maeva lasmar on Muck Rack

maeva lasmar

(She/Her)
Lausanne
Covers:  Women’s well-being, Work–life balance, Social dynamics affecting women, Women’s rights in

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

My first job as a journalist was at Telesud in Paris, where I worked as a journalism trainee from June to September 2021. It was my introduction to a real newsroom: researching stories, assisting with interviews, and learning how to shape information quickly and clearly for broadcast. That experience confirmed that journalism was exactly where I wanted to be.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

No, I’ve never used a typewriter. I grew up working directly with digital tools, so my writing journey started on keyboards and screens rather than paper and ink.

How is social media changing news?

“Social media has transformed news by speeding everything up — stories spread instantly, reactions shape the narrative in real time, and audiences now expect updates as events unfold. It has also blurred the line between journalist and consumer: people contribute footage, perspectives, and sometimes misinformation, which we need to verify quickly.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

I don’t really have a favorite fictional journalist — none come to mind. I tend to be more inspired by real reporters and their work.

What does it mean to be a journalist?

To me, being a journalist means seeking truth with honesty, listening carefully to the people who trust you with their stories, and bringing clarity to issues that shape our lives. It’s a responsibility as much as a craft — asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and giving readers the context they need to understand the world.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

I honestly don’t remember a specific one. News hashtags come and go so quickly that the funny ones tend to disappear as fast as they show up.

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

I appreciate pitches that are concise, relevant, and genuinely connected to the themes I cover.

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

I rely on a mix of organizational, publishing, and creative tools to stay efficient. For planning and workflow, I use Monday to track assignments and deadlines, and Zapier to automate repetitive tasks. WordPress is my main platform for publishing and managing articles. For visuals, I work with Adobe tools when I need more advanced editing, and Canva when I need something quick, clean, and ready for social media. Together, these tools help me stay organized, creative, and adaptable.

What's your favorite social network?

X

Who do you wish followed you?

I’d love to be followed by Michelle Obama. She embodies strength, empathy, and purpose, and having someone like her interested in my work would be incredibly inspiring.

Why did you become a journalist?

I became a journalist because I’ve always been driven by the need to understand people’s experiences and give a voice to stories that often stay in the background. Writing allows me to explore social issues, emotions, and everyday realities with depth and empathy.

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

No, I didn’t work for my high school newspaper. My interest in journalism came a bit later, when I realized how much I enjoyed exploring people’s stories and turning them into something meaningful.

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

It’s hard for me to choose just one. Each story has taught me something different — about people, resilience, inequality, or the quiet complexities of everyday life.

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

“Stay curious. Curiosity is the foundation of good journalism. Learn to listen more than you speak, ask the questions others overlook, and never be afraid to admit what you don’t know yet.

When's the best time to pitch you?

Any weekday works for me — Monday to Friday is ideal. I don’t have a specific time window, and since I’m based in Europe, I just appreciate pitches that keep time zones in mind.

What's the best pitch you ever got?

The best pitch I ever received was from someone who had clearly taken the time to understand my work. They opened with a concise summary, explained why the story aligned with the subjects I cover, and provided real people I could interview — not just abstract claims.

What's the worst pitch you ever got?

The worst pitch I ever received was one that had nothing to do with my work at all — it was addressed to the wrong name, referenced topics I’ve never covered

What's your favorite drink?

My favorite drink is a diabolo menthe. It’s simple, refreshing, and instantly reminds me of summer — a little sweetness, a little mint, and a lot of nostalgia.

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

When I’m not at a computer, I’m usually spending time with friends — catching up, relaxing, and enjoying simple moments together.

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

One of my favorite publications to read is Le Monde Diplomatique. I appreciate its depth, its long-form analysis, and the way it explores global issues with context and nuance.

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

The most common misperception about my beat is that subjects like women’s mental load, well-being, or gender-based violence are ‘niche’ or only concern a small part of the population. In reality, they reveal structural issues that affect families, workplaces, and society as a whole. These topics are often dismissed as personal or emotional, when they’re actually deeply political and systemic. Covering them isn’t about anecdotes — it’s about understanding how people live, struggle, and navigate the world every day.

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