Each Friday, a person who is making bold moves, living well, nurturing their creativity, following their passions, and making magic will be featured on Bold Living Today.
Today’s interview is with the charismatic, outspoken, and super fashionable Rashanah Baldwin. I have watched Rashanah consistently show up as her authentic self even when it was easier to follow the “cool crowd”. Rashanah has the unique gift and talent to advocate for the underdog while building bridges that change lives and communities. She is always on the go and looking to impact the world to optimize the living experience for those around her. I admire her courage and can do attitude. She displays a lot of that in this interview.
question 1:
You began your career as a journalist when you were a teenager. What inspired you?
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{Rashanah}
Living in Englewood and seeing how the media was portraying my community as the worse place to live, I wanted to change the perception. I also enjoyed meeting new people and talking to them about their lives and then recreating the story on paper to share with others. As a journalist it’s another way for me to be upfront and in the public’s eye doing all things good as an African American Young Woman from Englewood.
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{Kanesha}
I appreciate how you saw a problem and didn’t stand around complaining. Many people feel powerless in situations like this, but it fills my heart to hear you using your life to write a more accurate story.
question 2:
As a radio personality, you often are not face-to-face with the people you interview. How do you make sure to connect with them during remote interactions?
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{Rashanah}
I always ask engaging questions or things that make me say Ah ha! I try to find something that relates to me or the host and expanded upon it. I ask the questions that no one thinks of, and I always try to tie into how they are using their profession to make an impact in society.
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question 3:
So many people want to use their voice to positively impact the world, but they have a hard time getting started. What three things do you suggest they do to get going?
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{Rashanah}
Starting with their community to find out how they can make an impact where it’s needed, create a blog, volunteer in the community, and become someones mentor! Please! The best voice is that of one who mentors others.
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question 4:
What project(s) are you currently working on?
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{Rashanah}
Currently working on a short documentary called “I AM ENGLEWOOD” showcasing the good things in the community and a 2-to-4 minute campaign called I AM ENGLEWOOD (which showcases key figures of Englewood saying something like” I am a community journalist, co-founder of R.A.G.E, I AM RASHANAH BALDWIN AND I AM ENGLEWOOD.”)
Finally I want to travel and hone my journalism skills , I have been toying with the idea of doing a year round fellowship at Harvard, Stanford, or abroad. Hopefully by March 2013 I can start or even by the summer.
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question 5:
What six words describe bold living for you?
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{Rashanah}
Passionate, Daring, Impact-Full, Buzz worthy, Relevant and Relentless .
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More about Rashanah:
Born and raised in Chicago, Rashanah Baldwin began writing professionally for New Expressions Teen Newspaper at the tender age of 15. Working as a teen reporter was challenging, however Baldwin rose above and beyond all expectations. She continued to pursue journalism, by first obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications at the University of Illinois Chicago in 2008 and most recently received her Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from DePaul University in 2011.
Born and raised in Chicago, Rashanah Baldwin began writing professionally for New Expressions Teen Newspaper at the tender age of 15. Working as a teen reporter was challenging, however Baldwin rose above and beyond all expectations. She continued to pursue journalism, by first obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications at the University of Illinois Chicago in 2008 and most recently received her Master’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from DePaul University in 2011.
