Her Story
About Mikalah
Mikalah Owens is a journalism student at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with a strong focus on magazine journalism, culture writing, and narrative storytelling. She began developing her skills as a journalist and photographer in high school and has since gained experience writing for The Maneater, Vox Magazine, and the Columbia Missourian. Her work explores culture, music, community, and personal experiences, with a particular interest in how people connect with and participate in the communities around them.
At The Maneater, Mikalah served as an editor and reporter for the MOVE arts and culture section, where she worked with writers, shaped stories, and helped develop the section’s editorial voice. She currently works as a reporter for Vox Magazine and the Columbia Missourian while also supporting photojournalism and visual archives at the University of Missouri. Her work has earned recognition including Writer of the Year and Review of the Year from The Maneater, the Dorothy Fields Scholarship, and the 2026 AEJMC Student Magazine Contest Service Journalism Award for her story, “A Beginner’s Guide to Columbia’s Live Music Scene.”
Beyond reporting and editing, Mikalah is actively involved in Mizzou’s Magazine Club, where she serves as treasurer and helps connect students with opportunities in magazine journalism. Her experiences visiting major publications in New York City, including The New York Times, New York Magazine, and ELLE, have further strengthened her interest in pursuing a career in a major media market. She hopes to become a culture writer for a magazine, producing deeply reported, empathetic, and human-centered stories that help readers understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mikalah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to understanding where I came from and choosing to create a better path for myself. My upbringing showed me the kind of life I didn’t want and motivated me to break negative patterns, become a better person, and build a better future for myself and my loved ones. I’m also grateful for the support I received from Mr. Schumer, especially financially. Overall, my experiences have kept me grounded and helped shape the voice and perspective I have today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my freshman English teacher, Mr. Schumer, who took me under his wing after my dad passed away. He always encouraged me to “open more doors than you close.” He supported my goals, even paying my Mizzou application fee when I couldn’t afford it, and encouraged me to pursue journalism. His belief in me helped me find both success and happiness, and I even got a Matilda-inspired tattoo to honor his impact because I always felt like I was Matilda and he was my Miss Honey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to open more doors than you close. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now—so much can change in a year. If you’re passionate about what you do, trust yourself, stay open to opportunities, and keep moving forward. Things will work out.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in journalism is that many major media organizations are controlled by highly successful men and large corporate owners, which can sometimes leave journalists feeling undervalued. Decisions like large-scale newsroom layoffs can be especially discouraging. At the same time, I believe journalists are the backbone of a functioning society, and there is a real opportunity to continue demonstrating the essential role journalism plays in informing and connecting people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is one of the values I hold most strongly, both personally and professionally. I’ve always been a straightforward person, but I’ve also learned the importance of being honest with myself about what I want and need. I believe in standing up for yourself, whether in personal relationships or at work, because advocating for yourself and the value of your work can take you much farther than simply keeping your head down.
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