India A. Walton

I attribute my success to the incredible mentors, experiences, and communities that have shaped my path. My journey began in college, where I first explored the world of digital media through my work study position in Dillard University’s Recruitment, Admissions and Programming office. Under the guidance of my mentor, Beatrix Lockwood, I discovered a passion for storytelling and audience engagement. When she moved on, I stepped into her role — an opportunity that taught me the power of adaptability and the importance of understanding how audiences connect with journalism in an ever-evolving media landscape. Today, I specialize in content strategy and analytics, focusing on how to repackage and deliver stories for Ad Age’s niche audience behind a paywall. I’m particularly interested in how data shapes storytelling and how audiences respond to it. Recently, I attended ZCon, a Gen Z-focused conference hosted by UTA, where I learned valuable insights about how younger audiences engage with media — including the surprising detail that they prefer professional posts without emojis. Before joining Ad Age, I worked in politics and journalism, covering elections, COVID-19, and even collaborating with the (now) mayor of New Orleans Helena Moreno. Those experiences reinforced my belief in the importance of meaningful storytelling and the impact of data-driven insights. My educational journey at Dillard University — an HBCU I once approached with hesitation — became one of my most transformative experiences. With the encouragement of my advisor Dr. Cleo Allen and Mark Raymond, who pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone, I found mentorship, community, and purpose that continue to guide both my professional and personal life.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from a former editor who told me, “Don’t chase perfection—chase progress.” That simple phrase has shaped how I approach my work and growth. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in my potential, even during moments of self-doubt. In an industry driven by speed, metrics, and constant change, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to make every headline, post, or project flawless. But I’ve learned that progress — not perfection — is what builds resilience and creativity. That advice has encouraged me to take risks, stay adaptable, and view feedback as an opportunity rather than criticism. It’s also helped me lead with authenticity and curiosity in my role as an audience engagement editor, where evolving with the audience is just as important as connecting with them.

If I could offer advice to young women entering the fields of media, communications, or digital strategy, it would be this: trust your voice and protect your boundaries. This industry moves fast and often blurs the line between passion and exhaustion, so it’s essential to know when to pause and prioritize yourself. Learn to say no without guilt — it’s one of the most powerful ways to sustain your creativity and focus. Protect your mental health just as fiercely as you protect your deadlines. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and communities that celebrate your growth instead of competing with it. Networking is valuable, but true success comes from surrounding yourself with people who see your potential, respect your limits, and encourage your authenticity. Your perspective and boundaries are not weaknesses — they’re your greatest assets.

One of the biggest challenges in my field has been breaking through the “invisible ceilings” that still exist in digital media. As a young Black woman in journalism, there have been moments when I’ve felt the pressure to over-prove my credibility or adjust my tone to fit into certain professional spaces. Over time, I’ve learned that authenticity is not something to compromise. When I leaned into my own voice and perspective, I found that my work connected more deeply with audiences who value stories told with honesty, empathy, and precision. Every challenge has become a lesson — teaching me how to pivot, lead with compassion, and find purpose even in uncertainty. I’ve learned that resilience and curiosity are just as important as talent in navigating this industry. Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunity in the evolving intersection of storytelling and data. As technology reshapes how audiences consume information, there’s a growing space for creative experimentation — for building content that not only informs but also reflects the diversity and depth of the people it reaches.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with lupus — an experience that reshaped how I view both work and wellness. It taught me the importance of balance, compassion, and advocating for what truly matters. Since then, I’ve become actively involved in lupus awareness, using my platform to foster visibility and understanding around chronic illness. At the center of everything I do — whether it’s developing content strategies, mentoring emerging journalists, or advocating for health awareness — are my core values: authenticity, empathy, and purpose. Authenticity guides how I show up in every space. In an industry driven by trends, algorithms, and constant change, staying true to my voice has been my anchor. I’ve learned that audiences recognize and respond to honesty — and that genuine connection is what turns readers into communities. Empathy shapes how I lead, collaborate, and communicate. Journalism and audience engagement are about understanding people — their stories, their challenges, and their humanity. Whether I’m managing a team, analyzing data, or crafting a post, I strive to approach each task with compassion and curiosity. And at the heart of it all is purpose — the “why” behind my work. Purpose isn’t always loud or visible; sometimes it’s found in mentoring a colleague, amplifying underrepresented voices, or raising awareness for a cause close to my heart. These values keep me grounded through shifting algorithms, tight deadlines, and self-doubt. They remind me that success isn’t defined by metrics or milestones but by meaning. Outside of work, I find balance in time with my family, exploring new foods, playing video games, and practicing Pilates — all of which help me stay centered and connected to the things that bring me joy.