Her Story
About Lauren
Lauren Evans has been a journalist since 2008 and has worked as a freelancer for the past decade. She primarily covers humanitarian aid and international development topics. Evans earned her undergraduate degree in international development from UCLA and recently completed a master's degree in humanitarianism, conflict, and development at the University of Bath in 2024. She values telling honest stories by including diverse perspectives and believes journalism plays a vital role in speaking truth to power and illuminating overlooked issues. As a freelancer, Evans advises treating the work like a business and negotiating appropriate rates, while encouraging aspiring female journalists to confidently ask tough questions to get to the heart of matters. She notes the significant financial challenges in the industry, including declining rates that often require supplementing income with other writing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lauren
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is about negotiating. Especially as a freelancer, you can't be afraid to negotiate a good rate, because this is a career, it's not a hobby, and it's not volunteer work. Treat your job like a job, and like you are a business.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let anybody talk down to you. Feel like you have as much right to ask tough questions as anybody else. Asking what comes off as a stupid question is often the best question because you'll really get to the heart of the issue.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Journalism is facing a lot of incredible existential challenges. Rates are going down, people think journalism is not something you should be able to live on. Most freelancers have to supplement with other writing like copywriting or ghostwriting. You need a clear-eyed understanding of the financial reality.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, telling an honest story is important. Being very honest about getting the perspectives to make a well-rounded story, not leaving anything out. Journalism is incredibly important to society. Speaking truth to power and shedding light on corners of the world that may not have any if not for journalists.
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