The IIJ 2026 Freelance Journalism Conference
Solo Together
A conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businesses
Available Now!
9 recorded sessions, plus bonus Q&A videos and editor panels, delivering over 20 hours of learning, for just $99!
This event was created for freelancers of all backgrounds!
The IIJ’s mission is the emotional and financial sustainability of freelancers of color.
DO YOU WANT TO
Hear what top editors want in pitches?
Learn insider secrets to landing fellowships, diversifying revenue, and creating a portfolio of meaningful work?
Connect with a community of creators who make a good living while telling stories that have an impact?
Buy recordings for the Institute for Independent Journalists 2026 Freelance Conference, hosted on SoundPath!
9 recorded sessions, plus bonus Q&A videos and editor panels, delivering over 20 hours of learning, for just $99!
Our conference package includes:
Our incredible bonus bundle, which includes IIJ-created pitch guides with rates and contacts for outlets featured in our previous webinars and podcast episodes, including the New York Times, National Geographic, Bloomberg, USA Today, Runner’s World, Slate, Bon Appétit, Undark, High Country News, Sojourners, the Sick Times, Next Avenue, and PCMag. In addition, get guides on funding your reporting through grants and fellowships, model contracts and budgets, and much more!
Featuring 45+ diverse writers and editors from:
Schedule
Thursday, March 5 (10 am - 7 pm ET)
10:00 am - 11:15 am ET
Session 1: AI Tools to Level Up As a Freelancer
Learn how to enhance your reporting and streamline your freelance business through the use of AI. This panel will include expert insights into the most cost-effective AI tools for freelancers, from data scrapers to chatbots and more. Panelists will share tools to improve your entrepreneurial systems and manage time more efficiently. This discussion will also contend with the ethical responsibilities of independent journalists who choose to deploy AI in their reporting and practices.
Speakers:
Frank Bi, director of tools and technology, the Minnesota Star Tribune
Martina Guzmán, founder of VERDAD
Jeremy Caplan, director of teaching and learning, the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
Moderator: Benét J. Wilson, training director for IRE
11:30 am - 12:45 pm ET
Keynote Conversation: Kavitha Cardoza with Katherine Reynolds Lewis
Keynote speaker Kavitha Cardoza will share insights from more than two decades of reporting on children, education, health, and poverty, reflecting on the craft of accountability journalism and the responsibility of telling stories about communities often overlooked or misunderstood. She will be in conversation with Katherine Reynolds Lewis, founder and CEO of The Institute for Independent Journalists
Kavitha Cardoza is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Richmond and an award-winning reporter whose work centers on education and inequity. She has been a frequent contributor to NPR and The Hechinger Report, and her reporting has appeared in The Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, The 19th, The Guardian, and BBC World News, among others. Kavitha previously worked as an education correspondent for PBS NewsHour/Education Week, at NPR affiliates in Washington, D.C., and Illinois, and served as public editor at the Education Writers Association.
She is the recipient of the 2026 American Mosaic Journalism Prize®, the 2021 Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship at Columbia University, and numerous other honors for her reporting. Kavitha has published several academic papers on communication and holds a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in communications from Manipal University, India. Her international upbringing and cross-cultural education deeply shape both the topics she covers and the way she approaches storytelling.
Bonus Keynote Conversation: Karen Attiah
Karen Attiah is a journalist, editor, and educator known for her incisive work on race, gender, human rights, and international affairs. In 2016, she became The Washington Post’s founding Global Opinions editor, commissioning bold op-eds on global issues and amplifying voices too often excluded from mainstream discourse. She later became an Opinions columnist.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Karen is a former Fulbright Scholar to Ghana and holds a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She has reported from Nigeria, Curaçao, Ghana, and Germany, and her work has appeared in outlets including the Associated Press.
Karen is the founder and lead instructor of the Resistance Studies Series, an online education platform focused on power, media, and liberation movements. After parting ways with the Post, she built an independent platform through her newsletter and courses, quickly attracting tens of thousands of subscribers and selling out her first class.
Her awards include the 2019 George Polk Special Award, NABJ’s Journalist of the Year, and Washingtonian Magazine’s “Star to Watch.” She is currently working on a book, Say Your Word, Then Leave, about the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm ET
Session 3: Pitch Fest: Live Feedback from Editors
A first for the IIJ: We’re taking the pitching live! A handful of lucky journalists will pitch their story on camera to a panel of editors. The audience will learn by example what works to pique the interest of editors – and sell your next story.
