I was first introduced to engaged reporting in 2019 and it shaped me into the reporter I am today — one that centers community concerns and prioritizes meeting people where they are. In 2022, through the Center for Health Journalism’s fellowship programs, I began mentoring reporters on engaged reporting by providing editing, brainstorming and hands-on support for their projects. I have worked with journalists from across California in a variety of newsroom types, helping them enhance their reporting by bringing community members into the process from the beginning.
Mental Health Crisis response in LA County
LA Times reporter Lila Seidman, a 2022 Center for Health Journalism Data and Engagement Fellow, reported on LA County’s mental health crisis response. For this project, I assisted in editing a community survey, development of fliers and the production of a virtual panel that brought together people with lived experience and those who work within the mental health crisis response system.
California mobile home park residents left vulnerable
Former CalMatters housing reporter Manuela Tobias, a 2022 Center for Health Journalism Data and Engagement Fellow, reported on the lack of code enforcement recourse at mobile home parks across California, specifically in Stockton, California. For this project, I served as a thought partner, helped develop and edit a survey for community members and provided editing support.
Cassandra Garibay 