ABC10’s Race and Culture team is committed to inclusive reporting by building trust and transparency with diverse communities

Helping launch the team, I create and spearhead the engagement tactics to better connect with diverse communities in our coverage area. This involves conducting thorough research on the different demographics within our reach, as well as collaborating with various local organizations and leaders to build strong partnerships. Additionally, I continuously analyze the effectiveness of our strategies, seeking opportunities to refine and innovate our approaches to foster meaningful and impactful connections with the community.

As a result of our proactive outreach efforts, our newsroom has successfully produced over 1,000 compelling stories, covering a wide array of topics from accountability to the celebration of diverse cultures and rich histories.

ABC10 premiers ‘Sacramento’s Black Wall Street’ at community film screening in South Sacramento

I organized a screening and discussion of ABC10 Race and Culture team’s 2-part series “Sacramento’s Black Wall Street” in partnership with the Florin Square Shopping Center in South Sacramento. The series explores the Black entrepreneurial spirit in Sacramento through Florin Square, where more than 200 Black owned businesses and nonprofits operate, and traces it back to the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was one of the most prosperous Black Wall Streets in the United States. The event was well-received by the community, drawing a diverse audience eager to learn more about the historical and contemporary impact of Black entrepreneurship. The screening was followed by a thought-provoking discussion led by local Black leaders and experts, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Black business owners both in the past and present. The conversations sparked by the series and the event served as a catalyst for the Black Entrepreneurs Success Academy, a 13-week program to help Sacramento’s Black entrepreneurs. The positive feedback and engagement from the attendees showcased the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black entrepreneurs to the economic and cultural fabric of Sacramento.

How ABC10 used community engagement ahead of the election

Ahead of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, I spearheaded the inaugural voter engagement initiative at ABC10.

Organizing in-person and online outreach efforts was crucial for ABC10 to connect with the local community and gather valuable insights for our election coverage. By reaching out to both in-person and online audiences, we were able to engage a diverse range of individuals, ensuring that our survey responses truly reflected the voices of the community. This inclusive approach led to the collection of 171 survey responses with election-related questions, providing us with a more comprehensive understanding of the local sentiment and concerns. Our targeted outreach efforts focused on areas with historically low voter turnout during the primary election, particularly in the historically segregated neighborhoods of Sacramento County. This strategic focus allowed us to address the specific needs and perspectives of these communities, fostering a more inclusive and representative election coverage.

Throughout the pandemic, I led a text message initiative connecting with over 80,000 individuals across California. Overseeing a team, we delivered critical information to residents during an unprecedented global health crisis. Our approach not only provided support and guidance but also fostered a strong sense of community among the recipients of our messages. In addition to addressing pressing public health issues, we recognized the urgency of financial stability, especially for those facing challenges with unemployment benefits. This prompted the creation of “Dollars and Sense,” a franchise dedicated to empowering and educating Californians on a variety of financial topics, which has since evolved into a valuable resource for our audiences.