Sometimes, a writer only needs to make a big impact on a local community to be considered one of the greats. Sherri Kolade is doing just that with her work at the Detroit-based Michigan Chronicle.

She became interested in storytelling as a child, sharing her own vibrant and handmade “newspapers” with family and friends. That interest grew into a passion and, eventually, a fulfilling career.

“I discovered that I had a knack for writing and, during my senior year of high school at Southfield High, I was on the newspaper staff for the Blue Jays,” she said. “It was like a lightbulb went off. I definitely knew that I wanted to become a journalist.”

Finding a meaningful career path

The next step? Receiving her journalism degree with a minor in cultural anthropology from Central Michigan University. After graduating, Kolade shared her talents with several organizations including BLAC Detroit Magazine, The Flint Journal, Metro Parent Magazine, the Dearborn Times-Herald, and C&G Newspapers where she earned company awards for her incredible work as both a staff and advertorial writer. 

She also left her mark at DTE Energy, working on corporate communication initiatives and the company’s diversity and inclusion program, before landing her current role as a staff writer at the Michigan Chronicle. 

“Every day I thank God for His work in my life and His hand throughout my career. In the winter of 2012, I was briefly out of a job after completing my internship at the then-Flint Journal and moved to Dearborn with my husband. I was concerned about starting my career and when my next paycheck was coming,” Kolade explains. “I prayed for a job and weeks later, God answered my prayers with my first official job out of college at the Dearborn Times-Herald. The short answer is to believe, pray, have faith, do the work and let God do the rest.”

Moving onwards and upwards

For Kolade, reporting the news and amplifying the voices of others in her community go hand-in-hand. And the Chronicle’s commitment to covering the issues that matter most to the African American community was a major factor in her decision to join the organization.

“My proudest contribution to journalism is being a voice to those that others deem voiceless: the marginalized and the underrepresented. I hear them loud and clear, and their voices come alive in my stories.”

The journalism field has faced new challenges in recent years and preserving the integrity of reporting is more vital than ever. Kolade’s career hasn’t been a smooth ride either, but she is far too resilient to let those obstacles shake her. 

“As a Black woman in the media for over 12 years, I have faced blatant (and covert) racism, discrimination and sexism. I overcome those challenges daily by grinding, reporting the truth, and not letting other people’s perceived ideas of me get in the way. I know who I am and whose I am.”

Inspiring the next generation

With over a decade in journalism, Kolade is an expert at navigating the twists and turns of the industry. She shared three pieces of advice for young women pursuing a similar career path:

  1. Remember that your career path, passions, and experiences are unique to you. 
  2. Find a healthy balance between your work and personal life. Your career shouldn’t always be your main focus.
  3. Look for a company that shares your values and the work will be more meaningful.

“Find your passion in your career and don’t let someone else’s journey solely color your own because everyone’s path is different,” Kolade said. “I discovered that my mentors had varying career paths that looked quite different from mine, and I drew from their experiences, challenges, and successes to carve my own way.”

“Bottom line: don’t be afraid to go forth, mess up and get up again.”

Congratulations to Sherri on her Media Room Spotlight recognition!