Editor & Publisher Names Riverside Record Founder Alicia Ramirez To 25 Under 35 List

Editor & Publisher Magazine recently named Alicia Ramirez, founder and publisher of The Riverside Record, one of its 25 under 35.

“Our 25 Under 35 salute is one of my favorites,” Robin Blinder, editor-in-chief of Editor & Publisher, said in a release announcing this year’s cohort. “I feel, in some way, it showcases our future — one that’s inspired, passionate and innovative, reinvigorated by fresh ideas and talent.”

This year’s list includes reporters, editors, publishers and business managers who Editor & Publisher believe represent the next generation of news publishing leaders.

“I’ve spent the last 18 months working tirelessly to bring The Riverside Record to life, and I want to thank Editor & Publisher for including me in this list of incredible news leaders working to make the industry more inclusive and accessible,” Ramirez said. “When I think back on my career, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being here, running my own news organization in hopes of showing there is a better way to do local community news—one that doesn’t exploit journalists or the communities they cover.

“I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for The Riverside Record, and I hope you all will continue to support us as we do the work of covering Riverside County.”

When Ramirez was selected for this year’s class, she was asked to answer two questions, her responses to which were published in the February issue of Editor & Publisher Magazine.

One of those questions focused on advice to young professionals in the industry. Her answer included the following pieces of advice: 

Find your people. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. From friends and family to mentors and coworkers, work to create relationships that nourish you and help you become exactly who you are meant to be.

Journalism is your job, not your identity. There is so much more to life than what you do for work. Journalism is a field that often demands we show up so fully that there’s nothing left for us to give in our personal lives, but leave some room for your own humanity. You deserve that.

Solidarity forever. The only way we’ll be able to create a more equitable and sustainable news industry is if we stand together and demand it. For every step forward in journalism, a coalition of folks has been working to make it happen. Whether that’s fighting for equitable pay or changing how we as an industry cover topics, such as policing or mass shootings, it takes a village. Be part of that village.

You can find the full list of this year’s 25 under 35 here.