Aja was the first person I would see everyday in the newsroom. Not only did she have always have a clear handle on the day's events, assignments and needs, but she always did it with a smile and positive attitude. I appreciated Aja's interest in learning technical logistics and cameramen's gear- understanding the difference between ENG and DSLR cameras, for example. This extra initiative on her part allowed her to merge the goals of the news desk with the capabilities of the photographers to create the best on-air product. Easy to collaborate with, firm when needed, always leaving you walking away with a smile... When you see Aja on the desk, you know it's going to be a good day.

Aja's goal in a newsroom is to not only cultivate a climate in which fellow journalists can feel empowered to tell the best stories, but to endow them with the ability to do the same for others all around the world, and in every facet of society. She works well under pressure, resolving problems before they rear their heads; has a keen eye for detail and compelling stories, and advocates relentlessly and passionately for good journalism. She is a a highly intelligent and industrious producer with a pleasant personality and fine-tuned attention to detail. She is easy to work with and for, and has a level of intellectual creativity and perseverance I have only seen in survival shows. I've never met a more genuine, and consistently good-natured spirit in the newsroom. She is a warm light evening the midst of mayhem and chaos. Her story ideas helped solidify CGTN's role as a global news-gathering powerhouse. Her overall intellect and ability to learn are attributes that have served her well in her expanding roles. What I find most engaging in Aja's character are her wide-ranging interests. She can be quickly engaged in an in-depth discussion surrounding food insecurity in the US, women’s rights in the Middle East, the opening up of China in comparison to marginalized communities, and gerrymandering in South Carolina. Her broad range of interests is not rooted in a desire to be a jack of all trades, but, as I’ve come to learn, a master in the task at hand. This pursuit speaks well to her potential to carry forth new hypotheses of importance to the field of journalism. I was honored to work with her and continue to be honored to be on the receiving end of her insight and friendship.

Aja was the first person I would see everyday in the newsroom. Not only did she have always have a clear handle on the day's events, assignments and needs, but she always did it with a smile and positive attitude. I appreciated Aja's interest in learning technical logistics and cameramen's gear- understanding the difference between ENG and DSLR cameras, for example. This extra initiative on her part allowed her to merge the goals of the news desk with the capabilities of the photographers to create the best on-air product. Easy to collaborate with, firm when needed, always leaving you walking away with a smile... When you see Aja on the desk, you know it's going to be a good day.

Aja's goal in a newsroom is to not only cultivate a climate in which fellow journalists can feel empowered to tell the best stories, but to endow them with the ability to do the same for others all around the world, and in every facet of society. She works well under pressure, resolving problems before they rear their heads; has a keen eye for detail and compelling stories, and advocates relentlessly and passionately for good journalism. She is a a highly intelligent and industrious producer with a pleasant personality and fine-tuned attention to detail. She is easy to work with and for, and has a level of intellectual creativity and perseverance I have only seen in survival shows. I've never met a more genuine, and consistently good-natured spirit in the newsroom. She is a warm light evening the midst of mayhem and chaos. Her story ideas helped solidify CGTN's role as a global news-gathering powerhouse. Her overall intellect and ability to learn are attributes that have served her well in her expanding roles. What I find most engaging in Aja's character are her wide-ranging interests. She can be quickly engaged in an in-depth discussion surrounding food insecurity in the US, women’s rights in the Middle East, the opening up of China in comparison to marginalized communities, and gerrymandering in South Carolina. Her broad range of interests is not rooted in a desire to be a jack of all trades, but, as I’ve come to learn, a master in the task at hand. This pursuit speaks well to her potential to carry forth new hypotheses of importance to the field of journalism. I was honored to work with her and continue to be honored to be on the receiving end of her insight and friendship.

Aja was the first person I would see everyday in the newsroom. Not only did she have always have a clear handle on the day's events, assignments and needs, but she always did it with a smile and positive attitude. I appreciated Aja's interest in learning technical logistics and cameramen's gear- understanding the difference between ENG and DSLR cameras, for example. This extra initiative on her part allowed her to merge the goals of the news desk with the capabilities of the photographers to create the best on-air product. Easy to collaborate with, firm when needed, always leaving you walking away with a smile... When you see Aja on the desk, you know it's going to be a good day.

Aja's goal in a newsroom is to not only cultivate a climate in which fellow journalists can feel empowered to tell the best stories, but to endow them with the ability to do the same for others all around the world, and in every facet of society. She works well under pressure, resolving problems before they rear their heads; has a keen eye for detail and compelling stories, and advocates relentlessly and passionately for good journalism. She is a a highly intelligent and industrious producer with a pleasant personality and fine-tuned attention to detail. She is easy to work with and for, and has a level of intellectual creativity and perseverance I have only seen in survival shows. I've never met a more genuine, and consistently good-natured spirit in the newsroom. She is a warm light evening the midst of mayhem and chaos. Her story ideas helped solidify CGTN's role as a global news-gathering powerhouse. Her overall intellect and ability to learn are attributes that have served her well in her expanding roles. What I find most engaging in Aja's character are her wide-ranging interests. She can be quickly engaged in an in-depth discussion surrounding food insecurity in the US, women’s rights in the Middle East, the opening up of China in comparison to marginalized communities, and gerrymandering in South Carolina. Her broad range of interests is not rooted in a desire to be a jack of all trades, but, as I’ve come to learn, a master in the task at hand. This pursuit speaks well to her potential to carry forth new hypotheses of importance to the field of journalism. I was honored to work with her and continue to be honored to be on the receiving end of her insight and friendship.