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Renew or join AAJA and enter to win tickets to our Chefs Showcase or 30th Anniversary Gala!

AAJA Seattle will be having a giveaway for one pair of tickets for our Chefs Showcase on Aug. 10, as well as our 30th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 14. The two winners will be randomly selected from our chapter membership list as of June 30.
So if you want to be in the running, make sure to renew your membership for 2015!
Not sure of your membership is up to date? Contact secretary Samantha Pak at sammipak @ gmail. com.

2015 Northwest Journalists of Color Scholarship Winners

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Congratulations to this year’s AAJA & SABJ Northwest Journalists of Color
scholarship winners

 

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Ashley Walls – University of Washington

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Mohamed Adan – Seattle Central College

Brady Hitoshi Wakayama - Washington State University

Brady Hitoshi Wakayama – Washington State University

Bailey Williams - Central Washington University

Bailey Williams – Central Washington University

Merdie Nzanga - American University

Merdie Nzanga – American University

 

ABOUT AAJA NJC

For nearly 30 years, the Northwest Journalists of Color have coordinated scholarships for aspiring journalists of color. The NJC’s members belong to the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), Black Journalists Association of Seattle (BJAS), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA). In 2006 NJC established an endowment to support scholarships. Since 1983, the NJC and AAJA have given more than $150,000 in scholarships.

ABOUT SABJ PATRICIA FISHER ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

Patricia Fisher was much more than an award-winning journalist. She brought new levels of sensitivity and perspective to the editorial pages of The Seattle Times and distinguished herself as a tireless, eloquent fighter in the areas of education and social justice.

Pat wrote for The Seattle Times business and features departments before accepting a position on the newspaper’s editorial board as the first woman and first African-American editorial writer and columnist. Increased regional visibility brought new demands, but she continued to volunteer her time, to encourage young people and to serve as a role model.

She was a founding member of the Black Journalists Association of Seattle (now known as the Seattle Association of Black Journalists), The Northwest Journalists of Color, and a former regional director for the National Association of Black Journalists. She was also an active member of The Links Inc. and Jack and Jill of America.

 

 

Highlights from AAJA Seattle student pizza nights

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Free pizza, anyone? 

AAJA Seattle hit the road in March and April for a series of student pizza nights. The chapter held the events as part of its efforts efforts to promote the Northwest Journalist of Color and Founders scholarship programs.

Applications for this year’s scholarships is on Sunday, May 3. Apply today!

During the event, which was organized by chapter board members, students learned about the scholarship program, got tips from scholarship alumni and, of course, enjoyed some hot pizza!

Here are a few highlights from each of our student pizza nights.

Mountlake Terrace High School 

11080612_797303497017525_107739473633774024_oNorthwest Journalists of Color scholarship alumnus Peter Sessum chats with students at at the AAJA Seattle pizza night at Mountlake Terrace High School.

AAJA Seattle secretary Samantha Pak organized a pizza night at Mountlake Terrace High School, where she is an alumna and also serves as a co-adviser for the school newspaper, on March 24. Students met with with Kat Chow, a 2010 and 2010 Northwest Journalists of Color scholarship winner who now works for National Public Radio in Washington D.C, over a Google Hangout. For some of the students, it was a reunion as she met with several of them during a national high student journalism conference in Washington D.C. late last year. Peter Sessum, a four-time scholarship winner, attended the event, sharing his experiences in both journalism and the military and providing plenty of advice.

University of Washington

IMG_5178University of Washington students getting information about scholarships from AAJA Seattle and the Western Washington SPJ Pro Chapter. 

AAJA Seattle — with the lead of National Board representative Venice Buhain —  co-hosted a scholarship pizza party with UW’s chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists on March 30 to talk about scholarships from both organizations. It was a great opportunity to talk about the different scholarships and to offer tips and advice on students’ applications.

poster11x17Poster promoting Western Washington University pizza night. 

Western Washington University 

Sarah Wallace, AAJA Seattle treasurer and Bellingham-based freelance writer and instructor, organized the April 13 pizza night at WesternWashington University. Students and journalism faculty heard from Carol Kaesuk Yoon, a New York Times science writer, and Rhys Logan, a Native American Western Washington University journalism school graduate who now works in social media for the university. Sarah led a Google Hangout with former NJC scholarship recipient Peter Sessum, who is now of the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs. Sarah also showed links to work by former NJC scholarship recipient Gina Cole of the Seattle Times (and a Western Washington University graduate).

