For this week’s Woman Wednesday, AY About You sits down with Antoinette Grajeda, Editor-in-Chief of Arkansas Soul.
Grajeda grew up in Northwest Arkansas and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Arkansas.
“I’ve produced content for a variety of media organizations throughout the state during the last 15 years and currently serve as the editor-in-chief of Arkansas Soul, a nonprofit digital media organization for BIPOC audiences in the Natural State,” Grajeda says.
Grajeda enjoys traveling, hiking and running with Columbus House Brewery Running Club. She’s also a board member for the Spark Foundation, a nonprofit creating a positive impact in the community by providing increased access to health and fitness education and opportunities.
AY: What does it mean to you to be a woman?
For me, being a woman is having strength and grace in the face of adversity. Being a woman means embracing the confidence that comes with loving yourself and knowing you can do anything you put your mind to.
AY: What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field?
One of the challenges I’ve faced is dealing with co-workers, as well as members of the public, making sexist and disparaging comments about my credentials and my work. I’ve also encountered inappropriate behavior and comments about my physical appearance.
AY: What advice do you have for young women and girls who might read this article?
Do not listen to people who tear you down. Each one of us is unique and there’s a strength that comes from embracing that uniqueness and accepting ourselves as we are. Surround yourself with a network of people who will lift you up and love you for you. Work hard, but don’t forget to make time for fun. There’s so much beauty and adventure in this world and it’d be a shame to miss it because we’re too focused on work.
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