"AFPC's support is crucial to building and advancing my career in the U.S."

Isabella Zavarise is a Canadian journalist pursuing her M.A. at The University of Southern California where she’s focusing on business and data journalism. In 2021, she received an Annual Scholarship Award from the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the USA. She previously worked for The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as a video journalist and radio producer, covering stories about housing insecurity and sexual assault. Her work has appeared regionally and nationally, and one of her radio documentaries about an Indigenous burlesque group won the CBC’s Alexis Mazurin award. She has also worked as a podcast producer. Her goal as a journalist is to think critically about stories and how to tell them better.

Isabella Zavarise

What was the primary reason you chose to pursue your master's studies in the United States as a foreign journalist?

The U.S. has some of the best journalism programs in North America. Through my studies, I wanted to gain experience reporting in another country to expand my worldview. I also wanted to build upon my journalistic skills and knew The University of Southern California would be the best place for me to do that.

You were recently awarded a scholarship from the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States. How did you feel about this recognition? 

It was an honor to receive this award. There are many talented foreign journalists studying in the U.S. and I am grateful to be recognized and welcomed into this community.

As a journalist, how do you expect your studies and the support from the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States to help you advance your career?

This program is helping me gain experience in two challenging fields I haven’t had the chance to delve into previously: business reporting and data journalism. My goal upon graduation is to work as a reporter in the U.S. and I believe this program will provide me with the tools and network to do that. The support from the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents is crucial to building and advancing my career in the U.S. Moving to a new country can be challenging and it’s comforting to know an organization like this exists and is here to advocate for its members.

What made you decide to become a journalist? How do you hope to make an impact in the journalism field of your country of origin?

I always knew I wanted to become a journalist because I wanted to work in a field that was challenging and had the opportunity to have influence in people’s lives. Having the ability to make change through stories seemed like the best way to do that. 

I hope to make an impact in journalism in Canada by focusing on stories that uplift people and challenge authority.

As a foreign journalist, what defines your mission? 

What defines my mission is telling empathetic, nuanced stories that respect the communities they reflect.

What do you think is the greatest threat to journalism today?

Misinformation and disinformation. The past year and a half have been difficult for journalism. It’s become even more important for journalists to provide critical analysis and challenge dangerous narratives.

What is the state of press freedom in your country of origin and how do you hope that your work will encourage more people to access independent and credible information? 

In 2021, Canada ranked 14 out of 180 nations on the World Press Freedom Index.

According to The Centre for Free Expression at Ryerson University, freedom of the press is in “serious jeopardy” due to contracting newsrooms, weak access-to-information laws, and the effects of mass surveillance. The arrest of Canadian journalists is also a continuous issue in the country. Journalists like Amber Bracken and Michael Toledano were recently arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police while covering a story about Indigenous land defenders opposing a pipeline project in Northern British Columbia. Many people believe journalists are protected in Canada but there are numerous instances of the press being repressed.

I hope my work will encourage people to see the benefit of investing in local newsrooms or independent outlets. I also hope reading good journalism inspires people to seek out credible sources of information.