Sarah also recalled her first day on the job at a major metropolitan newspaper back in the 1990s. She recalled how a group of photographers covering a local convention of Asian businesspeople made fun and mocked their accents throughout the day. When Sarah approached an editor at the end of her shift, the editor scoffed at her concerns. The next day, he thought better and emailed that he was utterly wrong and apologized.

Central Washington University

Bailey Williams and Mai Hoang

2014 Northwest Journalist of Color winner Bailey Williams and AAJA Seattle president Mai Hoang.

Chapter president Mai Hoang visited Central Washington University on April 23 for pizza and a session on internships. The event included a Q&A with 2014 Northwest Journalists of Scholarship winner Bailey Williams, who is studying broadcast journalism at the university in Ellensburg, Wash. Scholarship alumni Gina Cole (2011), Kat Chow (2010 and 2011) and Julia Martinez (2014) also helped Mai with her scholarship and internship presentation.

Thank you to all students who were able to join us for this year’s student pizza nights! In the meanwhile, if you are a student (or a student advisor) please fill out the form below to give us feedback on what you would like to see in future student journalism programming.

Founders Scholarship winner Sandi Halimuddin: “I finally feel empowered and ready to take the next step”

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Sandi Halimuddin, left, and AAJA Seattle president Mai Hoang at the AAJA Scholarship and Awards gala, which was held during the convention.

Sandi Halimuddin, 22, graduated earlier this year from the University of Washington with a degree in journalism and international relations and previously interned at The Seattle Times and Seattle Weekly. Halimuddin was the recipient of the 2013 Founders Scholarship, which covered the cost of registration and travel for the 2013 AAJA National Convention in New York. In the coming weeks, Halimuddin will return to New York in the next month for an internship at the World Policy Journal. 

As part of her scholarship, Halimuddin shared her convention experience for AAJASeattle.org. 

When I first heard about the AAJA Convention in New York, I was terrified. While my mentor (former AAJA National President) Sharon Chan described the event as a fun networking and learning opportunity, the thought of shamelessly self-promoting myself in front of well-established people in the journalism industry made me nervous. As a recent grad looking for an entry-level reporting job, the career fair, workshops and networking events are excellent resources, if not a bit daunting. Luckily, AAJA Seattle chapter members gave me great advice on how to make the most out of the annual convention.

First, my mentors encouraged me to come prepared. In addition to preparing an elevator pitch, resumes, business cards and a website with clips, it’s important to do your homework on the companies at the career fair. Sharon encouraged me to do research on media companies, their notable work and current job openings. Speaking with recruiters at the career fair was easier and more meaningful when I showed knowledge of the company and asked specific questions. While working the career fair may not immediately lead to a job, I found that speaking with recruiters helped me gain a better understanding of what my goals and expectations are.

Second, my mentors recommended that I meet as many people as possible. At big events such as these it’s too easy to hide in the corner, tweeting at celebrities and friends. While I had my share of awkward moments standing in the middle of the room looking for someone to talk to, I found that reaching out to people is not as frightening as it seems. Most people at networking events are genuine, friendly and eager to speak with people who are equally as passionate about journalism. Developing connections with fellow convention attendees is a good strategy to establish your presence in the industry, find mentors and learn from people you respect. It’s also comforting to have fellow journalism friends to keep in touch with throughout and after the convention.

Finally, my mentors in the AAJA Seattle chapter insisted that I follow up with recruiters, editors and fellow journalists I met during the convention. While it might be hard to stand out in such a busy and well-attended convention, a prompt and thoughtful follow-up letter or email goes a long way. Even if there are no current job opportunities, showing initiative and establishing relationships with people in the industry can be helpful in the future.

While I was initially hesitant about attending the AAJA Convention, I’m so glad I went this year. I met a lot of wonderful, helpful people at the convention and gained more confidence navigating the professional world. I also now have a more realistic understanding of the possibilities in the journalism industry. Following the AAJA Convention, I finally feel empowered and ready to take the next step in shaping my writing career by moving to New York City this month.

Come to the next Dim Sum Saturday on Oct. 26

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Dim Sum Saturday

Dim Sum Saturday

Sorry about the late notice, everyone. We’re going to squeeze in one more Dim Sum Saturday event before the holiday season at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 26.

Enjoy breakfast with chapter president, Mai Hoang, who will be here all the way from Yakima, and with other AAJA members.

If you haven’t been to an event recently, dim sum is a great and easy way to reconnect. The more, the merrier — friends, co-workers, former co-workers, significant others and kids more than welcome.

We’re meeting at at New Hong Kong (it used to be known as New Kowloon), 900 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104, in the International District.

