What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a reporter at the Employment and Training Reporter, a weekly newsletter that was partially owned by Bloomberg BNA.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. And I still own it to remind me how far I've come.
How is social media changing news?
Social media allows journalists to interact with readers and subjects. It's also become a great source for story ideas.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I prefer the real ones!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means telling people things that they don't know and using the information to make change.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email and Twitter work best for me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
My iPhone, iPad Air, MacBook Pro and the myriad apps on said devices that let me work smarter and better.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
I have great followers, but if i chose one, it would be Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I didn't do well in film school. ;)
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn't. In high school, I went to a special science/math school because i wanted to be a doctor.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The story I wrote for the 75th anniversary of AOPA about the contribution of black aviators during the history of the industry.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Do the work. Don't rest on your laurels; always strive to achieve more. Be a role model for the next generation.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm an early riser (4:30 a.m.) so early is better for me.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I can't pick one. The best are ones with great details, an interesting angle and access to the top people for interviews.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I'm an aviation journalist. It was a pitch for something that had NOTHING to do with my beat. And my name was misspelled!
What's your favorite drink?
A Kir Royale made with really good champagne.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Either playing with my daughter or quilting.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Vanity Fair.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we fly all over the world on an endless vacation. We have to tell really smart people things they don't know.
