Commitment to Diversity

As an Editor-in-Chief of both my school and county newspaper, I recognize the profound importance of diversity in our work. From the stories we highlight to the voices we amplify through interviews, I believe embracing diversity is not just a goal—it's a fundamental principle that guides our journalistic endeavors.

 

At the heart of our commitment to diversity lies a deep understanding of its intrinsic value. Diversity is about recognizing and celebrating the unique voices, experiences and perspectives that shape our community. It's about fostering empathy, understanding and unity despite differences. As journalists, we have a responsibility to reflect the diversity of our society accurately and authentically in our work.

 

We demonstrate our dedication to diversity through the stories we choose to tell. We actively seek out stories that highlight the various experiences and backgrounds of individuals within our school and county. Whether it's profiling students from different cultural backgrounds, shedding light on underrepresented communities or uplifting voices that are often marginalized or silenced, we ensure that our reporting is inclusive and representative of the diversity within our community.

 

Moreover, we recognize the importance of diversity in our newsroom itself. As an Editor-in-Chief of two newspapers, I’m committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging where every single member of our staff feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. By embracing diverse voices and experiences, we enrich our storytelling and strengthen our ability to serve our readership.

 

I am also committed to promoting diversity through our coverage and engagement with the community. I work with our adviser and editorial team to seek out opportunities to collaborate with organizations, community leaders, and advocacy groups to ensure that our reporting is informed by a wide range of perspectives, using our platform to elevate diverse voices and foster meaningful dialogue within our community. For example, on The MoCo Student, our MoCo for Change section highlights the work of student leaders and organizations across Montgomery County with various backgrounds.

 

By embracing diversity in our storytelling, our newsroom, and our engagement with the community, I strive to create a newspaper that contributes to bringing our society together and serves as a catalyst for positive change. In a world that is increasingly polarized and divided, I believe that embracing diversity through journalism fosters understanding, empathy and unity among individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds.

On The Pitch, we’ve launched the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion section to better reflect the diverse perspectives, stories and insights of our school. Walter Johnson High School is a large community—with over 3,000 students and 200 staff—and I try to produce publications that reflect the spirit and aspirations of our school community, ensuring every student feels heard and empowered.

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I’ve also covered events in our school that illustrate the diversity in cultures, interests and activities of our students, from the first-ever International Week in school history to the social causes students advocate for, from the growth of the STEP team to the fall school play and spring musical. For my work in advancing racial equity in my community, I was awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate of Accomplishment in 2022, issued by Princeton University and Princeton University alumni.