I got hooked on JAWS the very first time I attended CAMP in Austin, 2022. CAMP was amazing, and unlike any other conference I’d been to: deeply educational while also supportive, relaxed and incredibly inclusive. Of course I came back – and felt just the same way in Chicago, where I gave and got advice on the issues challenging women in journalism, especially right now. 

So I am delighted to serve as one of two mentors in JAWS’ health journalism fellowship – helping other women navigate the same struggles and challenges I’ve faced. Even better, I’ve adopted my own JAWS mentor, Liz Seegert, who has become such a great sounding board, and a voice of reason during challenging moments. 

I wish I’d had JAWS earlier in my career. I would have been so grateful for what I’m getting now from JAWS: mentorship, support, friendships, connections! All that would have made such a big difference at times when I felt alone and isolated. Young women – and all of us – so deeply need JAWS and our annual gathering. 

That’s especially true right now, with journalism in turmoil, with gender and racial harassment online (and off!). I want all women journalists to know that JAWS has their backs. Our profession (and our country!) need women to cover the issues faced by our half of the population. And women journalists need our inclusive community to learn how to protect ourselves and each other and to stay resilient when under attack. 

Of course I’m making a year-end donation to JAWS. Please join me in giving, and help us meet our ambitious goal of raising $30,000 by year’s end. (After Giving Tuesday, we’re already $9,200 of the way there!) Maybe you can make a one-time gift to honor a mentor. Maybe you can give monthly (that helps a lot!). Whatever you can give, large or small, JAWS will use it wisely. 

I believe in our mission to support, advance and advocate for women in journalism. If you do too – if you’ve felt the JAWS magic – help spread JAWS support to many more. 

See you at the next CAMP.