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My name is Micah Luxen and I am running for the IRE Board of Directors because I want to contribute to the essential training and support of investigative journalists. I am an international journalist, living in Concord, Massachusetts.
I became a member of IRE in 2009. From every mentor IRE provided, and every conference I attended, I was encouraged to keep digging.
I first chose journalism while working for an NGO in Brazil. I was working in a shelter for children, and realized these street children had no voice in society. I hoped to share their stories, and the stories of other underrepresented communities.
I started as a student intern at a small-town paper, became editor of a weekly newspaper, and then worked at the two largest newspapers in Canada. In 2013-14, I attended the Columbia School of Journalism to earn my master’s degree, and then began working at BBC news - first in Washington, D.C., and then in London.
When I came to the BBC a decade ago, I worked as a foreign affairs analyst, writing articles on a number of global issues. I collaborated with journalists all over the world, and was in awe of colleagues who worked in very different and difficult circumstances.
After my maternity leave, I took voluntary redundancy from the BBC at the end of 2021, as our family was planning to move to the U.S. for my husband's job; in 2022, we moved to greater Boston.
Since then, I’ve been volunteering for IRE. I’ve provided research for their in-house projects, and assisted with running their virtual journalism-training conference.
Whenever I’m at an IRE event, I’m amazed at the number of investigations into all levels of U.S. government and society. And I come away wishing for the same level of training for digging into global issues.
I realize there is often a lack of access to information and freedom for journalists around the world. Imagine if journalists in every country had mentors, training, and an advocacy group like IRE. I know I’ve benefited from training during IRE conferences BY some of these foreign journalists - speakers such as Roman Badanin, who won the Don Bolles Medal in 2022 and taught attendees how he works under intimidation. Those lessons should get to a wider global audience.
As an IRE director, I would search out and partner with journalism networks abroad, especially in countries underrepresented in the media. I would work to understand the challenges and the support that journalists need abroad.
Outside of my work in journalism, I play a lot of dress up with my kids, and am training for my third Ironman triathlon.
Walt Bogdanich, New York Times – I nominate Micah Luxen for the IRE board. Micah is a former student of mine in the investigative reporting class at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. I'm familiar with Micah's work since she assisted in my NYT investigation of problems relating to the construction of the new Panama Canal. If elected Micah told me she would like to extend IRE's reach internationally.
Christopher Drew, Louisiana State University – I nominate Micah Luxen for the IRE board of directors. While I was an investigative reporter at The New York Times, I co-taught the Investigative Project class at Columbia Journalism School with Walt Bogdanich, and Micah was one of our students.She's remained passionate about investigative reporting through her years with the BBC in Washington and London and in her volunteer work with IRE. As a director, she could play an important role in helping to expand IRE's international reach and partnerships.
Current position
I am currently a volunteer for IRE. In the past year, I provided research for their in-house projects, and assisted with running their virtual journalism-training conference.
Prior experience
I am a former National Director of the Canadian Association of Journalists, and co-hosted the national conference of that organization in 2013. As a director for two years, we oversaw finances, planned training events and advocated for journalists.
IRE experience
I’ve been a member of IRE since 2009, and have attended numerous IRE training events - my first conference was Orlando in 2011.
Expertise
I’ve recently moved to the U.S. from the U.K., where I was a foreign affairs analyst for BBC News. Earlier in my career, I worked for The Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail in Canada.
Issues you would like to address as a board member
If I were elected to the IRE board, I would prioritize expanding the international network of IRE.
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