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Lajja Mistry on Muck Rack

Lajja Mistry

(She/Her)
Pittsburgh, United States
As seen in: PublicSource, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, Flipboard, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Caravan, The Hechinger Report
Covers:  education, culture

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Lajja Mistry’s Biography

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I am currently working as a K-12 education reporter based in Pittsburgh. I focus on equity issues in public school systems through long-form, data-driven stories. I am originally from India and am interested in telling stories around education and culture through an accountability lens.

Lajja Mistry’s Journalist Portfolio

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Once assaulted over his identity, Riverview school board president stood with immigrant community

Once assaulted over his identity, Riverview school board president stood with immigrant community

Antonio Paris joined the Riverview School Board after being targeted as a gay, Black man. In his role as pres…

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Talk of ICE activity around schools prompts advocacy and a walkout

Talk of ICE activity around schools prompts advocacy and a walkout

Early reports of an ICE arrest in Wilkinsburg alarmed residents and parents. Across town Allderdice High Scho…

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Oakmont votes against immigration enforcement role, while Springdale officials say little

Oakmont votes against immigration enforcement role, while Springdale officials say little

Two Allegheny Valley boroughs have seen high-profile detentions of immigrants. Springdale is cooperating with…

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In the shadow of the Clairton Coke Works, the community's next generation learns

In the shadow of the Clairton Coke Works, the community's next generation learns

In a city dominated by a pollution-emitting plant, and a district long known for football, school administrat…

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'Beartopia' boosts school spirit in the shadow of the Clairton Coke Works

'Beartopia' boosts school spirit in the shadow of the Clairton Coke Works

Six months after a mill explosion, Clairton Elementary students build leadership skills through a new program…

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PPS board resumes closures discussion after axing plans in November

PPS board resumes closures discussion after axing plans in November

Two years of school consolidation planning ground to a halt late last year when the board voted down the prop…

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Articles

PPS spent $1.4 million on special education settlements as families, advocates continue to call for services

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By Lajja Mistry
| PublicSource Verified
Elijah is a fourth-grader who is autistic, has ADHD and does not speak. He loves going to school. He especially enjoys being outdoors in the school’s playground. He loves wearing different kinds of hats and cares deeply about his teachers and friends. His parents say he sees the world differently from others and embraces the traits that make him unique. “Even though he doesn’t communicate, he understands everything you’re saying,” said his father, Joshua Stokes.
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State to explore consolidation of Duquesne, McKeesport schools

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By Lajja Mistry
| PublicSource Verified
The state Department of Education is leaning toward the Duquesne City School District’s merger with the McKeesport Area School District.
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Duquesne City School District prepares to merge with a neighbor

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By Lajja Mistry
| PublicSource Verified
Two decades after shuttering its high school, the Duquesne City School District faces persistent headwinds and will now merge with a nearby school system. Whether the merger will be with the West Mifflin Area, East Allegheny, McKeesport Area or Pittsburgh Public school districts could become clear imminently, said John Hansen, the district’s chief recovery officer. He expects the state to issue a report with an announcement about the merger by June 30.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

Education reporter at Pittsburgh's Public Source

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes! I sourced a typewriter from an antique market in my hometown and spent many days during COVID, typing away letters to friends.

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

I frequently use data analysis and visualization tools such as Excel, DataWrapper and Flourish.

Awards

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Golden Quill Awards

2025 - Excellence in audio journalism

The Golden Quill Awards by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania. This award was won in partnership with 90.5 WESA for a series called "PPS' Path Forward," which explored school closures in Pittsburgh schools.

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Golden Quill Awards

2020 - Excellence in Education Reporting

The Golden Quill Awards by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania. This award was won in partnership with 90.5 WESA for a series called "PPS' Path Forward," which explored school closures in Pittsburgh schools.

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Society of Professional Journalists Award

2022 - Education writing

Awarded for a six-story project titled 'Uneven Scales' that showed various disparities in Pittsburgh Public Schools.

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Robert L. Vann Media Awards

2024 - Public Affairs/Politics/Government/Education

Awarded for a story that showed systemic inequities between two schools in the Pittsburgh school district.

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Hearst Journalism Award

2023 - Multimedia IV - Digital News or Enterprise Story-Team

Awarded for 'Reflections of the L.A. Uprising', a virtual reality project created as part of a student team at USC.

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