Ayana Harry ’01 is a general assignment reporter for WPIX-TV. Previously, she was the New Haven bureau reporter at Fox 61 in Connecticut and has also held a number of positions at ABC News, including digital reporter, field producer, associate producer and desk assistant. Ayana paused between stories to chat with us about her exciting career trajectory and her Chapin experiences.
*Publsihed in the 2019 Alumnae Bulletin
Can you share a bit about your educational and career path?
After Chapin I went to Princeton, where I was a politics major and an African-American studies minor. I also took economics classes. I thought maybe I’d go into investment banking or law, but something was missing for me.Then I took an introduction to journalism class in my sophomore year and really liked it. I wanted to find an internship opportunity, so I Googled all my interests — TV, politics, writing, current events and NYC — and hit “go.”An internship program at WABC Channel 7 came up. It looked interesting so I applied. I remember walking into a room filled with young people who all wanted to be news anchors. They were all perfectly polished — but not me! I interviewed with a producer who must have recognized my interest and my hunger. I got the internship.
On my first day, I walked into a loud, chaotic scene in the newsroom with phones ringing off the hook. I thought, oh my, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life! It really resonated with me. I was hoping to get a job when I graduated. At the last minute I was offered an overnight temporary desk assistant at ABCNews, working midnight to 9 a.m. I did that for six weeks (I had to adjust my sleep patterns!). I began to move up from there and worked at ABC for four years, then in Hartford, Connecticut for Fox 61 for three years. I came to Channel 11 in 2014.
Chapin’s current theme is “Listen with Compassion, Act with Courage.” What does this theme mean to you?
As a journalist, I have to listen with compassion. I meet people in the toughest times of their lives, tragedies, fires, loss of loved ones, troubles with the law. It takes compassion for people to feel that you really care and that you put in the effort to get the story right. Courage is about recognizing moments in your life when you may feel fear and still find a way to move forward. Even if you’re nervous, you should try your best.
What do you find most rewarding about your work as a reporter? Most challenging?
I love to tell compelling stories about issues that impact people’s lives. My hope is that it helps inform how they see themselves and the world around them. I also appreciate experiencing events first hand, and I understand the responsibility that comes with sharing with the public what has happened. I was the only television reporter there when Eric Garner died, and I recently covered the NYPD disciplinary trial of Daniel Pantaleo, the police officer who put him in an apparent chokehold. I was the only journalist to interview Ron Taylor, a man once exonerated for murder then ordered back to prison in Connecticut. I was also one of the first reporters on the scene of the Sandy Hook school shooting. Feeling confident on-camera was a challenge early on, but that came with time and experience. I realized that nobody notices small mistakes a reporter makes. Nothing is the end of the world. My days can be long and draining. I also have to travel a lot, so I keep one suitcase at the office and one at home.
In what ways do you feel Chapin prepared you for college and the working world? What specific skills did Chapin help you develop?
Chapin was life changing! It exposed me to so much academically and personally and intensified the passion for learning and curiosity that I naturally have.I learned how to think critically and how to process a lot of information and come up with my own ideas and opinions. At Chapin you learn to be your own advocate. You connect with people who are invested in your progress. Once you’re part of the Chapin community, you’ll always be a part.
What advice would you give to current Chapin students or young alumnae, related to journalism or otherwise?
Be creative in approaching your career path. Journalism is changing and becoming more aligned with technology, so don’t look to the past. Instead, consider new, innovative ways of doing things. Be willing to make uncomfortable decisions and take unpopular jobs to ultimately achieve your goals. You have to have resilience.
How do you unwind?
I try to be intentional with my time and to focus on mindfulness. I enjoy exercising, practicing yoga and meditating. And I love visiting new places and organizing fun outings around the city with my tight-knit group of friends.