What was your first job as a journalist?
An intern at "The Chicago" a monthly magazine on race and urban affairs. They offered me a six months training. Then went to the LA Times.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Absolutely. I learned to type on a typewriter and took typing class in high school.
How is social media changing news?
It's forcing the news to be delivered faster. It's also created a demand for more diversity and intersectional analysis and content.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I don't have one.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I'd like to think it means that you believe in reporting, sourcing and writing truth, stories and fairness.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
from truth-challenged, right wing "journalists"
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Very short email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Just the basics: Laptops (Mac and PC), iPhone, iPad, Word. Record all interviews on an app "Recorder" by TapMedia and upload to iCloud.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter. I love the immediacy, the short bursts of conversation and carefully curated links from influencers.
Who do you wish followed you?
J.K. Rowling or The New Yorker's Michael Luo.
Why did you become a journalist?
That's a good question. I was always interested in science, medicine and their intersections with racial, social and economic disparities.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
That would probably be my long form report for "The Nation" on racial disparities in HIV criminalization prosecutions.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My three rules: Don't be afraid of being different. Trust your intuition and instincts. Keep it simple and the story writes itself.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Probably late afternoon. I'll read them in the evening.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A publicist pitched their client as an expert and cited two articles ... both written by me.
What's your favorite drink?
Raspberry iced tea and lemonade with a generous sprinkling of sugar on the rim of the glass.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading a book or watching cooking competition reality shows such as "Top Chef" or "The Great British Baking Show."
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The writing in "The New Yorker" is exquisite. It's my favorite.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Many people think it's easy work. It isn't, at least not if it is done correctly.
