Q&A

What’s your life’s motto?
I don’t know that I have one. I’ve worked since I was 14 years old during summers in farm fields and all through college in canneries and mills to support myself. My driving theme, though, has been to have work that means something and somehow make the world better in even a small way. … It was important to me have work I loved and not focus only on the financial aspects but find the passion.

Why did you become a journalist? What inspired you?
I was a theater major in college and saved up money after the first two years of school to travel the world both to Asia and Europe. When I returned I decided to focus on my writing and get a degree in journalism at the University of Oregon so I could make a living doing something other than manual labor. That’s when I happened upon KLCC, a community radio station in Eugene. I fell in love with producing creative art pieces for public radio. I found that creating radio movies puts powerful images, emotions and scenes in your imagination in a way no other medium can do. …

In 2003-06, I endeavored to produce the first Asian American history series on public radio, “Crossing East.” That project took
three years to raise nearly $400,000 and to produce eight hours of documentaries with 50 scholars, producers and artists. The series ran on 230 public radio stations and won my second Peabody Award.

Because of the success of “Crossing East,” the Asian American Journalists Association awarded me the Dr. Suzanne Ahn Award for Civil Rights and Social Justice, and I received a $50,000 fellowship from United States Artists (USA) that allowed me time
to take a sabbatical.

That led to a realization I needed to write my memoir, expanding the personal stories that began with Mei Mei and to bring my mom’s stories full circle after her death in 2002.

What are the challenges and rewards of the work you do as a freelancer?
At this time, I’m looking at what I want to do with the rest of my life. I feel like I’ve entered my third chapter and I don’t want to just chase after project after project. … It’s still a process for me of balancing a meaningful life with work that supports me
financially. …

I can’t save the entire world, but I like to think that the work I’ve done to create some awareness of Asian American, multicultural and the underserved voices in America has had meaning and some impact. I’m now looking at getting back into grant writing to get new projects that will excite me that I haven’t done before.

Why is diversity important? What role does AAJA play, and what should it play?
Because of my interracial family’s experience with racism, diversity and issues of race, culture and inequity have been a driving force of my work.

I don’t think you can remind people too much or continue the dialogue often enough. AAJA is crucial in reminding mainstream media about the lack of Asian and Asian American voices and viewpoints. I’m proud of the media advisory AAJA sends out, especially the recent one regarding the Jeremy Lin coverage. It’s sad that in 2012 that it was needed. That’s why we must be diligent and not forget that progress is a slow road. We are not post-racial and given my experience, I doubt we ever will
arrive at a time when all races and cultures will have equal status.

What advice would you give to aspiring journalists?
Don’t depend on any one profession, skill set or talent. Develop all your abilities and passions. Learn as many different media and writing styles as possible. Multimedia, social media and online applications are changing all forms of journalism. Long form is out. Short form developed over multiple platforms seems to be the way it’s going for radio, television and print. …

Finally, I know that young people have economic debt I could never have imagined when I went to college. But don’t lose sight of the meaningful life. … Look within to your passions and what drives you as a human being. Seek out work you value that pays the rent but also feeds your heart and soul.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Q&A

Who do you look up to in the news industry as a role model?
I follow a lot of the beat writers for the major sports teams in Northern California and admire what they do. Beyond the print stories, you’re talking about keeping up your own blog, breaking news on Twitter during a coach’s pre-game press briefing and doing spots on talk radio. Those who churn out information with personality and impress you with insight — take The Bee’s Matt Barrows and his 49ers coverage — are great examples.

Why did you decide to become a journalist?
Simply, I started working for the college newspaper at Cal as a freshman and thought it was a blast. Sports have always interested me, and when I started writing about them in college it seemed like each team was a wealth of stories. Athletes are dealing with some universal stuff — success, failure, career mortality. And at the highest levels, they do so against the backdrop of professional sports being a huge industry. It’s really fascinating.

