Name: Michaela Gilmer
Year: Sophomore
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
HCO: How did you first become involved with the National Association of Black Journalists chapter at UO?
Michaela: I attended an informational meeting at the UO my freshman year. It was there that I learned about the national conference and the organization as a whole. Later on in the year, myself and three other journalism students attended another meeting where we all decided that NABJ is something we all want to pursue. The four of us attended the national conference in Orlando, Florida in summer 2013. The experience changed my life forever as well as my outlook on journalism in the most positive light. The advocacy aspect of NABJ inspired me. Every one in the organization is working together, whether as a student or as a professional, to promote more opportunities for all black journalists nationwide.
HCO: What is your executive position in NABJ and what are your duties?
Michaela: I serve as treasurer for the NABJ-UO Chapter so I’m in charge of chapter funds and fundraising. This year has been a little challenging because we are a new chapter so no one really knows about us. We have been working on promoting our brand as NABJ-UO to increase awareness. The executive board has a lot of goals we would like to accomplish and most of them cannot be done without funds. We would like to bring a well-known journalist to campus and host numerous events. We were recently recognized by ASUO, so that is a great start for us. I also hope that we will continue to promote NABJ-UO and be able to fundraise more next year. I want to be able to send more students from the School of Journalism and Communications to the national conference too.
HCO: What is the most rewarding aspect of being an NABJ member?
Michaela: The people you meet. At the conference last year, so many experienced, award-winning and world-known black journalists surrounded us. Every one in NABJ is always there to help one another out. It has taught me that if I really want something and work hard for it, I can and will achieve it. NABJ constantly inspires me to work harder and set higher goals for myself.
HCO: Besides being involved in the NABJ, what do you like to do for fun?
Michaela: Well, working and going to school full time doesn’t leave much time for other things. I dance with a local hip hop group called Kings Krew and we practice throughout the week. It’s a great time to take my mind off school/work and do something I really love. I love and value getting to spend time with my friends and family. I also love to travel whenever I get the opportunity.
HCO: How do you believe that being a part of NABJ can help you in the future?
Michaela: Without a doubt, joining NABJ has been the most beneficial aspect for my future in journalism. Like I said before, you meet so many people, many who have worked as professionals for a lot of years, and who truly want to see us young journalists succeed. I have learned so much about working with others in a professional setting. To be apart of NABJ is being apart of a network of black journalists who are constantly advocating and helping one another. Last year at the conference, I had the opportunity to meet the editor of one of my favorite sports magazines and he offered me a chance to shadow him for the day. It’s opportunities like this that are allowing me to gain experience and without a doubt help me later on in my career.