What was your first job as a journalist?
My current job, reporting and writing in Houma, LA.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, when I was a little girl. My grandmother was the secretary at my elementary school and she used one every day.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is making news more readily available to the masses. A lot of it needs to be vetted, but this change is good.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Nova Bordelon from Queen Sugar
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist, you have to be willing to learn something new every day and be open to change.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched via email. I'm mostly out of the office on assignment, so I likely won't answer my desk phone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Saxotech, Buffer, Google Docs and Sheets, Citrix Receiver, Core FTP, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Oprah and Michelle Obama.
Why did you become a journalist?
To tell stories about everyday people whose voices aren't always heard.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No. We unfortunately didn't have a high school newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I'm most proud of the stories I write about people doing wonderful things in their communities.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep working, even when you're feeling overworked and underpaid. The right opportunity is on the way.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the morning.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A pitch to cover a young lady competing in the Miss Louisiana Pageant.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
To cover a family reunion.
What's your favorite drink?
Long Island Iced Tea
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Driving around New Orleans, watching one of my favorite TV shows or spending time with family.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I really don't have a favorite publication. I just love reading good stories.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That arts and entertainment isn't real news.
