What was your first job as a journalist?
I produced in Lubbock Texas.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but only for fun
How is social media changing news?
Social media has removed the wall from journalism a bit. Everyone is looking for answers, but that also means those of us in the 4th estate have to work harder to verify. Personally, I think social media has been very empowering for the marginalized, so I think it offers a bit of balance to news that's dictated by systems of power.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
April O'Nieil... Or if I'm being honest in my head MTV's Daria grew up to be a journalist and it's her.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You have to be a hard worker, committed to public service, unafraid and forever curious. Journalism to me is always listening.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I don't have a good answer to this question.🤔
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Daily I use a news program called Inception, Premiere Pro & Photoshop alongside lots and lots of research. I'm also familiar with how to shoot on several DSLR models and video cameras.
What's your favorite social network?
I love Twitter but I'm just getting into it.
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone!
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I felt like what I was seeing in the headlines didn't reflect the world I experienced so I became a writer to make sure voices that
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
This year on top of all the pandemic and social unrest coverage I managed to start an in depth series looking at the Supreme court and some recent rulings in a way that far exceeded my initial expectations.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes! This business is very much what you make of it, and failure is a fantastic teacher.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Pretty much anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I don't know if this counts but before 3-D printers were super common we went to a university to learn about the Tech and they told us they would print a hat. The hat was the size of a quarter.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
No pitch is all the way bad, sometimes they just need time.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
With my dogs at a park.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I love the New York Times for deep, context rich stories. I'm also notorious for constantly being on BuzzFeed, Vice, and the Verge
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I think because so far a lot of my roles aren't typically out in the field, the impression is just that I sit around. The reality for my style of producing is I'm involved in a project every step of the way. (Including out gathering interviews)
