Underground Journal

Editor in Chief (2019-2020)

Underground Journal is Georgia State University’s biannual art and literary publication under the division of Student Media. As Editor in Chief, I prioritized making Underground an inclusive space for any student to collaborate in curating and creating visual art, photography, and creative writing.

Fall 2019

Underground becomes the only student org to exclusively publish GSU students. A volunteer staff of 5 undergrads quadruples as does our social media following. A collective takes shape.

We implemented a theme to inspire creators and center each issue cohesively. Using grassroots marketing strategies around campus, we created momentum while students learned of a decade-old publication for the first time.

No longer a stuffy English dept. clique, we wanted the art on our pages to be in conversation with the literary pieces so we channeled DIY zine elements for our brand new design. This was made possible by the contributions of a volunteer staff of 20 undergrads from all majors attending weekly meetings for 5 months, taking small and big leaps of faith along the way.

The result was IN TRANSIT, a celebration and mourning of our campus’ beloved downtown Atlanta and the rapid changes surrounding us. Our release party was the largest in the org’s 10 year history with upwards of 100+ students showing up for our open mic night.

In October of 2020, Underground Journal earned the National Pacemaker Award by the Associated Collegiate Press. The Pacemaker is known as the Pulitzer Prize of student journalism, and entries are judged by teams of professionals based upon coverage and content; quality of writing and reporting; leadership; design; photography; and graphics.

This win was unprecedented for Underground Journal and a first in Georgia State University history.

Spring 2020

When classes went digital, Virtual Underground was summoned. We remained committed to our production schedule and found new meaning in our TAKE ROOT themed issue.

Our digital release party allowed student participants to engage in relaxed, impromptu Q&A sessions with fellow artists and performers throughout the 2 hour event.

College Media Mega Workshop

Selected to attend the Literary Magazine track at University of Minnesota on behalf of GSU’s department of student media in Minneapolis, MN, July 2019.

AWP

Selected to attend the Association of Writers & Writing Programs conference on behalf of GSU’s department of student media in San Antonio, TX, March 2020.