Why is media diversity important to you?
A newsroom that’s serving and representing a community should reflect the makeup of that community. The reporting benefits from different perspectives and experiences.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
I’m mixed-race (my mom is Caucasian). So on holidays when I was a kid, the two sides of the family would get together and my Japanese American grandfather would be sitting off talking with my Scandinavian American grandfather. That’s just how things were.

Are there any interesting facts about your past experiences and background?
When I interviewed for The Bee internship, the AAJA Sacramento chapter members were concerned that I didn’t have much experience in news reporting. They should have been concerned. I was concerned. I only wrote sports in college, and the internship was in business, metro and features. They took a chance and I ended up spending more than a year as a general assignment news and night cops reporter. I think that experience has been invaluable and a good reminder that there is still a lot to learn about this job.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Ali is a media relations professional at Appliance Factory Outlet in Denver. She was previously a reporter for the legal trade paper Law Week Colorado, where she earned several awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. She is on Twitter: @mcnallyali.

Q&A

What’s your life motto?
“Wherever I am, that’s the place to be.”

Looking back, what did you wish you had known before becoming a journalist?
I have no regrets about my education. But if I were to do it over again, I would have majored in something technical like information sciences, and just worked for my school newspaper.

What advice would they give for up-and-coming journalists?
Have some faith in the job market, and learn as much as you can about the tech sphere. If you still love print, be prepared to live in a small town after college.

Who do you look up to in the news industry as a role model?
Adele Arakawa, anchor on 9News in Denver, because she has a commanding presence and a strong voice. More women should have her confidence.

Why did you decide to become a journalist?
My grandma, Anne McNally, inspired me to get into journalism. A 92-year-old news junkie and semi-cynic, she’s the epitome of a lifelong learner and critical thinker. She constantly shoved books and newspapers at me since I could remember. I couldn’t have a byline without her relentless support of my education and career.

Why is media diversity important to you?
Media diversity, without question, should be an online newsroom’s top priority when building a quality team. While technology makes information more accessible to the everyman, the newsroom itself is not. That being said, diversity should mean more than race. I read some ASNE report that most reporters and editors come from upper-middle-class backgrounds. Newsrooms should also take into consideration other factors, like socioeconomic class, to help tell the story.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
I’m proud of how the Asian American community goes to great lengths to help newcomers like myself. I’m adopted, and only very recently reconnected with my heritage. Tons of people from the AAPI community from all over have reached out to help me realize the Asian side of my identity, and also to help me further my career. It feels like finding long-lost family.

Are there any interesting facts/trivia about your experiences and background?

1. My grandma, Anne, is second-generation Polish. My comfort food menu consists of traditional Polish and Hungarian dishes like pierogies and chicken paprikash.
2. I grew up with the radio constantly playing in the house. I can name the song title, artist, album title and release year of most pop songs dating back to 1980.
3. I keep a running tab of every book I’ve read since sophomore year of college, with the goal to read 1,000. I’m at number 53.

Q&A

What is your life motto? What did you wish you knew before becoming a journalist? 
What advice would you give new journalists? If you believe in yourself, you can achieve your goals. My advice would be to enjoy the process. I was so preoccupied with getting my first job that I forgot that this is really a cool process. Of course, you must practice and get reps. Like Mike Breen, who’s also a Fordham guy, told me: “If you want to be on air, then get on air (anywhere).”

Why did you decide to become a journalist?
My original goal was premed, to be a pediatrician. After my freshman year in chemistry, I felt it was time to reassess. I thought I could be a doctor-on-TV type deal. There were opportunities in radio at Fordham. My parents were very supportive of my career path.

 Why is media diversity important to you?
I’m watching sports on TV and I always saw Michael Kim, one of the only Asian guys to do this. I feel it’s crucial to identify with different cultures, on-air or behind the scenes. Then we don’t see things only one way. You need the rainbow’s colors when you’re watching TV. I feel I can share the influences that I’ve had. It’s different cultures getting together and putting out a product.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
The Jeremy Lin thing was exciting, just like seeing Michael Kim on TV. It’s Asians making an impact. Do you know how many [Asians] want to be an on-air guy or producer but don’t have anyone to latch onto? There’s no doubt how successful you can be in this business. Darn right we know our sports. To me, it’s huge to be in this position. It’s crazy. It’s also humbling. There’s a special feeling.

