Nyla Gilbert
Nyla Gilbert is a junior at Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Strategic Communication, with minors in Screenwriting and Digital Storytelling and Retailing and Fashion Merchandising. She is based in Dayton, Ohio, and is an emerging journalist and strategic communicator with a strong interest in storytelling across entertainment, media, and cultural industries. Although she originally planned to study architecture, her path shifted after her great-aunt encouraged her mother to speak with her about journalism, recognizing her natural passion for writing. While initially uncertain about pursuing a writing-focused career, Nyla discovered that her work consistently gravitated toward community impact and real-time global and local storytelling, ultimately leading her to Ohio University, where she quickly immersed herself in media and journalism opportunities.
At Ohio University, Nyla currently serves as Community Standards Editor for her campus newspaper, The Post, where she is responsible for guiding ethical and sensitive reporting. In this role, she acts as a key steward of editorial integrity by overseeing coverage of complex topics, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and human-centered storytelling across the publication. She also helps strengthen accountability systems by tracking sources, maintaining contributor networks, and identifying gaps in coverage to ensure that all impacted voices on campus and in the surrounding community are represented. Previously, she worked as Assistant Entertainment Editor and writer, producing and editing more than 70 stories focused on film, music, digital culture, and media influence. In addition, she contributes as a Strategic Communications Specialist with NEXT Student PR Agency, where she develops creative messaging and campaign strategies for clients, and she has gained broadcast production experience through an internship at WDTN Channel 2 News.
Alongside her journalism work, Nyla serves as a Bobcat Student Peer Educator at Ohio University’s Office of Health Promotion, where she contributes to trauma-informed education and student support initiatives. In this role, she creates social media content, co-plans campus events, and works directly with students as a campus resource and mandated reporter, helping them navigate support systems related to sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and other sensitive issues. This experience has shaped her understanding of responsible communication and compassionate engagement with difficult subject matter. Across all of her academic and professional experiences, Nyla’s work is grounded in community and public service. She defines her success by her ability to elevate underrepresented voices, highlight meaningful initiatives, and use storytelling as a platform to bring attention to individuals and communities driving real change.
• Mandated Reporter
• NASPA Certified Peer Educator
• Office of Health Promotion - Bobcat Student Peer Educator
• Campus Resource Fair Planning and Promotion
• Student Advocacy and Counseling Support
• Sexual Violence and Interpersonal Violence Advocacy
What do you attribute your success to?
I measure my success by when I write something that I feel is impactful and helping the community. Sometimes I don't get a lot of immediate comments on my articles online, but then I'll be out in my community here on campus and somebody will stop me and say, 'Nyla, I read what you wrote, and it was really good, and it really changed the way I thought about this.' It's also been me doing resource highlights and resource guides on campus that actually get used, with people telling me they didn't even know we had certain resources available. I've been able to fill the gaps of our coverage through my writing and really highlight diverse stories, giving a voice to different communities that aren't usually highlighted. I did a film review for a Native American short film from an all Native American team, and the director reached out to me personally because he loved my writing style. I was very honored to add to the highlighting of representation and visibility for his community. I think that's how I measure my success - really just highlighting communities and initiatives, and using my platform to give a spotlight to the people that truly deserve it and are truly creating solutions themselves.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think to not be afraid. Journalism is actually very versatile, though we don't really consider it that way because most people's introduction to it is broadcast and being on TV. There's so many different facets, and we all do so many different things. There are so many different journals you would never expect to have journalists and be considered credible journalism, but they have such a large impact. My journey with journalism is very much well-being and advocacy focused, and it's not always as untrustworthy and demeaning as it's been made out to be in the public. You can find your route and find your niche. If you just like talking about pets, there's a journal, there's a website out there, and there's an audience for it. There are people who really just want to hear good news with everything happening in the world. If you're somebody who wants to get in the nitty-gritty and investigate topics that are important to you, then you should be the person to go out in the field and really learn and hone it, and also learn how to protect yourself in it. Just go out and do it. I say be educated, but it doesn't have to be the stressful thing of having to read 20 books on it before you get started. You can really just learn as you go. Just go out and do it.