Recent women’s panel left me feeling empow-her-d

Some of my favorite stories to cover highlight meaningful milestones in our community, but it’s rare that one personally impacts me. Recently, however, an assignment resonated with me as a woman and a leader.

As managing editor, I play a key role in determining what news makes it into print. Sifting through scores of events, tips, phone calls, emails, and breaking news to narrow it down to just six stories per issue is no easy task, but it’s essential.

With our She Means Business series underway, the city’s Empower Her Women’s Panel for Women’s History Month felt like a perfect fit. And as a leader navigating the corporate world, I had to cover it.

The panel featured an hour-long discussion on balancing life, career, and motherhood. While I’m not a parent, I know firsthand that juggling professional and personal responsibilities is no small task.

I have no idea how my mom managed it, and I was in awe of the incredible women in that room who do. They deserve all the props.

One of the panel’s key discussions that truly resonated with me was overcoming doubt from others and from within. I’ve certainly felt it, as I’m sure most women have.

At my first news job, there was an anchor who almost made me quit journalism altogether. As a production assistant, I was still learning the ropes, but instead of offering guidance, he fixated on every mistake I made. 

His criticism was relentless, and I dreaded every shift with him. But rather than let his words break me, I reminded myself that even though I wasn’t in front of the camera, I was exactly where I was meant to be: part of something bigger.

Thankfully, he was the exception, not the rule. Most people at the station fostered a culture of support, and that made all the difference. 

Megan Montgomery, the morning meteorologist, embodied resilience. My production manager, Jasmine Waples, gave me my first leadership opportunity as a technical director. 

Mark Talley, the weekend sports anchor, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and try recording anchor reels. And morning anchor Krista Spadaccini entrusted me with my first news writing role as an associate producer.

I may not be in front of the camera—nor do I want to be—but thanks to them, I never doubted that journalism is where I belong.

That’s not to say I have always been a journalist. My career path wasn’t exactly traditional. Fresh out of college, I bounced between odd jobs: a print shop, a peach orchard, a call center. Even in news, I started at the very bottom as a production assistant.

When I moved to Georgia, I spent eight months working at a vape shop before landing at The Journal. For me, it was always, “Well, I need money now, so I’m okay with not fulfilling my calling for a little while. Gimme the DOUGH.”

Every time I found myself in a rut, the mindset that got me out was simple: I’m gonna be great at this. That mentality propelled me into leadership, as technical director and managing editor. I didn’t always feel that drive in those in-between jobs, but in news, I wanted to be the best at whatever role I was in.

More than that, I wanted to build relationships. I made sure to connect with my team, to be approachable and supportive, so that if I ever stepped into leadership, they’d know they had someone who listened. That’s a value I carry with me in my current role every day.

I know that female leaders often struggle with being perceived as too intense. But because of my approach, I don’t think I come across as intimidating, I like to think of it as quiet confidence.

Outside of work, I’m undeniably quirky. My love for Tokyo Machine, surrealist art and Pixar movies is solid proof of that. 

But I see it as a strength. It reminds people that I’m a real person beyond my title, and I bring that same energy into the office. I want it to be a fun, engaging place to work, one where we get things done but enjoy the process along the way.

Overall, the panel gave me perspective on my strengths and how much further I want to go. I have ambitious goals, but making it this far has to count for something. I also really love the atmosphere of women supporting each other, something I saw on full display at the panel, and that I strive to do every day.

Oh, and to answer the final question from the panel? My superpower is creativity. My favorite superhero (or at least superhero-adjacent) is Edna Mode from The Incredibles. To me, she embodies pure creativity.

If the city needs a speaker next year, call me. I’d love to be on the other side of the panel.