We’ll all split the check. Dim sum typically runs about $10-$15 per person.

Please RSVP on the Facebook invitation so we can keep a rough headcount and know how big of a table to reserve. Hope to see you there!

Announcing the #2K2WKS Challenge: Donate to Power of One by Aug. 5 and Frank Blethen will match it

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Frank Blethen, Seattle Times publisher

Frank Blethen, Seattle Times publisher

Seattle Times Publisher Frank Blethen is challenging you to support the Asian American Journalists Association with a donation to the Power of One campaign. For all donations from July 15 through Aug. 5, Frank will match all funds raised up to a total of $2,000.

The Power of One fund supports AAJA’s important work on increasing the number of Asian Americans in journalism and ensuring fair and accurate coverage of Asian and Asian American communities.

“With the challenges facing the industry, all of us need to step up and support the important work AAJA does for diversity in journalism,” Blethen said. “Maybe you’re a student who can give $5. Or maybe you’re an ELP graduate who can give $100. Join our family of supporters for AAJA at any level.”

Donate now at AAJA by targeting your donation to Power of One. Here is how to donate. Please specify that your donation should go to “Power of One.”

Update 10/11/13:

Here are the supporters who have stepped up with a donation to Power of One during Frank Blethen’s challenge.

Candace Barron, Boeing
Larry Benesh, Zynga
David Boardman, Temple University
Ryan Blethen, Seattle Times
Venice Buhain, AOL Patch
Bobby Calvan
Janning Chan
Allen Cheng
Sharon Pian Chan, The Seattle Times
Susan Han, Seattle Channel
Mai Hoang, Yakima Herald-Republic
Michael Kim, ESPN
Janet Mason, WZZM 13
Lori Matsukawa, KING 5
Danny O’Neil, 710 ESPN Seattle
Mi-Ai Parrish, The Kansas City Star
The Poynter Institute
Albert Shen, Shen Consulting
Thanh Tan, Seattle Times
Doris Truong, Washington Post
Janet Tu, Seattle Times
Tiffany Wan
Brian Wong, ESPN
Sunny Wu, MSN

Donors pledged $3,460 for the #2K2WKS challenge. When he saw the pledges that came in, Frank Blethen also upped his challenge grant, which means we have raised a total of $5,860 for AAJA’s mission with this campaign.

Thank you all for your support for diversity in journalism.

A video from the Seattle chapter to AAJA President Paul Cheung for his 40th birthday #pcheungis40

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AAJA President Paul Cheung turns 40 Sunday. We just didn’t think that a card was enough for our global-interactives-managing, Instagram-bombing, data-loving, responsive-designing AAJA president. So we did the (fake) Harlem Shake.

Akiko Oda, field editor at AOL Patch, produced this video. Starring Akiko, Lori Matsukawa, Candace Barron, Nigel Barron, Caroline Li, Samantha Pak, Thanh Tan, Wendy Tang (Hong Kong AAJA member who did a guest appearance), Danny O’Neil, Larry Blackstock, Devon Bacon, Sharon Chan and two random guys we met at the park.

To mark this milestone birthday, Paul is asking you to make a gift to the future of Asian Americans in journalism by donating to AAJA’s Power of One campaign.

Top five reasons to register for the AAJA NY convention by 5 p.m. Tuesday

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I know I’m one of the faithful members who would go to an AAJA convention even if it was in Detroit. (I did, and had a ball.) But I don’t represent all of you who are choosy about how to spend your hard-earned money and time. So here are five reasons why you should register for the AAJA Convention in New York, Aug. 21-24, before early-bird rates end Tuesday, April 17. Rates are $225 for pro members, and $100 for students until end of Tuesday.

Top Five Reasons to Register Now for the AAJA Convention

  1. It’s in New York, the media capital of the world. That means you’re going to meet editors and hiring managers you will not meet at another AAJA convention because it’s in their backyard. By the way, did you know you  can upload a resume to AAJA’s online database and schedule meetings with three news companies of your choice before you even get to NY? It’s a great way to network even if you aren’t actively job searching.
  2. Programming is getting a makeover. I’ve seen a dramatic transformation in AAJA’s convention sessions over the past five years. It’s more relevant, it reflects a digital-first multiplatform mindset and it re-ignites the journalism flame within. This year that transformation is getting even more dramatic. There will be 5-minute Lightning Sessions. Attendees will vote, American Idol-style, on who will present some of the lineup. The pre-convention workshop lineup features an all-day Learn to Code workshop. Check out a sneak preview of workshop lineup: http://www.aaja.org/convention-workshop/
  3. It’s going to be big. AAJA expects 850 attendees!
  4. You know you’re going to regret not going when you see the tweets, Instagram photos and Facebook updates from New York. 
  5. Did you know that the chapter that registers the largest percentage of its members will get 10 percent off convention registration for the 2014 AAJA convention? 

