Influential Woman · Media
Amanda McHugh
Freelancer, Audience Engagement and Multimedia Production Specialist, Self-Employed
Brooklyn, NY
Her Story
About Amanda
Amanda McHugh is a self-employed freelancer working under her own name in audience engagement and multimedia production. She translates content across media formats, including audio to social media and text, conducts disability audits for website accessibility, and applies a trauma-informed, deep listening approach to her work. McHugh holds a BFA in theater and completed two master's degrees in engagement journalism at the Newmark School of Journalism at CUNY, finishing the first in December 2022. She began her career as an actor for 15 years before pivoting to event photography, documentary filmmaking, and journalism. Her professional memberships include SAG-AFTRA, the Society of Professional Journalists, IRE, ASMP, AIR, and she serves as New York admin for the Podcast Brunch Club. McHugh previously volunteered as a friendly caller with Scan Health in Los Angeles for one and a half years.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Amanda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I don't even consider myself successful yet. My ability to pivot and my curiosity, which I picked up from my dad. Turning fear into curiosity by asking what would happen if I tried something.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Craft my cover letter like I do an article, with an anecdotal lead at the top, then a nut graph explaining why I'm good for the job, followed by evidence supporting it. This approach also works for cold calling potential clients.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be adaptable with AI and technology. Be willing to be like water and adapt to what's happening rather than resisting change without intention. Recognize change and decide what to do about it, whether adapting or intentionally choosing analog.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Technology changing faster than legislation, especially lack of regulation around AI tools. This leads to lost negotiating power for unions and workers as big companies benefit without accountability, similar to issues with streaming residuals.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity, playfulness, and deep listening. Authenticity allows discovering myself without adapting to others. Playfulness fuels creativity and problem-solving. Deep listening is key to engagement journalism and trauma-informed approaches.
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