Esther Ijewere on Muck Rack

Esther Ijewere

Verified
(She/Her)
Canada, Ontario
Covers:  Media strategy, public relations, brand visibility, women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and social impact storytelling
🇨🇦 Media Strategist & Storyteller | Founder @WomenOfRubies & @menwhoinspire | Guardian Columnist

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

Columnist for The Guardian Nigeria, where I highlight impactful human-interest stories and social issues.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes

How is social media changing news?

Social media has revolutionized news by speeding up how information spreads and giving everyone a chance to report stories. It makes news more immediate, diverse, and interactive

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

My favorite fictional journalist is Lois Lane fearless, smart, and always digging for the truth no matter the risks.

What does it mean to be a journalist?

Being a journalist means listening, asking hard questions, and sharing honest stories that connect people to the truth. It’s about curiosity, empathy, and making sense of the world for everyone.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

#FakeNewsFriday, it’s a clever way people poke fun at wild headlines and remind us to fact-check before we share!

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

Email is preferred. Please include a clear subject line, a summary, and why the story matters to my audience, especially if it centers

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

I use Google Workspace, social media platforms, and tools like Trello for organization. Research and fact-checking tools help keep my stories accurate.

What's your favorite social network?

Facebook

Who do you wish followed you?

Oprah Winfrey

Why did you become a journalist?

I became a journalist to amplify underrepresented voices, especially women, and use storytelling to spark conversations, inspire change, and build stronger communities

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

No.

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

The story I’m most proud of is the first woman I ever spotlighted. Sharing her journey reminded me why storytelling matters

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

Stay curious, listen deeply, and always seek the truth. Focus on people and empathy, and protect your integrity; it's your strongest tool.

When's the best time to pitch you?

The best time to pitch me is during regular business hours, Monday to Friday. But honestly, I’m always open to good storiesjust keep your pitch clear, concise, and relevant, and you’ll catch my attention anytime!

What's the best pitch you ever got?

The best pitch I got was clear, timely, and showed the sender really knew my audience. It was simple but grabbed my attention right away.

What's the worst pitch you ever got?

None I can think of.

What's your favorite drink?

Water

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

I’m most likely attending community events, mentoring women, spending time with my kids, or unplugging with a good book and a cup of tea.

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

Ebony Magazine

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

The most common misperception about my beat is that it’s just about reporting facts. In reality, it’s about storytelling, context, and connecting the dots to help people truly understand the bigger picture.

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