Ashirah Newton

Journalism graduate with experience in journalism, research, writing, editing, outreach, fundraising, customer service, SEO writing, legislative communication, event support and information organization. Focused on producing clear content, supporting employer goals, engaging audiences and communities, and contributing to reliable, timely results.

Writer/Journalist Intern at The Borgen Project (2026-02 – 2026-04)

• Produced and promoted poverty-focused articles using SEO, research and journalistic writing standards.
• Engaged congressional offices weekly through calls, emails and letters in support of international aid funding and legislation.
• Strengthened fundraising outreach by building donor lists, sending 15+ solicitation emails and following up with prospects through email, social media and direct communication.

Arts & Entertainment Editor at Pandora's Box (2024-10 – 2025-12)

• Improved accuracy and clarity of arts and entertainment stories by editing and proofreading content in Microsoft Office, Word and Google Docs.
• Produced original stories on arts and entertainment at York College and broadened coverage to mental health access and politics.
• Collaborated with editors by attending planning meetings to support timely publication.

Charity Fundraiser at Amnesty International (2025-10 – 2025-11)

• Raised public awareness about Amnesty International's mission by educating people on support for causes such as women's reproductive rights.
• Expanded outreach across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens by engaging residents door-to-door on women's reproductive rights and unequal access to those resources in the United States.
• Secured monthly donor support for campaigns that increase American women's access to healthcare and necessary travel assistance.

Student Activities Intern at Federal Work Study Program (CUNY York College) (2024-03 – 2024-05)

• Encouraged student engagement by promoting York College events, assisting with registration for Project Serve and the Science Expo Fair, and helping event operations run smoothly so students could develop new life experiences, interests and working skills.
• Improved event readiness by tracking items purchased for student activities and graduation events using Microsoft Word and organizing materials such as caps, gowns and T-shirts by color and size for distribution.
• Maintained accurate attendance planning by contacting registered students with reminders, confirming participation and updating expected head-counts; served copious quantities of food and beverages to nourish college students and staff at gatherings.

Librarians of Tomorrow Intern at Brooklyn Public Library (Carroll Gardens Branch) (2019-01 – 2019-06)

• Improved library organization by arranging books alphabetically and numerically, making it easier for patrons to locate books.
• Assisted patrons with the self-check machine to borrow, return and renew books at a faster and higher rate.
• Completed a journal entry capstone project connecting personal interests to the library's mission and demonstrating engagement with community-centered work.

Brooklyn Connections Intern at Brooklyn Public Library (Central Branch) (2018-07 – 2018-08)

• Supported archive organization by placing ephemera and dated documents alphabetically and numerically for a cleaner and more accessible collection.
• Published a Brooklyn Bridge book report used as a template for succeeding Brooklyn Connections interns.
• Conducted archival research using primary source materials from the Brooklyn Collection to investigate Brooklyn history topics and strengthen research, analysis and historical writing skills.

Bachelor's degree in Journalism – CUNY York College (2021-08 – 2026-05)