Lemika Fondren
Summary
Tenacious reporter with a passion for breaking news. An engaging storyteller with a track record of publishing compelling articles. Proven to thrive in deadline-driven environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Culture and Arts Reporter
WNYC/Gothamist
New York, NY
05.2022 - 04.2024
- Boosted online engagement by consistently delivering high-quality, timely articles on vibrant and expansive culture and arts scene of the five boroughs.
- Established a reputation for exceptional storytelling skills by crafting engaging narratives around entertainment, visual arts, dance, theater, music, food, internet culture, fashion and cultural trends.
Reporting Fellow
The New York Times
New York, NY
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Covered breaking news events effectively, ensuring timely updates for audiences while maintaining factual accuracy and journalistic integrity.
- Collaborated with other journalists and departments to produce well-rounded and comprehensive news coverage, daily stories, engaging items for live briefings, and feature stories with a New York City focus.
Features and Music Reporter
The Toledo Blade
Toledo, OH
09.2019 - 05.2021
- Pitched and wrote three stories weekly to feature in print and website publications.
- Improved reader retention by crafting compelling articles about the local music scene with event previews, profiles, and living stories.
- Achieved recognition for exceptional reporting efforts when awarded the 2020 touchstone Award for excellence in journalism for a feature story about local political organizers.
Features Intern
Star Tribune
Minneapolis, MN
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Features intern tasked with writing entertaining lifestyle section stories twice weekly.
- Covered lively arts community including artist showcase, book release, and museum director replacement.
News Intern
Minnesota Public Radio
Saint Paul, MN
09.2018 - 12.2018
- News intern charged with fulfilling multifaceted duties that included reporting, news writing, and fact-checking.
- Produced long feature stories on deadline through by conducting interviews and gathering relevant information.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Professional Journalism
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN05.2019
Skills
- Story pitching
- Advanced interviewing skills
- Research proficiency
- Strong writing skills
- Meeting deadlines
- Strong editorial judgment
- Building professional relationships
- Excellent communication abilities
- Breaking news expertise
- AP style expert
- Organized
- Self-motivating
- Expertise in SEO optimization
Accomplishments
2020 Press Club of Toledo Touchstone Award Excellence in Journalism recipient, category: Print Daily - Feature.
Timeline
Culture and Arts Reporter
WNYC/Gothamist
05.2022 - 04.2024
Reporting Fellow
The New York Times
06.2021 - 04.2022
Features and Music Reporter
The Toledo Blade
09.2019 - 05.2021
Features Intern
Star Tribune
06.2019 - 08.2019
News Intern
Minnesota Public Radio
09.2018 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Professional Journalism
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities