Walken – Reporter 

Rae Watkins – Reporter

DESIGN/ART