Title:GEMA Hoya Writing Collective and GEMA NY Alumni Panel – Beyond the Byline: Multi-Hyphenate Careers in Modern Journalism

The GEMA Hoya Writing Collective and GEMA NY Chapter hosted an alumni panel event entitled “Beyond the Byline: Multi-Hyphenate Careers in Modern Journalism” on November 6, 2025 at Bloomberg Tower in New York City. The event explored how writers and creators are building multi-hyphenate careers across traditional and digital media platforms, while underscoring the opportunities and obstacles facing multi-platform journalists today.

The standout alumni panelists were: Gilbert Cruz (C’03), editor of the New York Times Book Review; Allison Gilbert (C’92), journalist-author-host of “Connected Lives” at 92NY; Jason Kelly (C’96), podcast-author-chief correspondent for Bloomberg Originals; and Nayeema Raza (SFS’06), journalist-filmmaker-podcaster behind “Smart Girl Dumb Questions.” The panel was moderated by Amanda Christovich (C’19), reporter for Front Office Sports.

The panelists emphasized the importance of thinking about storytelling as storytelling itself, rather than being confined to a single medium. Nayeema articulated this philosophy, noting that the story should guide the format, not the other way around. Jason expanded on this concept through his work at Bloomberg, where he navigates video, television, radio, and podcasting by allowing each story to find its natural home. 

The conversation also touched on the unique value of traditional formats in an increasingly digital world, with Allison discussing her embrace of live in-person conversations and upcoming radio work—formats that might seem unconventional in the age of podcasts yet offer intimate connections with audiences. Gilbert reflected on the challenge and reward of hosting different podcast formats for the New York Times, from one-on-one writer interviews to the Sunday Special’s broader cultural explorations. 

Despite the changing media landscape, panelists emphasized the continued importance of fundamental, age-old skills: being able to write, being able to report well, and always being prepared.

Looking ahead, the panelists offered advice for today’s Georgetown graduates entering the field: build a sustainable creative career by remaining adaptable, authentic, and open to unexpected opportunities. 

The event was a collaboration between the GEMA NY Chapter and Hoya Writing Collective, GEMA’s initiative for alumni passionate about writing. 

Thank you to our generous partner and host for this event, Bloomberg.

Photos by Rebecca Greenfield.

Check out all the photos from the event here.