Meet Dacia The Roving Journalist | Community Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dacia The Roving Journalist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dacia The Roving Journalist, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Since a very young age, I’ve always been captivated by stories. I grew up in a home and community where stories was the link that bonded many narrators and the listeners – it created solid and life-long relationships. When I decided to continue my education, It was no surprise I chose journalism as my major. Upon graduation, I did a lot of soul-searching and research on how I would use my gift and educational training of storytelling to uplift and strengthen communities across the globe. I started to think about experiences I went through in my life and how I overcame various obstacles. I was a victim of domestic violence, bullying and suffered from low self-esteem for many years. I felt like others did not value my voice. I stayed constipated with emotions, and instead of releasing those toxins, I held them inside as they continued to make me ill. Eventully, I gave myself permission to speak freely through journaling and sharing my story with others who may be struggling to break the chains from their own bondage. My community journalism helps the world by creating a safe space where individuals no longer have to seek permission from others to use their voices and share their stories without limitations of fear, shame, or doubt. As a community journalist, my responsibility is to create and share powerful stories that will inspire, encourage, and motivate community members globally.
In addition, I will continue to encourage others to stay ambitious and never give up on their life’s purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My road to pursuing my passion for storytelling was not easy. I knew to become a respected and accomplished storyteller, it was vital for me to get professional and educational training. I graduated from High school over twenty years ago, so enrolling in college was exciting, overwhelming, and intimidating all at once. But I understood that it was a necessary move to accomplish my dream. Also, at the time, I was a mother of three school-aged children, a wife, and a full-time employee. Juggling all of those responsibilities was hard, but I pushed and sacrificed much of my social life with family and friends to complete my journalism program with honors while ensuring that my children exceled in their studies and my household was functioning well.

Because I was a non-traditional student with a full-time job, I could not take advantage of internship opportunities like many traditional students on campus. Those opportunities gave them benefits to gain adequate skills and reputations with reputable employers, so after they graduate, they could walk into a job. After I graduated, I had to continue extensive research and teach myself about being a credible and experienced storyteller. I had to determine what kind of journalist I wanted to become and the type of stories I wanted to share. Also, I had to decide how to market my brand to my target audience and make sure to gain their trust as a respected journalist/storyteller.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend was visiting the area for the weekend, I would start with cocktails and a light snack on my front porch. I live in the historic airport district, so there are many cool sights near my home. Next, I will take my guest to East Atlanta and go on a walking tour to view some of the beautiful murals, street art, and sculptures. Also, we will visit a few of the small neighborhood restaurants /bars to listen to some live music and go shopping at a few boutiques tucked away in the area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to start by thanking my husband for his unending love and support. He’s the best! My beautiful children and my family members who always encourage me to keep pushing toward success and never give up. My close friends for always being the cheerleaders I need when times get a little rough. Also, I want to thank my professors at Georgia State University and many mentors who groomed and prepared me to be a skilled storyteller.

Website: www.daciadavismedia.com

Instagram: @daciarovingjournalist

Facebook: @daciarovingjournalist

Images Credit: Gordon “Flash” Smalls