Hello, this week from URL Media Senior Recruiter Sonali Kohli. Our recruitment and talent development team is currently working with outgoing Frances Ellen Watkins Harper fellows at The 19th News, to support them in finding their next role.
Throughout the summer, I’ll be introducing you to these fellows with a short Q&A — hiring managers, reach out to be connected! And job seekers, the fellows will share their learnings throughout this process with you. Today we’re featuring reporting fellow Sabreen Dawud:
URL Media: Tell us about your professional journey — what do you do at The 19th News as a fellow, and what brought you here?
Sabreen Dawud: As a Reporting Fellow at The 19th News, I have the privilege of curating stories for The 19th’s site and social media, working alongside seasoned journalists and editors, and engaging in career development events and training. My journey to The 19th News was a direct result of the power of networking! After graduating from Howard University’s journalism program, I reached out to a peer from the university that happened to be a previous Reporting Fellow. She informed me that The 19th was actively hiring fellows and encouraged me to apply. After reviewing the position and doing research on The 19th’s work, I knew the opportunity was a perfect fit for the kind of journalism I look to produce.
URL: What is a project you worked on that you’re proud of?
Sabreen: I am incredibly proud of my story on the social impact that beauticians have beyond styling hair. The work of those in the beauty industry is valuable and I was honored to learn more about the positive influence they have made in promoting community engagement. A notable source within this piece is A’Lelia Bundles, journalist and the great-great granddaughter of beauty industry legend, Madam C.J. Walker. The conversation and the rich history within this story felt like an ode to Black hair. I believe this project is an example of the kind of stories I aim to tell throughout my journalism career.
URL: Where do you see your career going next, and five years from now?
Sabreen: In the next five years, I envision myself as an established journalist reporting on social issues, sports, community, culture, education, and the arts, producing impactful stories that inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. I aim to work in a role—whether remote or in-person—that allows me to connect deeply with both local and national communities, amplifying voices and shedding light on vital issues that shape people’s lives. Alongside traditional reporting, I want to expand my work into developing engaging, reliable news content for social media, reaching wider and more diverse audiences. By honing my storytelling skills across platforms, I hope to become a trusted, versatile reporter known for delivering human-centered journalism that bridges perspectives.
URL: For other job seekers, what is something you’ve learned during this process that you want to pass on?
Sabreen: During this process, I have learned to do it scared. As an early career journalist, there are a lot of firsts. Despite the first-time jitters, I have pushed myself to go for the things I want and do so unapologetically. I have developed a trust in what I am capable of doing, even if I have not done it before. I would advise others who are looking for careers in journalism to be confident in who they are and go for any opportunity they feel is right for them. You will never regret it.
URL: Where can we find your work?
Sabreen: My work can be found on my website. All of my work for The 19th News can be found on my profile on 19thnews.org.
Job Board
URL MEDIA FEATURED JOBS
URL Media is recruiting for or supporting recruitment of these open roles and opportunities. Contact sonali@url-media.com if you’re interested in learning more about any of them.
Position: Publisher
Company: Rest of World
Compensation: $350,000 — $450,000
Location: Flexible
Position: Advertising Sales Account Executive
Company: URL Media
Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 + commission
Location: Remote in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois or California
Position: Freelance Writer (Contract)
Company: URL Media
Compensation: $2,000/month
Location: Remote
URL NETWORK JOBS
The following are opportunities with URL partners & their networks. We encourage you to apply directly!
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Company: PushBlack
Compensation: $165,000 – $200,000
Location: Washington, DC
Position: Latino Community Correspondent
Company: Documented
Compensation: $80,000
Location: New York, NY
Position: Community Engagement Embassador, Gary
Company: Capital B
Compensation: $18/hour, 20 hours/week
Location: Gary, IN
Position: Northside Reporter
Company: The Oklahoma Eagle
Compensation: $50,000 – $85,000
Location: Tulsa, OK
Did you know?
We are currently working with a mix of media, nonprofits, and other organizations to source and hire for executive roles. If you are a senior-level media professional looking to pivot, contact us.
Please fill out our candidate intake form or email (sonali@url-media.com) to inquire. As a job candidate, there are no fees associated with working with URL. We look forward to adding you to our pipeline!
Uplift. Respect. Love.
