My Summer At Ms. Magazine

My name is Khira Hickbottom, and I’m a rising junior studying English and Africana Studies. As an English major, I’ve always been interested in the world of journalism, especially as it intersects with political advocacy. When the Newcomb Institute released the organizations participating in the Feminist Summer Internship, I was immediately drawn to Ms. Magazine because of their message surrounding movement journalism, which aims to not only report on the issues, but give readers resources and pathways to mobilize for progressive advancement.

After starting at Ms. Magazine, I can confidently say that even in these few weeks I have felt empowered to create tangible change. As an editorial fellow, I participate in fellow cohort meetings in which we discuss the basics of journalism from Associated Press (AP) style guides to how to properly market yourself as a writer on social media. Outside of these meetings, I am becoming proficient in WordPress, uploading and completing regular edits of author’s pieces before they go on to be reviewed by our Editor-in-Chief. Additionally, having associations with Ms. has opened many doors for me in the way of attending feminist panels and events, and getting the opportunity to report on these myself. This past week, I submitted my first individual article pitch, which was just approved. I look forward to starting work on interviewing scholars and drafting my final product to be posted on the digital website.

Moving forward, I am going to be working with the print editor of the magazine on their up and coming book project, as well as collaborating with other fellows to write two recurring columns: The War on Women and Ms. Authors: Where Are They Now. This experience has already been so rewarding, and I look forward to what the remainder of the summer has in store for laying the foundation of what will hopefully be a lifelong partnership with Ms. Magazine.