Any particularly interesting facts about your experiences or background?
I once coached a swim team and worked as a lifeguard at the pool … flip-flops and suntan lotion every day. I got to go to work and work on my tan.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Q&A

Who do you look up to in the news industry as a role model?
Eric Newton, senior adviser to the president of Knight Foundation, was my first boss out of college. Previous to working with Eric and his team at Knight, I hadn’t had much of an interest in new media. I very much considered myself a traditionalist for some misguided reason. But it was amazing to work with such a forward-thinking group of professionals who were not only accomplished in the world of traditional media but also open to the most innovative ideas in journalism and, in fact, helping to make those ideas happen through funding. Eric also showed me the importance of networking and having a good sense of humor, which are two traits that are essential to being a journalist.

How did you get involved with AAJA?
About a year into my time in Korea, I was making the rounds asking all the seasoned journalists in Seoul for career advice. One of those journalists was Jean Lee, the Koreas bureau chief for the AP. She strongly recommended that I join AAJA, and after I waffled around for a few months, I decided to take Jean’s advice. Later, when AAJA National President Doris Truong went on her tour around Asia [in late 2010], I had the chance to connect with more members in Seoul, which sparked my interest in AAJA-Asia’s first regional conference in 2011. That’s where I met Chapter President Ken Moritsugu, who encouraged me to take all my rah-rah enthusiasm and channel it into building AAJA’s presence in Seoul as regional vice president.

Why did you decide to become a journalist? What inspired you?
In high school, I thought about what I was good at and decided it was writing. I figured journalism was a career where I could put this love of writing — and reading and talking to people — to use in my daily life.  I had amazing journalism professors in college at UMiami— my favorite was Tsitsi Wakhisi, who was the type of professor who would give you an F for misspelling a source’s name in a story — and she showed me what professional journalism was all about. I got a chance to write articles for the Miami Herald as an undergrad, and I was really motivated when Tsitsi once told me, “Girl, you are a WRITER!” I’m not working as a journalist anymore — I’m now working in public affairs for the government— but I’m glad that I’m still very involved in media and working closely with journalists. It’s similar to my experience at Knight, in that I get a bird’s-eye view of the media scene. And as an added bonus: I feel more patriotic!

Why is media diversity important to you?
When I was a student, I was lucky to be in an incredibly diverse city like Miami, where the journalists came from everywhere. It showed me that not all journalists were men and Caucasian and that journalists are best able to reach the communities they serve when they came from those communities.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
Growing up, I was the biggest “twinkie” ever. I didn’t identify with being Asian at all. But I think moving to Asia to work as a journalist was the best thing I ever did. I really got to explore my roots here in Korea, and I’m proud to be from the same stock of these amazing people who have built this vibrant democracy and dynamic economy at such incredible speed. As I travel around the region, too, I’m excited to witness the rise of Asia — even in terms of U.S. foreign policy — and I’m proud to represent a nexus of both the U.S. and Asia.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Q&A

What’s your life motto?
Always do what’s right.

How did you get involved with AAJA? How was it important to you throughout your career?
I believe in the causes AAJA has stood behind, so it was natural for me to join and participate, given my South Asian heritage. It also has helped me build wonderful connections to other journalists that have enriched and informed my years in journalism. For that I am very grateful.

Why did you decide to become a journalist?
I “published” my first newspaper when I was 12. Well, my dad ran it off on a ditto machine, if anyone else is old enough to remember those. I worked on my high school and college papers. I still thought about law and business in college, but when a reporting offer came, I jumped at it because of the opportunity to tell stories and make a difference. And, despite the naysayers, we are still telling stories and making a difference.

