KRYSTYNA PORTUGUES-KLOS
Staff Writer
The Leader has been the newspaper of Fredonia since 1893.
Originally called the Fredonia Normal Leader, it was run strictly by women, an all-women group named the Agonian Literary Society, but then was combined with the men-only Zetesian literary society.
In 1936, the Fredonia Normal Leader changed its name to “The Leader” and has since been published under this name.
Over 100 years since its inception, The Leader is still largely run by women, so what do they have to say about writing for The Leader and women in journalism?
A survey via Google Forms was shared with the female E-board members of The Leader.
Positive feedback is all there is when asked how it feels to be writing for a largely women-run paper.
The women of The Leader are proud of their presence in the paper, and happy that they can be part of what they call a welcoming and wonderful environment that fosters creativity, inclusivity and empowerment.
When it comes to writing for The Leader, it’s tens all across the board, with positive reviews and joy from the staff.
One of the most common issues in modern media is being silenced by others, and the women at The Leader feel that their voices can be heard and that their ideas and suggestions are always considered in the process of creating stories.
With the welcoming atmosphere and encouragement to try new things, the women at The Leader are proud of Fredonia’s newspaper.
The presence of women in the field of journalism has definitely grown, but there are still some glass ceilings to break through.
The ladies of The Leader believe that it is important to have women in the newsrooms and that the acknowledgment of unfair treatment to women in the field is extremely important, but mostly that the growth of women’s involvement in the field is a fantastic push forward.
For all of the aspiring journalists out there, they have a message for you!
1. Never give up.
2. Speak your mind, your words matter.
To all the women out there, never think that you can’t do something because you’re a woman. You are strong and inspiring and can do anything you set your mind to.
Special thanks to the wonderful women at The Leader: Abigail Jacobson, Giulianna Lalomio, Megan Kidby, Chloe Kowalyk, Sierra Mills, Kelly Ibach, Abigail Miller and those who wanted to remain anonymous.
Keep being awesome!