Claire Herquet Named Director of the Philadelphia Student Press Association

The Philadelphia Student Press Association (PSPA) has announced that Claire Herquet will serve as its next Director beginning in May 2026. She succeeds founding Director Jackson Juzang, who established the organization and led its early development as a collaborative network for student journalism across the Philadelphia region.

Her appointment reflects both PSPA’s continued growth and her impact within the organization, where she has served as Communications Lead.

“I’ve been working with Claire for over nine months, and it’s always been clear she would be an incredible candidate to take over as Director,” said Juzang. “Claire’s role as Communications Lead has allowed her to build close relationships with our partner organizations, have the best perspective of the PSPA’s image, and showcase her work ethic in all aspects of the PSPA’s day-to-day operations.”

In her current role, Claire has played a key part in shaping PSPA’s communications strategy across both internal channels and external platforms. She has managed messaging across member publications, supported the promotion of events and initiatives, and helped strengthen engagement among student media organizations. Her work has contributed to a more unified organizational voice and increased visibility for student journalism initiatives throughout the region.

“I’m excited to lead the Philadelphia Student Press Association at a moment when student voices matter more than ever,” said Herquet. “Together, we’ll ensure that young and aspiring journalists have the tools and support they deserve.”

Claire is a Communication major with a track in media & journalism at La Salle University, where she is actively involved in campus media and student organizations. She works with The La Salle Collegian as a News Writer and Editor, contributing reporting and editorial work centered on campus news, student perspectives, and community-focused storytelling. By August, she will move up to take over as Editor-in-Chief of the Collegian.

Outside of the newsroom, Claire is a member of the La Salle Dance Team. She also serves as President of the Association for Women in Communications at La Salle and participates in various other extracurriculars around campus like La Salle TV and La Salle Democrats. These roles reflect her broader interests in communication, leadership, and civic engagement.

Across her academic and professional experiences, Claire has developed strong skills in communication, organization, adaptability, and audience engagement. As a current intern at Fizz Social, she has contributed to social media strategy, supported content development, and helped strengthen engagement across student audiences and digital platforms.

“This role is about trust—in students, in journalism, and in the power of informed communities,” Herquet added. “I’m honored to accept it, follow in Jackson’s footsteps, and ready to get to work.”

As Director, Claire will lead PSPA’s continued expansion, overseeing programming, workshops, and partnerships with student media organizations and industry professionals. Her leadership comes at a time when the organization is continuing to grow its presence and deepen its support for student journalism across the Philadelphia area.

PSPA extends its gratitude to founding Director Jackson Juzang for his leadership and vision in building the organization and congratulates Claire Herquet as she prepares to lead PSPA into its next chapter.