A Dialogue on Diversity and Innovation: IWMF's #ShareHerNews Q&A with Sandra M. Stevenson

For this year’s Black History Month #ShareHerNews spotlight series, we invite readers to a compelling conversation with Sandra Stevenson , Deputy Director of Photography at The Washington Post .?

Stevenson, known for her influential role in media and unwavering advocacy for diversity, offers her insights into creating more accessible opportunities for journalists of color and the evolving landscape of journalism. In this Q&A, we delve into the critical roles that leading news organizations play in breaking down barriers for underrepresented voices and the essential skills journalists need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry. Stevenson also shares poignant advice for women journalists of color, reinforcing the value of their contributions to journalism. Keep reading to explore Stevenson's expert perspective:?

IWMF: With your experience in identifying and nurturing talent, how can the media industry ensure that fellowships, residencies, and opportunities specifically designed for journalists of color are accessible and promoted effectively? What role do major news organizations like The Washington Post play in breaking down barriers to entry for underrepresented journalists?

SS: The media industry needs to commit to ensuring programs like fellowships and residencies continue – for the sake of our future. When recruiting for students, news organizations often look to the usual universities; however, I would challenge us to broaden our search and look to public colleges and universities who produce excellent journalists who don’t often receive the same opportunities as students from institutions such as Columbia, Harvard or Syracuse. Usually, when newsrooms need to make cuts, it’s programs such as these that are the first to go. However, I urge them to resist, even if it means cutting back on the number: It is incumbent upon us to continue the future. Most importantly, it is important that we have diverse journalists for the sake of survival. Audiences deserve to have coverage that reflects back to their lived experiences. The Post photo department is committed to making change by baking it into our employees’ goals. This is only one way to achieve parity in our coverage. There is still work ahead through constant conversations about our coverage.

IWMF: Looking forward, what skills do you believe journalists need to develop to stay relevant and create impact in the rapidly changing news media landscape? How can current and aspiring journalists equip themselves with these skills, and how is The Washington Post contributing to this educational evolution?

SS: Journalists need to beef-up skills that are not their specialty. For example, visual journalists should work on writing by seeing themselves and positioning themselves as visual correspondents. Photo editors need to come up with visual solutions for editors they are working with. There are so many media organizations, such as Online News Association, Maynard Institute, IWMF, and Poynter, to name a few, who offer opportunities for journalists to expand their repertoire. Through our summer internship program, we try to set up young photographers and visual editors with experiences that will position them well for the future. Additionally, there are numerous editors in the newsroom who teach and mentor consistently. We all want to ensure there is a pipeline of quality journalists to continue our craft.

IWMF: What advice would you give to women journalists of color to remind themselves of their value in journalism? How do you consider the industry can better recognize and support their contributions?

SS: Their voices matter. Perseverance. Show up as their authentic selves. And it is important to surround yourself with a tribe of people (in the industry and outside of the industry) who will be there to support you emotionally and act as a sounding board for stories. It is up to editors such as me to use the power. We must hold our counterparts and editors who report to us accountable. It’s also critical to remind our colleagues of the value of a more inclusive team of journalists to the survival of the industry, which also strengthens our ability to reach a wider audience.

To learn more about Sandra and her work you can visit her IWMF page: Sandra M. Stevenson - IWMF or her personal website: About — Sandra M. Stevenson / Writer / Visual Editor / Curator ( sandramstevenson.com )

* The IWMF is committed to amplifying diverse voices and opinions in journalism. The views expressed by interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the IWMF.