LIVE: The Layoff Lounge

In this episode of The Sidebar, we revisit February’s Layoff Lounge panel, a timely and candid conversation centered on navigating the realities of today’s shifting media landscape. Moderated by NYABJ Vice President-Print FONDA SANDERS, , the panel brought together TORRENCE S. TRAYNHAM, Founder & CTO of D9 Resume Exchange and KAMIKA DILLARD, Tech Strategist and Founder of Fail Forward Coaching. Together, they offer practical guidance and forward-looking strategies for media professionals facing layoffs or preparing for potential career pivots. As journalism organizations across the country and around the world continue to undergo staff reductions, this discussion serves as both a resource and a rallying point. Panelists share insights on staying competitive in the job market, leveraging networks, reframing career narratives, and building resilience in uncertain times. (Note: This episode was recorded on February 10th, 2026. The intro mistakenly noted that this was recorded in January. An updated version of the episode with a corrected intro will be uploaded.) --------- The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS. For more information on the New York Association of Black Journalists, please visit our website at www.nyabj.org.