A Cinderella Story: Finding a Dream Career at NAHJ
When Juwon was growing up, he treated watching the news like his Saturday morning cartoons. While his mother packed his lunch and reminded him to put on his school uniform, the news was always playing in the background. From celebrity gossip to weather updates, Juwon knew about it all. He dreamed of becoming a news anchor. He wanted to be the first face that people saw before their morning commute.
In college, Juwon told everyone he wanted to be the “Puerto Rican Ryan Seacrest.” His desire to pursue a career in journalism began while watching “LIVE with Kelly and Ryan” in the morning. He loved the mixture of daytime conversational topics and current events.
Fast-forward four years after he graduated from university, Juwon worked as a server in Times Square. After facing multiple interviews and rejections, he felt defeated. A woman at one of his tables noticed his depleted spirit, and they struck up a conversation about his career. She was a journalist and suggested that he try visiting the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) conference. Juwon flew to Miami a few weeks later to attend.
Juwon described NAHJ as his “own Cinderella story.” He sat down for a seminar with Cecilia Vega, correspondent for “60 Minutes,” and she opened the floor for questions. After no one spoke, he stood up and asked her, “How am I expected to succeed if no one offers me the chance?” Cecilia instructed him to wait for her after the seminar. She told him, “We’re going to figure this out together.” After reaching out to one of Cecilia’s connections at ABC News and applying for a role, Juwon landed his first interview.
Today, Juwon is a production associate with the ABC News’ assignment desk. His duties vary depending on the day, but often he sifts through affiliate stations to present their stories to assignment editors. From there, he develops a pitch to share why the main network should amplify the story on the national stage. Additionally, he gathers statements from police departments and fire stations to verify breaking news stories. His favorite part of the process is finding video and editing packages that shows like “Good Morning America” (GMA) and “World News Tonight” will utilize in their broadcasts.
Over the past year at ABC News, Juwon has experienced morning, evening and overnight shifts. He volunteered to assist on shows like “GMA Weekend” and “Tamron Hall,” and he shadowed field producers during rainfall and snow. “It’s been a lot of nonstop movement,” he shared, “but I’m very thankful for the opportunities to become a well-rounded journalist.”
Juwon cited his proactivity as the reason for gaining such a variety of experiences. “From the moment I started here,” he explained, “my managers at the assignment desk have always heard my voice. Speaking up will do wonders for your career at Disney.”
Juwon believes it is important for ABC News to attend journalism conferences like NAHJ because it affords people like him the equity and opportunity for a chance. Before discovering the conference, he was ready to give up on his dream. After attending, he left the weekend with a heart full of confidence in his abilities.
His advice to anyone attending NAHJ would be to stand up and ask questions. “It’s about initiating conversations even if you tremble from nervousness,” he encouraged. “No one is going to know who you are or what you need if you don’t advocate for yourself.”
Will we see you at this year’s NAHJ conference? Be sure to connect with ABC News! Visit us at booth #300, and check your conference schedule to attend panels and hear from our talent and employees about their career experiences.
