Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Shalal is an accomplished international journalist with nearly four decades of experience at Reuters, where she has established herself as a trusted correspondent covering foreign policy, global economics, politics, national security, and international affairs. Since joining Reuters in 1988, she has reported from Europe, Washington, D.C., and other international locations, covering historic events including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the evolution of post-Cold War Europe, the U.S. military-industrial complex, White House administrations, international trade, sanctions, and global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. She currently serves as Correspondent for Foreign Policy and Global Economics, focusing on Europe, Ukraine, sanctions, and international economic affairs.
Shalal holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Communications from American University and a Master's degree in Comparative Literature and Women's Studies from the University of Maryland. Throughout her Reuters career, she has successfully balanced an internationally demanding reporting career with raising two children, completing graduate education, teaching at the university level, and contributing to academic discussions on Arab-American literature, diversity, race, and media ethics. Her reporting has consistently demonstrated deep subject-matter expertise across defense, international relations, economics, and public policy.
Beyond her reporting responsibilities, Shalal is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in journalism. She serves as a Shop Steward for The Newspaper Guild and is a National Board Member and Regional Co-Chair of the Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS), where she actively supports professional development and mentorship within the industry. Guided by values of objectivity, integrity, transparency, kindness, and justice, she remains committed to strengthening inclusive journalism while encouraging the next generation of reporters to pursue truth with perseverance, curiosity, and purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and the example set by my mother. Her determination and belief that women could accomplish anything inspired me from an early age. Watching her successfully run two businesses taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of never allowing barriers to define what is possible. My persistence and willingness to keep moving forward have been central to my career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay committed to journalism because the profession needs thoughtful, intelligent people who genuinely care about informing the public. There will always be challenges, but don't give up. Continue asking important questions, help people make sense of an increasingly complex world, and remember that your voice and perspective matter.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe journalism has made meaningful progress in creating opportunities for women and women of color, but there is still significant work to be done. One of our greatest opportunities is continuing to build a more diverse, inclusive profession that better reflects the communities we serve. Through my involvement in diversity initiatives, I remain committed to helping create lasting change across the industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value objectivity, honesty, integrity, transparency, kindness, and justice. These principles guide my reporting, shape my relationships with colleagues and sources, and influence how I approach both my professional responsibilities and personal life.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.