Young Advisor Shares Mission for Empowering Women Through Tech and Journalism
Chanda Daniels is a New York based digital strategist working to encourage diversity and elevate the voices of women through communications strategy and messaging. In 2014 Chanda initiated and coordinated campaigns to ensure a robust Arms Trade Treaty with Control Arms and soon after moved on to capitalize on compelling imagery for brand cohesion and promotion of organizational civil justice goals with the New York State Lawyer’s Association. Today Chanda utilizes social media and graphic design to promote a diverse and free press through outreach and campaigns in her new role with The International Women’s Media Foundation. Nectar News sat down with Chanda to discuss her journey and the importance of gaining exposure to new perspectives through travel and her constant promotion of diversity.
CD: I currently work for the International Women’s Media Foundation as Senior Communications Coordinator and I manage all of the digital communication. I primarily work on thought leadership, graphic design, and I manage all of the organization’s social media accounts. I also renovate the website as I work to promote our mission for a diverse and free press through outreach and campaigns. The International Women’s Media Foundation works to support female journalists domestically and my job is to make sure that the organization is verse and acquainted in the online conversation. We support women in a variety of ways through grants, fully funded international recording trips, award ceremonies and intense training. Through it all we seek to promote democracy globally, thereby expanding diverse press.
NN: In regards to education what did you study early on that led you to this industry?
CD: I somewhat fell into this work. I studied criminal justice at Pace University in lower Manhattan with a minor in political science and psychology. It wasn’t until I studied abroad for a semester in London that I got into international relations, which is very tied to what I do currently. After studying international relations and law in London, I came back to the United States and found myself extremely interested in public service. I took on an internship at the Mayor’s office and a few other social justice political field internships, some international and some locally. I really loved the idea that I could be a part of an organization that was forwarding messages and narratives that are really beneficial and aiding people in an impactful way. In addition, the recent events and the attack on the press really mobilized me to do something to protect journalism and protect freedom of speech. I saw this opportunity with the International Women’s Media Foundation and I’m thoroughly enjoying my role representing the organization in the online conversation.
NN: Can you tell us more about your travels and how it connects with your personal and career mission?
CD: I’ve been to over 21 international cities at this point and I believe the more perspectives you have, the more you can understand people. Traveling has helped me to understand how many different ways to live and how many ways human beings engage in day to day tasks and recreation. I’ve learned that yes, we can have our beliefs but there is no one right answer. There is no one way to get to the same end point. I think by seeing different cultures and what other people value, I am able to understand, pull back a little bit and become more open. .
NN: What kind of support do you need to continue in your mission, strengthen your brand and further your work?
CD: The next personal project that I’m starting is actually a podcast. I’m interested in talking more about diversity and women of color, engaging in the conversations that are not really being talked about. If the FLOBEL network has any leads in production and studio recording space, I’m looking for support and exposure to the workings of that industry.
Learn more about FLOBEL Young Advisor Chanda Daniels by visiting her social media on instagram, her personal website, and twitter . More about her current work at the International Women’s Media Foundation can be found atIWMF.org
