Web reporter and editor at Orange County Register
Greater Los Angeles Area
- Current
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- Web reporter and editor at Orange County Register
- Member of "Future of Journalism" and "Generation J" committees and past region 11 director at Society of Professional Journalists
- Dance teacher at The Dance Co.
- Past
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- Reporter and editor at Daily 49er
- Editor at News Enterprise
- Reporter and editor at Seal Beach Sun
- Server at Chili's Bar and Grill
- Education
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- California State University-Long Beach
- Recommended
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17 people have recommended Sonya - Connections
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229
connections
- Industry
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- Websites
Sonya Smith’s Summary
I am an energetic person who spends long hours in the newsroom and on the dance floor. I began my journey by starting a newspaper in fifth grade - publishing for open house and back to school night at Gompers Elementary. Through middle school, high school, college and now my professional career I have kept a passion for providing accurate information to the public through journalism.
Sonya Smith’s Specialties:
Multi-tasking, innovation and story-telling across platforms.
Sonya Smith’s Experience
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Web reporter and editor
Orange County Register
(Privately Held; Newspapers industry)
June 2005 — Present (4 years 6 months)
• Starts as an activities reporter for the Irvine World News. After five months, becomes the Irvine city hall reporter. In 2006 continues covering Irvine while becoming one of three company-wide web catalysts building online content and training colleagues on working online.
• In November 2007 fills in for the technology reporter who goes on maternity leave. Creates online story packages, writes for the Gadgetress technology blog and builds a blog about mobile applications.
• In March 2008 fills in for the Anaheim reporter who goes on maternity leave. Covers Anaheim and Stanton community news while building Disney and tourism coverage online for the Register.
• In September 2008 joins the Register's web development team as a reporter/editor. Works with other reporters and by herself on both new and struggling beats and coverage areas to build content and online communities. -
Member of "Future of Journalism" and "Generation J" committees and past region 11 director
Society of Professional Journalists
(Non-Profit; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
September 2002 — Present (7 years 3 months)
Joins the Society of Professional Journalists in 2002 and leads the Cal State Long Beach student chapter to become national student chapter for 2004. Served as region 11 director 2007-09 overseeing professional and student chapters in California, Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada and Guam. In 2005, just before starting at the Orange County Register, founded the Orange County Pro Chapter that is a satellite of the Greater Los Angeles Pro Chapter. Currently serves as a member of the "Future of Journalism" and "Generation J" committees.
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Dance teacher
The Dance Co.
(Performing Arts industry)
May 2000 — Present (9 years 7 months)
Teaches beginning and beginning/intermediate tap to 7- to 14-year-olds in three classes a week on Saturday mornings.
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Reporter and editor
Daily 49er
(Newspapers industry)
January 2003 — May 2005 (2 years 5 months)
• Starts as a reporter and moves up to become editor. Oversees and works on daily production of the newspaper and Web site. Works to improve the publication's coverage, accuracy and overall status.
• Trains the staff on how to report, write, copy edit and design the newspaper.
• Serves as chairwoman of the Forty-Niner Board of Publications that oversees the Daily 49er and DIG magazine. -
Editor
News Enterprise
(Newspapers industry)
June 2004 — August 2004 (3 months)
Manages the content and design of a community newspaper covering Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, La Palma, Rossmoor and Cypress.
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Reporter and editor
Seal Beach Sun
(Newspapers industry)
February 2003 — June 2004 (1 year 5 months)
• Copy edits stories and fills in for senior editor.
• Reports on Seal Beach and writes a weekly crime log for Seal Beach and Los Alamitos. -
Server
Chili's Bar and Grill
(Food & Beverages industry)
May 2002 — March 2004 (1 year 11 months)
• Interacts with customers on a daily basis.
• Trains new employees and acts as a leader to fellow employees by promoting good communication skills, teamwork and work ethics.
Sonya Smith’s Education
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California State University-Long Beach
bachelor's degree , Major: journalism; Minor: English literature; Emphasis: religious studies and dance , 2000 — 2005
Toyota Scholarship
(Awarded in April 2004) – Journalism scholarship awarded by the Department of Journalism at California State University, Long Beach for service and contributions to the department.
Bill Farr Scholarship
(Awarded in July 2003) – Journalism scholarship awarded by the Los Angeles professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists based upon contributions to and experience in the field of journalism.
Barrett Scholarship
(2001 to 2005) – Academic scholarship awarded for remainder of college education based on academic and professional goals, action taken to meet those goals and community service experience. Scholarship was awarded after an application, essay and interview process.
President’s Honor List
(Spring semester 2002) – Awarded for high scholastic achievement, based on a G.P.A. over 3.5.- Activities and Societies:
- Society of Professional Journalists
Additional Information
Sonya Smith’s Websites:
Sonya Smith’s Interests:
Tap dancing, mobile apps, music and lomography.
Sonya Smith’s Groups:
Society of Professional Journalists
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Society of Professional Journalists -
CSULB Alumni Association -
Long Beach Tweetup -
Twittering
Sonya Smith’s Honors:
Named Associate of the Week for the Orange County Register three times. First, for the week of Aug. 8, 2006, by covering news out of the Irvine City Council and Great Park Board. Second, for the week of July 16, 2007, by writing about camping overnight for the Apple iPhone. Third, for the week of Aug. 10 for work in developing the beta OC Register Wiki.
Sonya Smith’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