Editors:
Missy Frederick, editorial director of dining, Eater
Elizabeth Rich, opinion editor, Education Week
Brandy Jensen, culture editor, Defector
Alyssa Bereznak, wellness & grooming director, GQ
Moderator: Katherine Reynolds Lewis, founder of the IIJ
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm ET
Lunch / yoga / stretch break
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Session 4: Decode the Editor Relationship
Strong editor relationships are often the key to consistent freelance work. This session unpacks what editors look for, how to communicate effectively, and how to turn first assignments into ongoing opportunities. Panelists will share practical guidance on pitching, follow-ups, feedback, and boundaries, plus common mistakes to avoid, so freelancers can build authentic, professional relationships with confidence.
Speakers:
Daniel Jones, Modern Love editor, the New York Times
Sahar Fatima, news editor, Prism
Paige DiFiore, deputy editor of lifestyle and entertainment, Business Insider
Moderator: Ann Marie Awad, editorial director, the IIJ
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm ET
Session 5: Optioned: Bringing Your Journalism Skills to Fiction
If you’ve ever wondered how nonfiction writers succeed in making the transition to fiction writing, this group of storytellers will share their secrets. Learn how journalists appeal to fiction agents, TV showrunners, and producers, whether for novels, streaming services, or the big screen. Panelists will share different perspectives on how to navigate the world of fiction manuscripts, options, and intellectual property rights.
Speakers:
Vanessa Hua, journalist and best-selling author, “A River of Stars” and “Forbidden City”
KJ Dell’Antonia, journalist and best-selling author, “the Chicken Sisters” and “In Her Boots,” host of the #AmWriting podcast
Sekou Campbell, partner, Pierson Ferdinand
Moderator: Blanca Torres, reporter and producer, KQED
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
Session 6: Find Your Community (Not Recorded)
After a full day of learning, join your freelance colleagues for an interactive networking session. Connect with IIJ leaders and other independent journalists in the main room and breakout groups organized by subject area and topics you‘d like to explore. This popular IIJ session has led to accountability buddies and writing groups, and we guarantee camaraderie!
Facilitators:
Ellen Kuwana, award-winning science writer and editor
Marquita Brown, education editor and independent journalist
Lex Roman, publisher, Revenue Rulebreaker
Meena Thiruvengadam, freelance journalist and author covering travel, art and culture
Mónica Ortiz Uribe, freelance reporter
Shernay Williams, freelance video journalist covering entrepreneurship and health
Valeria Fernández, executive director, Altavoz Lab
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, founder and CEO, The IIJ
Ann Marie Awad, editorial director, The IIJ
Laura Gonzalez, editorial content manager, The IIJ
Taylor Harris, operations coordinator, The IIJ
Jordan Gass-Pooré, podcast producer and investigative journalist
Candace Y.A. Montague, freelance Journalist
Ashley Milne-Tyte, freelance journalist and podcaster
Yvonne Liu, journalist
Friday, March 6 (10 am - 7 pm ET)
10:00 am - 11:15 am ET
Session 7: Revenue Secrets of Creator Journalists
Journalists can build a paying audience on more platforms than ever, with solid income models. Whether it’s podcasts, TikTok, YouTube channels, or newsletters, these creators have spun sustainable businesses on their own terms by cultivating a mix of revenue streams. Learn how to carve out your own unique niche as an independent creator with guidance from experienced pros.
Speakers:
Alicia Kennedy, publisher, From the Desk
Marisa Kabas, independent writer and reporter, the Handbasket
Matt Kiser, founder, WTF Just Happened Today?
Moderator: Yashica Dutt, independent journalist and publisher of Featuring Dalits
11:30 am - 12:45 pm ET
Session 8: Maximize Your Money
Making freelancing sustainable often depends on accessing additional funds to supplement an outlet’s standard pay rate–especially for long-form and investigative stories. This group of journalism fellowship and grant directors will outline how to write a winning proposal for major projects on health, mental health and contemporary American society–and how these opportunities can transform your freelance career.
