Have you ever had an experience where you felt that being a woman in the journalism field set you apart from your male peers? 

There were times during my internship that sources would make comments about me being a young woman, and I don't think those comments would have been made in that tone to college men. Beyond that I haven't felt too strongly any effects of my gender in any part of my reporting, but again most of my experience is in the journalism school bubble.

What do you hope for the next generation of young women entering the journalism field? What are your hopes for them? What would you like that space to be like?  

I hope that it continues improving as it has been. Sure, there are plenty of bad or uncomfortable situations out there, whether it be in a newsroom or out in the field, but there are also plenty of supportive, wonderful communities ready to welcome young women into the field. It is incredibly important for young women to voice their ideas, concerns and thoughts. It can be intimidating to enter a newsroom regardless of any gender dynamics, but speaking up will get you so far. (The same goes for any young journalist, I just think women have more of a tendency to keep quiet.) I hope newsrooms continue focusing on what they can do to be more welcoming to all types of diversity. No one is perfect, but we can move that direction.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in journalism?  

In my sophomore year of high school, there was a shooting at a Tree of Life Synagogue. This hit my community hard. The only way I was able to cope with the situation was through writing how I was feeling. This was my first story that made a difference. Two years later, I gave a voice to around ten students of color after George Floyd was killed just a few miles from our school. I used my skills as a writer to give others a platform to speak their mind. I’m pursuing a career in journalism because with every story — big or small — I’m making an impact. Writing is a powerful tool if used properly, and I’m working hard to ensure I use my skills to positively impact the world.

Do you have any role models in the journalism field that you look up to? (Could be a woman, doesn't have to be) 

I look up to every woman in print journalism that has a byline on a page with only other men. I look up to every woman that sits in an editors meeting with only men. I look up to every woman that fights for the big story. I look up to every woman that has worked to create space in the newsroom for other women.

How do you feel women are represented in your area of reporting? How do you think the business challenges facing the news industry have impacted the representation of women in your field?

While more and more woman are being welcomed into the newsroom, I’m deeply saddened by the amount that are encouraged to enter TV instead of print because they have a pretty face. On my college paper, women dominate the newsroom, but in non-school papers, men dominate. I believe women have to prove that they belong in the newsroom by providing a groundbreaking story or writing tons of little stories, whereas men are welcomed into the bigger stories faster. I often come across other reporters when I’m out on a story, however, I’ve always wondered why they few females that I see, are TV reporters with a 1.5 min segment whereas more men are working for the breaking print story.

In your opinion, what are the advantages of having more women in journalism? 

If we are going to play the gender game, it’s important to note that women have a softer touch and are typically better at connecting with people. Women are more appealing for victims or whistle blowers to come to because they are assumed to have a lighter touch. Interviews can make or break a story, women have a better shot at getting that tough interview to happen and getting someone to tell their story during the interview.