Every week in the climate, science, social justice, and environmental spaces is as diverse as Uproot’s membership. Field Notes, our week-in-the-life blog posts, are snapshots of the varied experiences that make our community so vibrant. 

A Week in the Life

Monday:

I spent a week in Mexico City, which coincided with my birthday. My last day there, Monday, was spent preparing for my trip to LA. During my stay in Mexico, I focused on initial research and pre-interviewing sources for my investigation as part of the Uproot Project Environmental Justice Fellowship. My story centers on migration driven by climate change from rural Latin America to the U.S., highlighting current U.S. policies for climate refugees. I’m reporting on a community in Mexico where people can no longer make a living due to the effects of climate change, forcing them to flee to the U.S. I will share more soon, but I’m grateful for the support from the Uproot network and my mentor, Lygia Navarro, who is guiding me in developing this story.

Tuesday:

I flew from Mexico City to Los Angeles, excited to make the most of the opportunity provided by the NAHJ NYC Chapter. This was my second time attending—my first was as a student in Miami back in 2018—so I had a good sense of the whirlwind of activity that awaited. To make the most of it, I knew planning ahead was essential. I left Mexico at 3 AM, had a brief layover in Guadalajara, and landed in Los Angeles just before noon. From there, I made my way to West Hollywood, where I was thrilled to be in such a vibrant, iconic area. I couldn’t wait to dive into the conference’s activities, reconnect with colleagues, and engage in dynamic discussions. The emphasis on issues affecting our communities of color, particularly the urgent need for environmental reporting, added significant meaning to this experience. It’s remarkable to see how, over the years, topics like these, once on the fringes, have become central to our conversations and reporting.

Wednesday:

The conference officially started, and I dove into the workshops right away. The first environment-focused session I attended, “On the Frontlines of Climate Change,” was in partnership with the Society of Environmental Journalists. It centered on how we, as Latinx journalists, can amplify climate issues affecting our communities and discover compelling stories. My biggest takeaway was the importance of identifying intersections in our reporting. Climate change intersects with various aspects of life, and recognizing these connections can enrich our stories. Additionally, the workshop emphasized the value of relying on data and expert opinions and highlighted the importance of collaborative journalism.

Thursday:

As a freelance journalist, connecting with editors and brainstorming new story ideas is crucial. I attended a panel co-hosted by Grist, featuring editors from several publications, including The New York Times and Palabra, who shared their insights on pitching stories. A highlight of the day was meeting Valeria Fernandez, the editor of Palabra, in person. We worked together last year on a challenging story about an environmental crime in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, which took over a year to complete. Valeria and Ricardo were exceptional editors, offering unwavering support throughout the process. Valeria also gave me a wonderful gift: a notebook, which I consider one of the most valuable tools for a reporter. It will be perfect for capturing more environmental stories from my two homes, NYC and Latin America.

Friday:

I was amazed by the vibrant energy of the conference, reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new colleagues. One of my favorite panels was hosted by the Solutions Journalism Network and focused on engaging communities in climate reporting. The panelists showcased impressive examples of how they connect with communities to find impactful climate stories and drive change. I also had the pleasure of meeting Camille Dalmau Padilla, founder of 9 Millones, a Puerto Rican media outlet dedicated to solutions journalism and serving both the diaspora and people on the island. Over coffee, Camille and I had an insightful conversation about our approaches to informing diaspora communities. We explored potential collaborations and exchanged ideas on how to enhance our impact.

Saturday:

The final day of the conference wrapped up with a flourish. I attended a workshop called “Fund Your Journalism: Fellowships and Funding 101,” where I learned about various resources to support our stories and investigations. I discovered funding opportunities such as Type Investigations, Pulitzer Center, The Fund for Investigative Journalism, IRE Fellowships, and The International Women’s Media Foundation, among others. As I’m not a gatekeeper, I’m also sharing this information to help fellow journalists. I spent the rest of Saturday reconnecting with colleagues and friends. We explored the area and returned for “El Gran Baile,” a vibrant and festive event that perfectly concluded this incredible conference.

Sunday:

With the conference concluded, I took the opportunity to relax and explore Hollywood and LA. I ventured downtown and stumbled upon a free concert, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, I returned to the hotel to pack and made my way to the airport. On the flight home, I reflected on everything I had learned and looked forward to diving into a new week filled with inspiration, ideas, and resources. With important events like the upcoming elections on the horizon, I’m excited to focus on how climate issues must remain central in our discussions and storytelling, while also informing and engaging with communities and bringing solutions and hope.

From the Wild:

Three most-used emojis?

🌞🥰✍🏻

What is one thing you always do when visiting somewhere new?

try to get recommendations and connect with locals

Audiobook, ebook, hardback, or paperback?

paperback lover

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