Joy Soto
Tell us about you and your work
I am the Community Voices and Engagement Fellow at WHYY. I work within our newsroom and focus on not only the diversity of our staff but also diversifying their sources for the past three and a half years. Our engagement team has been working with the reporters and editors to rethink who is an “expert,” and to build a database of sources to include, for example, small business owners, block captains, local artists, etc. I also produce our Community Conversation events that range from panels, screenings, and workshops. My work includes collaborating with communities from Philly, South Jersey and Delaware. Outside of work, I also serve as an Advisory Board Member for Greenlight Fund Philadelphia, Treasurer for LULAC Philadelphia, Board Member for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and a member of the Young Professionals Advisory Council for PCCY.
What inspires you?
I’m all about my community! I am a Philly native and since I can remember, I have always been passionate about giving back and providing resources where I can. Even if it’s just sharing a social post. My own personal experiences and working with youth in the past have also driven how I spend my time. Each organization I am a member of does such great work in the community and a lot of the work we’re involved in is about providing resources and opportunities that they normally wouldn’t have access to.
What does community mean to you?
Growing up, I thought it was just about your family but in college I was on my own. Once I joined my sorority in college, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. I learned that you can create your own community and I brought that way of thinking with me when I came back home to Philly. I think community is also about the experiences you share with different people.
Favorite film
I’m extremely indecisive so this is really hard! One of my top favorites is Center Stage.
Favorite song
I Feel Love by Donna Summer and Sam Smith’s version have been on repeat lately.
Favorite place
Even though I have been spending A LOT of time here over the last few months, my home is my favorite place. I bought my first home last year and it’s something I’m extremely proud of now and for my future.