Speakers:
Karen Ladley, senior associate director, the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism and Media
Jackie Stenson, manager of projects, USC Center for Health Journalism
Alberto Mendoza, managing director, John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford
Moderator: Monica Williams, independent journalist and Reynolds Journalism Institute Fellow
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm ET
Session 9: Pitching Stories That Make an Impact
Mission driven, nonprofit newsrooms are increasingly filling information gaps. In some regions, they are helping to mitigate news deserts. Others are focusing their coverage deeply on one beat–like gun violence, or reproductive rights–and many of them look to freelancers for coverage. Join this group of nonprofit newsroom editors to learn about their audiences, how to craft a pitch that gets accepted, and how your reporting could change minds, policies–and lives.
Speakers:
Cara Reedy, executive director, Disabled Journalists Association
Christina Samuels, deputy managing editor, the Hechinger Report
Nichole Christian, managing editor, Outlier Media
Samia Madwar, senior editor, the Walrus
Moderator: Valeria Fernández, founder, Altavoz Lab
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm ET
Lunch / yoga / stretch break
2:45 pm - 4:00 pm ET
Session 10: Reporting With Care
Journalists bear a unique responsibility to their sources, especially when reporting on sensitive topics. These days, that’s almost every journalist. This panel of editors and freelancers will discuss how to practice journalism that looks honestly at injustice and abuses of power, while taking care to mitigate harm to sources and to themselves.
Speakers:
Michelle Cyca, bureau chief of conservation and fellowships, The Narwhal
Luisa Ortiz Pérez, executive director, Vita-Activa.org, lead MDRNet.org
Lewis Raven Wallace, author and abolition journalism fellow, Interrupting Criminalization
Moderator: Ann Marie Awad, editorial director, the IIJ
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm ET
Session 11: The Scoop on Sustainable Lifestyle Freelancing
Yes, it is still possible to make a living as a freelance lifestyle journalist in 2026! Unlock the puzzle in this panel of writers and editors focused on food, wellness, style, culture, and travel. You’ll hear tips on how to structure your personal beat and how to snag lifestyle anchor clients. Editors will share successful topics, time pegs, and some favorite collaborations with freelancers.
Speakers:
Taylor Crumpton, TIME columnist and the Barbed Wire contributor
Soleil Ho, worker-owner at COYOTE Media Collective
Lale Arikoglu, articles director, Condé Nast Traveler
Moderator: Meena Thiruvengadam, independent travel journalist
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
Session 12: Networking and Takeaways (Not Recorded)
Keep the energy of the conference going in a networking session with IIJ leaders, speakers and other independent journalists. Share your favorite learnings, ask a follow-up question or maybe meet an accountability buddy to help you with conference-inspired freelance goals.
Facilitators:
Benét J. Wilson, longtime aviation and personal finance journalist
Ellen Kuwana, award-winning science writer and editor
Marquita Brown, education editor and independent journalist
Lex Roman, publisher, Revenue Rulebreaker
Mónica Ortiz Uribe, freelance reporter
Rhysea Agrawal, founder and creative director of What The Earth
Sheena Roetman-Wynn, Director of Membership for the Indigenous Journalists Association
Valeria Fernández, executive director, Altavoz Lab
Katherine Reynolds Lewis, founder and CEO, The IIJ
Ann Marie Awad, editorial director, The IIJ
Laura Gonzalez, editorial content manager, The IIJ
Taylor Harris, operations coordinator, The IIJ
Jordan Gass-Pooré, podcast producer and investigative journalist
Judy Echavez
Candace Montague
Thank You to Our Supporters!
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., and reducing corruption in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago.
Democracy Fund is a foundation working to build an inclusive, multiracial democracy that is open, just, resilient, and trustworthy. Created by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar, Democracy Fund and its partner organization Democracy Fund Voice have together committed over $500 million in grants since 2014 to support those working to strengthen our democracy.
The IIJ Foundation is a fiscally sponsored project of Players Philanthropy Fund, providing free education, training and community to support freelancers of color.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports democracy by promoting informed and engaged communities, including projects in the arts and journalism that lead to transformational, sustainable change.
The Association of Independents in Radio is a growing talent network of audio industry professionals integral to public media, journalism, podcasting and narrative storytelling.
SoundPath is a digital training platform for peer-inspired learning, brought to you by the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR).