Oakland Voices has welcomed five interns for its second summer internship program. The team is expanding our community-powered newsroom’s ability to report on transportation, housing, local businesses, public services, neighborhood life and civic issues.
Through partnerships with the Dow Jones News Fund, the Ida B. Wells Society, Berkeley Global Internships, and the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, the interns are spending 10 weeks learning community-centered reporting and contributing stories that help Oakland residents better understand the issues affecting their communities.
This summer, interns have published stories about transportation, homelessness, and local businesses. One investigation will examine illegal dumping across Oakland neighborhoods.
Meet the Team
Bella Liu, Business Reporter
Bella, a rising senior at UC Berkeley, was drawn to Oakland Voices because of its investment in local communities and collaborative reporting.
“One of the most gratifying parts about journalism is getting to give voice to people who perhaps feel like they’re not being listened to,” Bella said. She is interested in covering neighborhood businesses, local restaurants, housing, politics, women’s issues, and Oakland’s Chinatown.
So far, Bella has reported on increased homeless encampment closures and the opportunities the World Cup could create for local restaurants.
Sathya Chaib, Digital Media Reporter
Sathya, a rising senior at Cal State Fullerton, wanted to work in a nonprofit newsroom where community voices remain central to reporting.
“Stories from smaller communities go untold, and groups of people who may be affected by an issue are not represented in reports,” Sathya said. “That is something only community journalism can change.”
Her first multimedia story explored AC Transit fare increases amid a looming deficit and what it means for East Bay riders.
Saida Nor, Investigative Reporter
Saida hopes to center Black voices while examining health and civic engagement.
Journalism makes a difference, she said, by “publicizing their stories, voices, and communities as well as holding institutions and systems accountable by calling them out, putting a mirror in front of them, or simply educating the masses on things happening behind the scenes that affect everyone.”
This summer, Saida is investigating illegal dumping and its impact on Oakland neighborhoods.
Ashley Dong, Audience Engagement Reporter
Ashley was excited to join Oakland Voices because of its commitment to local news and community engagement. She’s a rising junior at Northwestern University studying journalism and data science.
“Community journalism is more important than ever,” Ashley said. “News deserts are surfacing all over the country, and small platforms like Oakland Voices are vital for keeping local journalism alive.”
She hopes to help audiences better appreciate Oakland’s diversity and strengthen connections between Oakland Voices and its audiences.
Aryan Mahyavanshi, Audience Analytics Reporter
Aryan was drawn to Oakland Voices because it combines his interests in public service and data science.
“I believe that equipping people with knowledge is the most effective tool for systemic change,” Aryan said.
This summer, the UC Berkeley senior hopes to better show how data can help illuminate residents’ experiences.
Each of our interns shared similar observations about Oakland before joining the program. They appreciate Oakland’s diversity, culture, and think neighborhood assets are too often overshadowed by negative narratives.
Over the coming weeks, they will continue interviewing residents and producing reporting that reflects the complexity of the Town.
Support Community Reporting
Oakland Voices’ stories start with community engagement and thoughtful reporting.
Your support helps Oakland Voices:
- Train emerging reporters through hands-on mentorship.
- Publish fact-based reporting about Oakland neighborhoods and public issues.
- Produce photography, video, and multimedia storytelling.
- Connect Oakland residents with useful, trustworthy local information.
This summer’s interns are already reporting on transportation, businesses, housing, and community concerns. Your gift helps us edit, publish, and share that reporting with the Town.
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