Why is media diversity important to you?
Our journalism must represent as best we can the broadest swath possible of society. Without diverse staffs, we can’t hope to understand or appreciate all the communities that make up the larger community. It is a continuing source of frustration and disappointment that journalism hasn’t done better.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming journalists?
Don’t give up on journalism. While how it is delivered will continue to evolve, the importance of what we do will not. Make sure you have the skills to thrive in a digital world. Hard work and dedication will never go out of style.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Q&A

What advice would you give young journalists just starting out?
There are great editors out there who will respond to solid work, but it’s also a tough market, with no shortage of people who will give you reasons to give up. They’ll hire people less qualified than you; they’ll ask you to work for little (or no) pay; they’ll tell you  that your article wasn’t good because it didn’t get more clicks than that feature where people submit photos of their kittens. Ignore them. Work hard. Then work harder. Maintain good relationships even with people who do nothing but slam doors in your face. If you’re in this field for the right reasons — the stories, not your ego — you’ll be fine.

Why is media diversity important to you?
Without it, there’s no balance — just incomplete stories.  A newsroom with little diversity — and by that I mean across all fields (race, education, economic, gender, etc.) — comes at stories from an impoverished perspective. I learn so much from my colleagues — I work with people from Eritrea, Sweden, Afghanistan, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, etc. — and figure that if I bring a fraction of what they bring to the table, then I’m contributing something worthwhile.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
When you grow up with a mixed background, with different languages and in different countries, you tend to see things other people might not. In reporting, that could be as small as a reference or as huge as overall context. And Iran (my little chunk of Asia) is often in the news and generally poorly reported on by many news outlets. So I try to do my best to help decipher the complex issues that come out of there for readers.

Are there any interesting facts you want to share with us?
The first time I took a copy test? Bombed it. It was at a newspaper in Tokyo. The desk chief, this American guy named Ron, called me back anyway because apparently, I was the first person to answer one of the questions on the test correctly. (Q: What does the word “Islam” mean? A: To submit). After writing a feature for them and going through another interview, I got the gig.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Q&A

Who do you look up to in the news industry as a role model?
In the sports industry, I really respect Doris Burke from ESPN and think she’s a true professional. I like her no-nonsense attitude and great knowledge of sports. In the news industry, I am a big fan of Michelle Kosinski of NBC. She’s versatile and tells a great story whether or not it’s hard or soft news.

How did you get involved with AAJA?
I got involved with AAJA back in 2001 when I was an intern at CBS. I met Cindy Hsu, and she was such a great mentor who told me about AAJA. It has been such a great networking tool for me, and I’ve made so many wonderful friends in the process. I’m a big supporter and love giving back now. It is also a sign that I’m old since I’m the mentor now!

Why did you decide to become a journalist? What inspired you?
I have always wanted to be a sportscaster. I had that vision when I was in grade school. I was a big sports fan. I played tennis throughout my life and went on to play collegiately. I was also a huge NBA fan, and my dream was to meet Michael Jordan. Watching the Bulls as a little kid with my dad inspired me to be a sports anchor.

Why is media diversity important to you?
I think media diversity is extremely important in this day and age because we want to tell fair stories without any bias. And since society is so diverse today, it is pivotal that we should have the ability to present everything in an appropriate light.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
I love celebrating the Asian culture as an Asian American. While I am an American, I feel privileged that I can learn about my culture and traditions from my parents and grandmother. And who wouldn’t want to be Asian American? The food and traditions in the Asian culture rock!

Q&A

What’s your life motto?
One of my favorite sayings comes from Marie Curie: Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.

What advice would you give for up-and-coming journalists?
My advice to up-and-coming journalists is simple: There is life and there is journalism. Understand the difference. Honor both.

You were one of the founding members of AAJA-Minnesota. What was it like to establish the chapter?
I was one of the original five founding members. The number sticks in my memory because it was the minimum needed to establish a chapter, and we were so happy we had that many Asians in the Twin Cities journalism community. But we were green, too. We did two things at our first [national] board meeting that still stick in my memory: First, after we were inducted, we all left the meeting; we didn’t realize we were welcome to stay. Second, when the [national] board later was debating where to hold its next convention in a couple years, we volunteered our chapter to do it. With five members. Like I said, we were green.

