About the project
WXXI News is Rochester’s public radio newsroom, producing in-depth reporting across the Finger Lakes and Western New York. As a reporter and producer, I covered stories rooted in community life, from rural mental health and endangered Indigenous languages to harm reduction, urban farming, arts inclusion, and LGBTQ+ visibility. My work blended field reporting, thoughtful interviews, and narrative writing to make local issues accessible and human-centered for a broad public radio audience.
Stories I worked on
“Farming towns shift toward training community members when it comes to mental health”
A story from rural Wyoming County about farmers, neighbors, and agricultural workers taking Mental Health First Aid training to support one another during economic and emotional strain. I reported on the barriers to mental health care in rural communities and how local residents are stepping in to help bridge the gap. Listen here.
“Native American communities are fighting to preserve endangered languages”
An exploration of Mohawk and Seneca language revitalization in Western New York. I spent time in community-led language classes and with researchers using new tools (including AI) to document and preserve languages deeply impacted by the legacy of residential schools. Listen here.
“Fashion as a force: Cornell exhibit explores women’s empowerment through clothing”
A feature on Cornell University’s “Women Empowered” exhibit, which traces how clothing has been used as a tool for solidarity, protest, and self-expression. I spoke with designers, students, and curators about how fashion shapes identity and political power. Listen here.
“Artists Unlimited productions are a family affair for many”
Part 3 of a three-part Inclusion Desk series following the cast and families behind the inclusive theater group Artists Unlimited. This story centers on one family’s experience and the sense of belonging, pride, and connection the program fosters for actors with disabilities. Listen here.
“How to deal with the computer in my pocket”
A personal and reported piece about navigating digital overwhelm in the age of smartphones. I spoke with technology experts (and with my own parents) to explore the tension between constant connectivity, nostalgia for “dumb phones,” and modern communication habits. Listen here.
“Urban farming cultivates a sense of ownership over food”
A look at three urban farms across Rochester, from brand-new community gardens to long-running refugee-centered growing programs. The story highlights how gardening creates connection, sustainability, and empowerment in neighborhoods across the city. Listen here.
“Syringe exchange program meets active drug users where they are”
A deeply reported feature inside Trillium Health’s syringe exchange program, part of New York’s statewide opioid crisis coverage. I documented how harm reduction centers build trust, provide safety, and offer compassion to people who use drugs, often becoming one of the few places clients feel welcomed. Listen here.
“Out Alliance workshop breaks down pronouns”
A story on International Pronoun Day from Rochester’s Out Alliance, where educators taught respectful, practical tools for gender-inclusive language. I explored why correct pronoun use matters and how small shifts can make spaces safer and more welcoming. Listen here.
“Drag Story Hour is more than just reading”
A joyful feature on Drag Story Hour in Rochester, following Mrs. Kasha Davis as she reads stories about kindness and individuality to young families. I reported on the event’s atmosphere, its educational goals, and why early exposure to diverse identities matters for children and parents alike. Listen here.
Services
Radio reporting & storytelling: field reporting, interviews, scripting, audio editing, narrative writing, cultural and community coverage, and public radio production.
Results
- Reported and produced stories across culture, public health, LGBTQ+ issues, arts, and environmental topics
- Elevated underrepresented voices and community perspectives
- Contributed to WXXI’s local reporting for NPR member station audiences
- Created accessible, empathetic storytelling grounded in strong fieldwork and thoughtful interviews