Announcing the Vox Media Writers Workshop

Vox Media is proud to announce the Vox Media Writers Workshop, a new training and mentorship program that is designed for people historically underrepresented in media and is focused on reaching people entering the industry — including rising college seniors, recent graduates, and people transitioning into the industry and looking to jump start their careers. The workshop pairs Vox Media editors and writers with talented people curious about a career in journalism — participants will develop or hone their storytelling skills while also learning about what it means to be a reporter today.

Applications are now open until Sunday, May 16th.

Those enrolled will build relationships with expert voices across Vox Media’s many newsrooms including The Cut, Eater, New York Magazine, Polygon, SB Nation, The Verge, and Vox. The program will take place remotely on select dates between June and August and will pair 30 people with 15 Vox Media mentors, including ASME Next Award recipient Lindsay Peoples Wagner, The Cut’s editor-in-chief; James Beard Award winner Matt Buchanan, Eater’s executive editor; National Magazine Award winner Hanna Rosin, New York Magazine’s editorial director, audio; Pulitzer Prize winner Justin Davidson, classical music & architecture critic, New York Magazine and Curbed; and Lambda Literary Award winner and New York Times bestseller Anna North, senior reporter, Vox. Each mentor will work with two people to help them develop, refine, and strengthen one reported article, to be published on the Vox Media Writers Workshop website.

Vox Media’s program is the brainchild of Mariya Abdulkaf, senior producer, The Verge: “Our goal is to help break one of the biggest barriers many people, especially those from underrepresented communities, have when entering the field: a supportive network and community. I’m excited to work with and learn from program participants who are just entering this critical field. A new generation of voices is needed now more than ever.” Abdulkaf serves as the program director for the workshop with Patty Diez, project manager, Eater, who serves as the workshop’s program manager.

“The Vox Media Writers Workshop is an opportunity for new voices in journalism to learn the craft from some of our best writers and editors,” says Vox Media publisher Melissa Bell. “The program continues our collective efforts, such as Language, Please and the Vox Media Fellowship Program, to make our company and the industry more diverse, more equitable, and more inclusive.”

The 2021 workshop mentors include: Matt Buchanan, executive editor, Eater; Monica Burton, senior editor, Eater; Ashley Carmen, senior reporter, The Verge; Marisa Carroll, features editor, New York Magazine; Fabiola Cineas, staff writer, Vox; Sean Collins, politics & policy news editor, Vox; Justin Davidson, classical music & architecture critic, New York Magazine and Curbed; Erin DeJesus, lead editor, Eater; Debbie Emery, editorial manager for California communities, SB Nation; Mary Beth Griggs, science editor, The Verge; Maddy Myers, senior games editor, Polygon; Anna North, senior reporter, Vox; Lindsay Peoples Wagner, editor-in-chief, The Cut; Hanna Rosin, editorial director, audio, New York magazine; Zoe Schiffer, features writer, The Verge. And our workshop leads: Alexander Abad-Santos, senior culture reporter, Vox; Patricia Hernandez, culture editor, Polygon; and Ashok Selvam, Chicago editor, Eater.

The Vox Media Writers Workshop is currently seeking applications. The ideal candidates have a passion for storytelling and enthusiasm for developing their reporting and writing skills. The program is not a full time commitment, but applicants must be able to attend all three scheduled workshops listed on the website.

About Vox Media
As the leading independent modern media company, Vox Media ignites conversations and influences culture. Across digital, podcasts, TV, streaming, live events, and print, we tell stories that affect our audience’s daily lives and entertain as much as they inform.

Our portfolio features influential and respected editorial properties including Vox, New York Magazine, The Verge, The Cut, Eater, Vulture, The Strategist, Polygon, SB Nation, Intelligencer, Curbed, Grub Street, and Recode. Off-platform, the Vox Media Podcast Network offers one of the largest collections of popular podcasts, and Vox Media Studios, inclusive of Epic, produces and distributes award-winning nonfiction shows. Powered by innovative technology that scales quality, the Chorus publishing platform and Concert advertising marketplace answer the always-changing needs of modern audiences, creators and marketers.

Vox Media has been named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies in Media,” an Inc. “Company of the Year,” Digiday’s “Best Company for Parents,” and one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.