Job: Social justice reporter
Years at the Register: Two
I grew up in: Illinois
I live in: Des Moines
I graduated from: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Family: My partner, Geoff, and our two dogs, Mario and Polo
Email: [email protected]
Why journalism?
Des Moines, IA-As a kid, my mom let me stay up until 10:30 p.m. on school nights on the condition I watch the 10 p.m. news with her. One of few rules I followed, I soon realized I liked being in the know, seeing everyday people’s stories unfold and hearing reporters unpack tough issues.
After almost 10 years in the field, I’m still drawn to those things. What has sustained me is empathy and what drives me is the need for fair, accurate public information.
I like my beat because: I often meet people fighting for rights of marginalized groups and working toward changes in their communities. These people — some neighbors, parents, teachers, even kids — are passionate, have conviction and believe change is not only possible but coming.
Some of the major stories I’ve covered recently: My colleague Virginia Barreda and I have continued our reporting on homelessness, including Des Moines’ new public camping ban. Over the summer, before the ban took effect, we followed service providers to area encampments and spoke to unsheltered people who would soon be impacted.
Also this summer, as part of the Register’s 175th anniversary, I worked on a series highlighting diverse communities. I’m especially proud of those stories because I learned so much from people — many of whom are lifelong Iowans — working to build a better future and caring for their communities.
Some stories I’m working on next: My colleague Samantha Hernandez and I are working on a story about chronic absenteeism rates and the challenges families face in sending their children to school.
When I’m not working, I like to: Visit record stores, go thrifting, get tattoos and cook. I recently picked up Kali Uchis’ “Isolation” album at Rogue Planet Music and discovered Hilltop Plants & Records on a spur-of-a-moment trip to Mount Vernon with Geoff and our doggies. I’m a big fan of NYT Cooking recipes and am looking forward to the holidays.
My favorite Iowa haunt: C Fresh Market. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I was never more than a 20-minute drive or an expressway away from an Asian grocery store. C Fresh on University Avenue has been able to fill that gap for me. Anytime I’ve felt homesick or needed ingredients for Filipino food, C Fresh is my go-to.
Fun fact about me: In the 2010s, in between jobs, I wrote for a punk magazine and a Chicago-based music blog, got passes to cover shows and often photographed bands in exchange for beer and gas money.
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