Latoya Abulu
Verified
As seen in:
Mongabay,
Flipboard,
Phys.org,
The Japan Times,
Barron's,
Cell Press,
Scroll.in,
The Diplomat Magazine,
Agence France-Presse (AFP),
Good News Network,
Global Voices
and
Covers:
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Indigenous Rights, Human Rights, Science
Senion Editor @mongabay covering Indigenous news, nature-based solutions and biodiversity hotspots | No longer posting here.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for an article covering US military presence and its effects in Okinawa.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have never used a typewriter. But I've used a quill.
How is social media changing news?
For the better and worse. More news and faster exposure on the ground to detail accountability, however over-saturation and more uncertainty.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
None
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Integrity, impartiality and humanity: remaining passionate in detailing the truth and assuring that all voices are heard.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
covfefe
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Paper, pen, Microsoft Word
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
People who have read my work deeply, felt inspired and actually believed in it
Why did you become a journalist?
As I believe in the importance of storytelling and the integrity that comes with the field of delivering and covering truth for the public.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I founded my high school newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My articles detailing the environmental damages of the US Henoko base construction in Okinawa, and on spirituality and environmentalism.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Always remember why you became a journalist and retain your passion. Also, pitch an article before you write it!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime is the best time to pitch me.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
From Asia Times covering the environmental degradation on Okinawa.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
None
What's your favorite drink?
Water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading in a chair, or outside in front of a lake
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Asia Times
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
None
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.