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
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
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
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
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
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
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