Ana Suárez (MSJ21)

Senior Manager of Creative Strategy, The Atlantic

Tell us about your career path. How did you get where you are today?

My career path has been driven by a deep curiosity and a commitment to blending storytelling with strategic thinking. I studied English and Global Business at the College of William & Mary, which laid the foundation for my creative and analytical skills. I began my career in communications at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute, a think tank focused on international relations policy, where I learned to translate complex research topics into clear, engaging narratives.

After my time there, I enrolled at Medill, where I had the privilege of being named the James W. Foley Fellow, a role where I became deeply involved in press freedom and journalist safety issues, advocating for the protection of journalists worldwide. This experience broadened my understanding of the vital role journalism plays in a strong democracy and reinforced my passion for the craft.

At Medill, I also had the opportunity to intern at SmartNews, a news aggregation app, where I worked with machine learning algorithms to curate personalized news content. This internship allowed me to see firsthand how technology is shaping the future of journalism and content consumption, widening my perspective on the evolving role of AI in newsrooms.

After graduation, I joined Hearst as a creative producer, responsible for crafting branded content for advertisers. In this role, I created compelling multimedia content that appeared across various Hearst newspaper publications and broadcast platforms nationwide. This position honed my ability to merge storytelling with business strategy, allowing me to shape narratives that resonated with both Hearst audiences and clients.

What are your main responsibilities in your current role?

In my current role, I am responsible for developing and executing creative proposals for advertisers featured in The Atlantic. This involves crafting tailored strategies that meet the client’s objectives while maintaining alignment with the magazine’s editorial voice and values. I lead brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas, exploring unique ways to blend the client’s messaging with content that resonates with our audience.

My work spans across multiple media formats, from developing article series and producing podcast episodes to creating video content and organizing events. I take an immersive approach to bringing a client’s message to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging, ensuring that the content captures our audience’s attention while delivering pragmatic value.

Operating at the intersection of journalism and marketing, my role allows me to push my creative boundaries, refine my writing skills, and engage with clients from various sectors—whether in healthcare, luxury, or energy. Each project presents a new challenge and requires a balance between creative storytelling, strategic thinking, and delivering measurable results for our clients.

How has your Medill training helped you in your career?

My Medill training has been instrumental in shaping my career, providing me with both the hard skills and the strategic mindset to succeed in the fast-paced world of journalism. While I specialized in Media Innovation and Content Strategy, the overall program exposed me to a wide range of journalistic disciplines, ensuring that every course served a distinct purpose and equipped me with tangible skills that I continue to rely on in my daily work. A few of the courses that have directly influenced my career trajectory include:

Long-Form Narrative with Professor Patti Wolter taught me to see the bigger picture and understand the art of crafting a compelling, well-paced, long-form story. This skill has proven invaluable in my work at The Atlantic, where developing a strong narrative arc is imperative to hook readers and keep their attention throughout a piece.

The Business of Journalism course with Professor Jeremy Gilbert gave me a comprehensive understanding of how the journalism industry operates at a macro level. This course pulled back the curtain on the business side of publishing—how publications remain profitable, diversify revenue streams, and grow sustainability. This knowledge has been crucial in allowing me to create work that not only matters but is also viable for continuing to grow a successful publication.

The UX/UI Design course with Professor Anthony Jakubiak taught me to think critically about user experience, specifically how content is presented and how audiences engage with it. Understanding user navigation, how users interact with articles, and ensuring content is both accessible and intuitive has allowed me to approach my work with a deeper sense of empathy. This focus on creating easily consumable, user-friendly content has made me a more effective storyteller in the digital age.

How has the Northwestern Medill network helped you advance in your career?

The Medill alumni network has been an invaluable resource in shaping my career. It’s a genuinely generous community that continuously supports its members in navigating the ever-evolving media landscape. In an industry where roles and trends shift rapidly, staying connected with the Medill network has been essential for keeping up to date with emerging opportunities, new career pathways, and industry standards. Engaging in these conversations has helped me stay ahead of the curve, refine my skills, and adapt to the changes that define the future of journalism and media.

Beyond professional development, the alumni network has also played a pivotal role in fostering personal connections. As careers often lead to new cities and unfamiliar environments, having a network of people you can lean on makes all the difference. When I moved across the country to San Francisco, the Medill alumni community and the Medill satellite campus welcomed me with open arms. They invited me to events, introduced me to new people, and helped me settle into the city, making me feel at home even though I was about 3,000 miles away from my family. The sense of belonging and support has been a constant throughline in my career, and the Medill network has provided both professional and personal anchors as I’ve navigated new challenges and opportunities.

How can your industry be more inclusive and representative of society?

For the media industry to be more representative of society, it is essential to expand the lens of voices and perspectives. Relying on similar viewpoints limits the range of ideas and fosters an echo chamber that can reinforce unconscious biases. Media outlets should recruit and appeal to a range of backgrounds, cultures, and ideological perspectives to ensure a comprehensive coverage.

This all-encompassing approach enriches the quality of reporting but also helps fostering greater empathy and understanding across societal perspectives. A newsroom that reflects the full spectrum of society serves as a crucial pillar of accountability, ensuring that all voices are heard, that people in positions of influence are held accountable and that democracy remains vibrant. By embracing a holistic approach, the industry can better serve the public interest and contribute to a more informed society.

How have your identities influenced the way you navigate your professional career?

My identities as a Hispanic woman have shaped how I navigate my professional career, instilling in me a heightened adherence to foundational values such as integrity, empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. These values guide my actions and behavior. I’ve learned the importance of listening to the context and lived experiences of those around me. This awareness informs how I approach my work, always striving to ensure objectivity and rigor in my work and respect for the public.

What advice do you have for someone considering Medill?

I advise anyone considering Medill to view your experience as a long-term relationship, not a short-term transaction. The support you receive from Medill doesn’t end with graduation—it continues to evolve and enrich your life for years to come. From the moment you step into the classroom, you become part of a community that genuinely cares about your growth as a student and person. The connections you build at Medill are not just for the duration of your degree; they extend into your professional life and beyond, creating a network that will be there for you at every stage of your journey.

In the four years since I graduated, I’ve had the privilege of advising students, speaking on panels, and attending countless events—each reaffirming the value of staying connected with Medill and its vibrant network. This ongoing engagement has been an incredibly fulfilling investment in my personal and professional development. Medill maintains an active and communicative relationship with its alumni, ensuring that you never feel alone, no matter where you are in life. To be part of a place that continuously supports you and fosters genuine relationships is truly priceless.