Why did you decide to become a journalist?
I wanted to be a newspaper reporter early in high school. I learned newspaper style by reading the L.A. Times, I liked to write and it looked like fun as well as important work. Then Watergate erupted. If there was ever a time to be in newspapers, that was it. At least, it mollified my parents, especially my normally apolitical mother, who was glued to the Watergate hearings.

Why is media diversity important to you?
The shrinking newsroom is a serious challenge to diversity, but the explosion of online news outlets offers opportunities that weren’t available decades ago. I think newspapers are paying closer attention to the shifting demographics of their readerships. The message we need to bring to our newsrooms is a simple one: the key to relevancy isn’t to predict the future. The key is to make the future. Because if we don’t make our own futures, someone else will, and there’s no guarantee those someones will include us in that future.

What do you love most about being Asian American?
As an Asian far from the coasts, I have often felt conspicuous here in Minnesota. You can’t hide, but that was a good thing for a shy person like me. It forced me to grow and establish myself and to help define the idea of what is “Asian.” The outsider status that Asians have long held on the mainland actually helped prepare me for journalism, where we journalists are usually outsiders looking in.

Tell us something we may not know about you.
Except for holidays, I’m the primary cook in my household now that we are empty-nesters. The family says I grill a great steak, and lately, I’ve learned to make a mean martini, according to my wife.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.

Sisi is an interactive graphics designer and journalist who aspires to use stunning and interactive visual displays to tell stories that attract even the most uninterested reader. She believe that transforming complex information into easily comprehensible parts can be a beautiful thing, and she hopes to bring more engaging graphics to today’s newsrooms. Sisi is a graphics editor at the Washington Post and has interned at the Wall Street Journal and Associated Press.

Q&A

Who do you look up to in the news industry as a role model?I look up to anyone who intrepidly pursues what they want to do, and with vigor, pushes themselves to improve at every opportunity.  I see this in many of my colleagues at the Post, and the talented people I’ve had the honor of working with in other newsrooms as an intern.  I look up to each and every one of them as a role model.

How did you get involved with AAJA?
I first registered as a student member in high school, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2010 that I truly got involved with AAJA. I was interning in the interactive graphics department of the AP, and with Paul Cheung’s encouragement and Shazna Nessa’s support, I attended the Los Angeles conference alongside them that year. I met amazing journalists, made real connections and realized how beneficial a conference like AAJA is for student journalists.

Why did you decide to become a journalist? What inspired you?
It’s the same reason I am a journalist today. I want to tell stories that matter. I want to inform people about the world they live in, and I want to hold public officials accountable to the public that elected them.

My inspiration came from my high school newspaper. We published on a biweekly schedule and in two years, I did nearly every job we had: reporter, editor/designer, editor in chief; and I loved it all. So I applied and attended journalism school, and now I work in journalism.

Why is media diversity important to you?
I believe the reporting strength of any newsroom directly reflects the diversity of the newsroom itself. The more issues we seek to cover, explore and explain to our readers, the more we need to value diversity in our journalists. It’s certainly nothing new (and it may be undisputed), but I believe it wholeheartedly: When journalists from different cultures or socioeconomic backgrounds come together, we do a much better job (un)covering the stories that matter to our diverse readers.

What do you love most about being Asian American? What are you most proud of?
Growing up in America, I took lessons in Chinese dancing, brush painting and guzheng (a Chinese zither), alongside going to swim, speech and debate practices. My parents sent me to Chinese school and made sure I would never forget my Mandarin, or disconnect from my Chinese culture. I feel extremely lucky to have grown up in an environment that allowed me to really understand and experience two cultures at once — as well as how they clashed and how they were merging. That dual experience is both what I am most proud of, and what I love most about being Asian American.

Learn more about other AAJA members profiled for AAPI Month.