Ashton Pittman, 33

News Editor, Mississippi Free Press Education: Bachelor of Science in News-editorial Journalism with a minor in Political Science, University of Southern Mississippi

What advice do you have for other young professionals in the news industry?

Look for a job with newsroom leaders willing to mentor and guide you to help elevate your journalism craft. When reporting, always ask the questions and speak to the sources you almost shy away from because you assume someone else already has; you’ll often find no one else has.

Why is data important in journalism and news media?

Data helps unearth patterns that can reveal abuse, corruption, poor record-keeping practices, discrimination and systemic disparities. It can elevate the stories about individuals from mere anecdotes to ones representing broader swaths of the population and problems that need solving.