What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a TV news reporter and producer.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. LOL!
How is social media changing news?
Unfortunately, people are not consuming news from outlets that offer different opinions or viewpoints. It has created siloed discourse.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
James Baldwin
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You are have the responsibility to ask the hard questions to not only get to the truth and facts, but to also tell important untold stories.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
AP Style Guide, Microsoft Word & Excel, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier & Photoshop, and various networking and social media platforms
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
I've never really thought about it. I'm sure there are a few, but for now, I happy for any followers just as long as they're not bots.
Why did you become a journalist?
To tell the stories of marginalized or underrepresented groups and communities.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, but I was a contributing writer for my college newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Is it bad if I say that I'm proud of most, if not all, of my work.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be persistent and be true to who you are as a journalist, even if that means veering off a traditional career path to create your own.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm always open to and looking for new ideas.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
So far, it has been writing about the first African-American travel agency. It was the perfect trifecta: travel, history and culture.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Hmmm, let me get back to you on this one.
What's your favorite drink?
Water, but as for spirits, Conundrum white wine and Amarula
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outside at a nearby park or in front of the TV.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
It's a toss up between Travel + Leisure, Afar, Conde Nast Traveler and Entertainment Weekly.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's "easy" and "anyone can write."