Register now at http://www.aaja.org/nyc2013/

AAJA Seattle is also taking applications for the Founders Scholarship, which helps a student  member go to the convention! Deadline is April 30. Apply here: http://www.aajaseattle.org/scholarships/

Rates will rise by $50 to $75 after Tuesday. Take the money you’ll save and come to dinner and karaoke with former AAJA VP George Kiriyama this Saturday, April 20. (Email me at schan47@yahoo.com if you want to join us for either or both events.)

 

Bravos for Social Media Bootcamp

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Tons of transformational ideas, tools and Twitter tips highlighted the AAJA Seattle Spring Training Social Media and Self-Branding Bootcamp on March 28. Sona Patel, Lauren Rabaino and Brian Rosenthal of the Seattle Times did a dynamite job dishing out info and inspiration (plus a tour of the newly consolidated Times newsroom).

The talented trio asked us to blog about our five top takeaways. My list:

Interact. Subscribe to blogs. Follow people who are doing what you want to do.  Comment on their posts. Lauren shared an anecdote from her student days how she posted on a Big-Shot Journalist’s blog and he responded, much to her delighted astonishment. It marks you as someone who contributes to the discourse and helps establish you as a credible source of information.

Use your name or a consistent alias across all platforms. To build the brand, you need a unified naming convention on Twitter, your website, Facebook, LinkedIn.

Tweet where you’re at. Beaming out that you’re at a school board meeting, tech conference (or AAJA event!) builds credibility that you’re covering what’s important, doing the footwork.

Don’t sweat the SEO. People will find you if you write well about what matters to you, said Lauren. Brilliant strategy.

Always have visuals – makes posts more shareable. To wit: Fueling up for the drive home to Bellingham, I stopped afterward at Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream for a triple hot fudge sundae (salted caramel, Scout mint and vegan coconut chunk!). Noticed they had a map showing their ingredients’ origin. Noticed their milk and cream come from the Edaleen Dairy in Lynden. Realized this would make a fun post on my Blue Ribbon blog about local food, farming and fairs. Also, realized, with regret, that a photo of the little thumbtack on “Lynden” would’ve made the post 10 times cooler. Hit home that I need to take my camera everywhere — even the malt shop.

What you missed at the UNITY Seattle mixer

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That's U for UNITY. Top row, left to right: John Ryan, Peter Sessum, Genevieve Alvarez, Venice Buhain. Middle: Katrina Barlow, Mai Ling Slaughter, Melissa Hoyos. Bottom: Sona Patel, Lauren Rabaino, Sharon Chan.

Thank you to everyone who came to the UNITY Seattle mixer on Tuesday night! We had a crowd of about 20 journalists of all backgrounds at Lucid Lounge in the U. District: Asian American, Latina, white, gay, student, professor, digital, TV, radio, nonprofit, ex- and job-seeking journalists.

We projected the #UNITY12 Twitter stream up on a screen and UNITY and alliance presidents Joanna Hernandez, David Steinberg, Doris Truong, Rhonda LeValdo all joined us via Twitter. UNITY Programming Co-Chairs Paul Cheung and Robert Hernandez also joined in the event via Twitter.

I did a short slideshow about why you should think about coming to UNITY:

    • Thousands of journalists
    • Inspired workshops
    • Vegas

AAJA Seattle President Sona Patel announced a convention grant the chapter will award to help a laid-off journalist attend UNITY. She also highlighted the Northwest Journalists of Color scholarships, deadline April 15. This year the winner will receive a grant to attend the convention as well. Former scholarship winner Peter Sessum spoke about how the scholarships changed his life.

We raffled off two “J” pins and a $50 gift card to Lucid Lounge. Congratulations to the three winners, all students at the University of Washington. Thank you to Lucid for donating the gift card. If you haven’t been to Lucid lately, they have a new elevated stage and a great digital presentation setup (they handed me an iPad to run the slideshow).

Don’t you wish you had been there?

The early-bird registration rate for UNITY 2012 convention ends on March 16! The early bird rate is $325 for members, $150 for student members, $500 for non-members and $250 for student non-members. After March 16, rates go up $75!

Register now at unityconvention.org.

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