Reporter. Designer. Journalist.
As a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY, I’ve covered some of the biggest breaking news stories nationwide since March 2021. In addition to my breaking news responsibilities, I also report longer-term enterprise stories mostly centering around race and communities of color. In November 2022, I’ll be transitioning into a new position as USA TODAY’s abortion beat reporter with a focus on reproductive rights through an equity lens. Before I started my time at USA TODAY, I worked on the Associated Press national race and ethnicity team and was an Pulliam fellow at the Indianapolis Star. I also graduated from Indiana University, where I worked in several reporting, editing and design positions at the Indiana Daily Student, including managing editor.
Email: cfernando@ap.org | Twitter: @christinetfern
Work Experience
USA Today | Breaking News Report
As one of the most senior breaking news reporters on a small team, I’ve had a hand in coverage of the biggest national breaking news events since I joined USA TODAY in March 2021. I have also balanced breaking news coverage with a wide range of enterprise stories, especially related to race, equity and communities of color.
Associated Press | Six-Month Intern | September 2020 - March 2021
As a six-month intern on the Associated Press national race and ethnicity reporting team, I reported enterprise stories centering on the countless ways race intersects with politics, policy, culture and society.
Indianapolis Star | Pulliam Fellow | Summer 2020
I reported breaking news, narrative features and investigative projects on a wide variety of topics ranging from local artists to the structural racism faced by communities of color in Indianapolis.
Reuters | Editorial Intern | Summer 2019
I contributed data reporting to a long-term investigative project documenting 7,571 inmate deaths in U.S. jails, as well as lack of oversight and federal reporting, resulting in Georgia lawmakers seeking jail reform.
Indiana Daily Student | August 2016 - May 2020
As managing editor, I oversaw a staff of more than 100 members. I have also covered beats including police, courts, local government, features, religion and culture and have served in various desk editor positions and as a founding member of the paper's diversity board.
For more information:
Email me at cfernando@alumni.iu.edu or cfernando@usatoday.com for more information and my full resume.