Natalie Bencivenga on Journalism, Social Work, & Saying Yes!
About the Episode
In this episode of Queen Me!, we interview Natalie Bencivenga, a journalist and media personality known for her socially conscious reporting and advice column. We discuss Natalie's non-linear journey to journalism, the intersection of social work and journalism, and the importance of saying yes to new experiences and taking risks.
Key Takeaways
Natalie’s path to journalism was influenced by her initial interest in science and biology, her creative pursuits, and a significant pivot after meeting Dr. Mark Siegel, leading her to pursue a Master of Social Work.
Her background in social work deeply informs her approach to journalism, emphasizing connectivity, humanity, intersectionality, and justice.
Natalie transformed the scene column at the Post-Gazette to celebrate diverse communities, moving away from focusing solely on the wealthy elite.
She advocates for staying open to new experiences and the value of flexibility, which can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.
Natalie discusses the blurred lines between journalism and commentary, using her platform to promote intersectional justice and activism.
She shares her journey as an independent journalist, including the challenges faced and the importance of impactful journalism.
Natalie's involvement in local politics and her efforts to make politics accessible and understandable to a broader audience are highlighted.
She emphasizes the importance of asking challenging questions, challenging the status quo, and the power of failure as a learning tool.
Natalie encourages taking risks, believing in oneself, and the significance of not waiting for external validation or permission to act.
She is active on social media and hosts a show called Fact's Over Fear and a podcast called In Other News, aiming to engage with her audience on various platforms.
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