Making an Impact at The Associated Press: Q+A with Liseberth Guillaume ’25

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Liseberth Guillaume

Class of 2025
MA in Communications and Digital Media

Why did you choose to pursue communications and digital media as a course of study?

I have worked in healthcare for over seven years, holding both clinical and operational roles. After graduating, I was recruited to work at The Associated Press in Elections Operations. That experience opened my eyes to the world of news and media, and I became fascinated by it. I knew this was the industry I wanted to grow in, but I also understood how quickly it changes. Pursuing this degree provided me with the core skills I needed to establish a strong foundation.

Why did you choose to enroll in the MA in Communications and Digital Media at Pace?

As I searched for programs that aligned with my interest in both media and operations, Pace stood out. The Communications and Digital Media program allowed me to explore both tracks in a way that perfectly supported my career goals. Courses such as Effective Speaking helped me grow as a communicator, while my media-focused classes expanded my understanding of AI in media and the role of nonprofit news organizations.

Tell us more about your roles as both an assistant operations manager in The Associated Press’s Elections Department and an intern at the AP New York news desk and how your work is meaningful to you.

At AP Elections, I work in an internal and customer-facing operations role. I help connect teams, such as our Decision Desk, Tabulation, Technology, Revenue, and Operations, so that information and planning stay aligned leading into election nights. My role supports the structure behind AP’s results reporting and helps ensure clients receive clear and accurate updates.

At the New York news desk, I am developing my journalism skills through writing, research, and field reporting. My solo bylines have included the St. Patrick’s Cathedral immigrant mural unveiling, the Grand Central subway scent story, and court coverage involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. I also produced a video story on the holiday-themed subway scent campaign. In addition, I supported coverage of Hurricane Melissa by helping connect reporters with Haitian and Caribbean diaspora communities. Further, I contributed to team coverage of the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s appearance at the United Nations.

The combination of hands-on practice and the freedom to shape my coursework in the MA in Communications and Digital Media program has made me feel prepared for my role at The Associated Press.

How have your studies prepared you for your professional roles?

My studies have equipped me with both practical skills and the flexibility to focus on what I want to do in the long term. The program allows me to choose courses that support my goals, and those classes align directly with the work I do at AP. For example, I am currently taking a digital video field production class, and the tools and techniques I’m learning in that course have helped me complete a recent video assignment for the newsroom with confidence. The combination of hands-on practice and the freedom to shape my coursework has made me feel prepared for my role.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

God willing, I want to keep growing in the news and media industry. This program and my work at AP have shown me how much journalism and operations work together, and I want to continue building experience on both sides. My goal is to grow into a global news leader that helps create space for communities often overlooked and ensures their stories are told with accuracy, care, and understanding.

What advice would you like to give to current students?

I would encourage students to find a mentor in their field of interest. I have a mentor at AP who has helped me grow more confident and reminded me that I always bring something valuable to the table, whether it is my experience or my perspective. Having someone who believes in you and guides you can make a real difference, so I would tell students to find that one person who can support them throughout their journey. I would also say to stay curious and open to taking on different roles. You never know where an opportunity might lead you later on.