What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for Open File
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yup, when I was younger. All of my book reports in elementary and middle school were made on a typewriter.
How is social media changing news?
People don't want to read long form articles as much. Twitter and Instagram have become news sources in their own right.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Superman
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist is a storyteller. We're supposed to be about upholding truth in a world of fake news.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
It's not news related, but was the funniest thing I've ever seen on the internet.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email. Don't slide in the DMs unless you're asking for my email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Wordpress, Instagram, the Adobe Suite, Canva, Asana
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram. Hands down. It does everything.
Who do you wish followed you?
Champagnepapi
Why did you become a journalist?
There were a lot of talented people around me whose stories weren't being told. I like digging for the stories other people aren't telling.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope. I think I was a late bloomer as a journalist.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I wrote an op-ed on being Black in Canada following the George Floyd murder. That article got major traction and created a conversation.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Personal branding is important today as a journalist. It used to be frowned upon, but it's needed to attract opportunities for yourself.
When's the best time to pitch you?
By email, any time
What's the best pitch you ever got?
There's nothing that stands out really.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I don't remember receiving a terrible pitch. At least not bad enough to remember.
What's your favorite drink?
If we're talking alcoholic drinks, it's a spiced rum and sprite.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On my couch either watching TV or reading a book
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I don't really have one. I "graze". I just find articles I like and read them. Actually, I used to be on Retail Insider and CityLab a lot.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I'm capable of writing or commenting on Black issues and culture, although that's what most interests me.
