I am a feature writer and multimedia producer. I use multiple platforms in my storytelling including print/web, social media, video, photography and audio. I love covering stories that matter to people. This means city government, social and environmental issues, personality profiles and local happenings.
I earned my master's degree in journalism from the University of Miami. In 2009 I was awarded the UMiami Newsroom award for my work for the university’s news service. I was also recognized for organizing and leading a news team to the presidential inauguration.
I was born in New York City and grew up in Miami. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and currently working on a third language, Italian. I've written features, produced videos and web content for various community newspapers and websites. My work has been featured in: Patch AOL, Highlands Today, Sun Sentinel, United Press International, Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Miami Times, Broward Times, UMiami News Service, UM Alumni Magazine and Edge Miami.
Pill Mills Special Report: Addicted to Oxycodone (Patch AOL/ 04/2011)
In early 2011 I met a courageous woman named Sally Jamiel, who shared with me her story on her battle with her daughter's addiction to oxycodone. It was the start of my research into Tampa Bay's pain pill abuse epidemic. Sally stayed behind to speak with me after all the speakers in a town hall meeting on Prescription Drug Monitoring Program left. She sifted through her posters, "oxy kills" wrist bands and pictures of survivors and victims of pain pill overdoses. She told me that since her daughter overcame her addiction she made it her mission to help others. Her story brought to life the countless briefs I had written in the weekly police blotter. There was now something tangible I could attach to the headlines. I pitched the story to my editor with Patch and after researching and interviewing people on both sides of the spectrum of addiciton (law enforcement and addicts) I produced this mutlimedia package for the web.
Life after prison: Finding a second chance at life difficult, but does happen (Highlands Today/ 02/2010)
Four of five arrested in Avon Park drug raid bond out(Highlands Today/ 08/2010)
At Risk Kids Get Bikes For Christmas(Patch AOL/ 12/2010)
Citizens React to St. Petersburg's Fallen Officers(Patch AOL/ 01/2011)
I work on a freelance basis writing travel, lifestyle, human interest and profile features. I also produce documentary style videos for the web.
© Aiyana Baida 2008-2011
