What was your first job as a journalist?
I've always been freelance, though I can technically say I became a paid writer when I got my first paid Substack subscriber.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Not seriously. We love analog media over here, but don't think it's for me!
How is social media changing news?
Democratization of information sharing (for better or worse). Complicates the public's understanding of what qualifies as journalism
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
No fictional journalist feels relatable or representational (not a very diverse group), so I default to Snoopy. (He writes on a typewriter!)
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means being a truth-teller, a communicator of what may be hard to communicate, an opener of eyes, someone who speaks truth to power.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
People don't use hashtags anymore, silly.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
With transparent information about pay, detailed information about the topic, and clarity about deadlines.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word, Google Docs, a sprinkle of Grammarly for writing, Canva or Pinterestfor any infographics, and Notability or Adobe for highlighting PDFs
What's your favorite social network?
Threads! Good fun, doesn't make me compare myself to others, and it's not X.
Who do you wish followed you?
More people. Not too picky about who at this point.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love platforming and amplifying untold stories, telling my own, and helping educate folks by breaking down commonly misunderstood topics
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I actually did for a semester! But I don't think the teacher (who was the lead editor) ever published my articles. Demanding justice.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I really loved my One Battle After Another and Museum of Us pieces.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I still consider myself an aspiring journalist to be honest, BUT: write! Get your words out of your head! That's where ideas go to die!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Whenever you'd like:)
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A pitch from someone specifically looking to help me build out my portfolio. It was really heartwarming!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
None!
What's your favorite drink?
Horchata latte with almond milk. (Los Ángeles represent!)
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Either in bed or at the movies (a member of the AMC A-List cult)
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Shit You Should Care About, Slate, Blackstack, Jacobin, NYT, The Atlantic
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Plead the fifth.
