Race, gender and economy biz reporter wants to tell stories with impact

Erica Thompson, the Ohio regional business reporter covering race, gender and the economy for The Columbus Dispatch, talked about her job.

Here is an excerpt:

What I like best about my job

This job allows me to meet so many amazing people of all walks of life, who inspire me equally. I’m a storyteller at heart, and I’m grateful this position allows me to exercise that muscle. Finally, I feel blessed to have an opportunity to make real impact, whether that’s uncovering untold history, prompting a change in legislation or changing someone’s circumstances for the better.

A story I have worked on that has had a lasting impact on me

Years ago, I reported on the #BlackPride4 — a group of activists who blocked the Columbus Pride parade to protest the acquittal of the Minnesota police officer who killed Philando Castile, along with the violence against and erasure of black and brown queer and trans people. They graciously agreed to show up to our office to be interviewed and photographed. I had chills that day because I knew it was a really important story; there was not much local media coverage of racism within the LGBTQ community at the time.

Read more here.