As we reach to our 500th post, we wanted to look back and see how much Empoword Journalism has achieved, what this community means to us, and why a platform like this is so important.
During the first lockdown, the start of this project was the one thing that kept me motivated and proved that even during a pandemic there are exciting opportunities just around the corner. I haven’t been as involved as everyone else but I’ve found it amazing to read every piece. I am so proud of everyone! – Paloma Priya (@PalomaPriya1)
Being a part of Empoword Journalism has introduced me to so many young journalists like myself, some of whom have become dear friends to me. The platform has not only grown for all voices to be heard, but has created a diverse, safe community for women and non-binary journalists to network and support one another. Connecting with media professionals over the last few months [during] our workshops has been great for providing advice in getting into journalism and the different career paths available. I feel so lucky to be a part of a wonderful project and excited to see where we will be at when we hit our 1000th post! – Lydia Geronikolos (@lydiagero)
I’ve only just joined the Empoword team but, even in the last few months, it has been incredible to connect with other like-minded people who are passionate about writing and supporting each other in this crazy industry! It’s been so amazing to go from my very amateur journalistic aspirations to having my writing published and now editing and even hosting a webinar! I feel so lucky to be a part of this community as it continues to grow and strengthen, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store! – Aarthee Parimelalaghan (@aarthee023)
In May last year when we started Empoword, I never imagined we would come so far in such a short space of time- from when we got our new logo to all the amazing workshops we have done. I am incredibly proud of everyone involved in Empoword and grateful to call them my friends. – Orla McAndrew (@OrlaMMcAndrew2)
In the short time I’ve been involved with Empoword Journalism, I’ve been continually amazed at how kind and willing to help absolutely everybody is. It is exactly this sense of community and women supporting women that makes Empoword such a special platform. – Amelia Perry (@ameliaeperry)
It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since the workshop with Kay Burley back in May. Who would’ve thought 8 months later we would be speaking with Laura Kuennsberg? – Madeline Raine (@RaineMadeleine)
As an aspiring journalist, I had no idea how or where to start my career. But then I found Empoword Journalism. The amazing people I have met and talked to through this project have all been amazing and inspiring. Although I have only been a part of the group for 5 months, I have still been able to witness the incredible growth of the project and what it means to everyone who is a part of it, including myself. And I can’t wait to see where else it might go. – Alice Sjöberg (@alicesjoberg_)
For me, the best part of Empoword is the community. Having only joined as an editor recently, I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support people have been willing to give me while I find my feet! – Eva Bailey (@evabailey24)
When we set up Empoword in the first UK lockdown, we had no idea it would have grown to where it is now, in the circumstances we still find ourselves in. Withstanding the limits of an online-only world, powered by the hard work of dozens of women, Empoword has become a brilliant, welcoming haven for anyone starting out in journalism, looking for extra experience and networking, or simply wanting support from a community of like-minded people. Even as my future plans deviate from journalism, I’m so glad to have been involved with Empoword and gotten the opportunity to learn new skills and meet great people! – Florence Herlihy (@FlorenceHerlihy)
Empoword has given me the confidence to believe in myself as a writer- the community is so supportive and welcoming! 500 articles published and so many more to come. – Gracie Leader (@leadergracie)
It has been wonderful to be a part of Empoword. I’ve gained so much experience as an editor, and the level of commitment that the whole team puts into the project is truly inspiring. I can’t wait to see where we go next! – Alice Manning (@alice_manning99)
Having been an original Co-Founder of Empoword Journalism and now Editor in Chief, it’s been crazy to see how much we’ve grown. Most of us just saw this as a mini lockdown project and never anticipated it to go on for as long as it has, which is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of the whole team. It’s been incredible that we’ve all been able to upskill each other as young women entering the industry and being able to interview high profile journalists like Laura Kuenssberg still feels so surreal. – Lauren McGaun (@lauren_mcgaun)
Since our launch last May, it seems fair to say that Empoword has come so far, building such a supportive community and reaching heights that were never dreamed of at the start. In an industry where it’s often so hard to take your first step, we’re so grateful to all the contributors who have written for us so far and are so excited for what’s to come.
Featured image courtesy of Brooke Lark on Unsplash. Image licence found here. No changes were made to this image.
Aarthee Pari
Aarthee is a second-year PPEist at The University of Oxford. She is passionate about social affairs and sharing the stories of the marginalised. Aside from politics, Aarthee is a keen musician, playing both piano and saxophone and harbours a secret dream to play the saxophone solo in Miss Saigon’s ‘Last Night of the World’.