This summer, the Driehaus Foundation welcomed Laila Ali as its first Journalism Program Intern. Laila is a recent Loyola University Chicago graduate with a degree in multimedia journalism and a former news reporter at The Loyola Phoenix. As an intern, she is supporting the Foundation's efforts to strengthen the local news sector through new programs focused on journalist mental health and grantmaking initiatives including language accessibility. We spoke with Laila about her experience at the Foundation and what she's learned from her introduction to journalism philanthropy.
Tell us a bit about your path to the Foundation.
My path to the Foundation started with my passion for storytelling and community-focused journalism. As a Multimedia Journalism student at Loyola University Chicago, much of my reporting focused on local issues and the people most affected by them. After graduating, I wanted to find an opportunity that reflected my belief in the value of local journalism and its ability to inform and strengthen communities. The Driehaus Foundation stood out because of its commitment to supporting local news and the journalists that make that work possible. It was an opportunity to continue supporting the kind of local journalism that first inspired me to pursue the field.
What's been most interesting about your experience in journalism philanthropy?
The inside look it’s given me into Chicago’s non-profit news sector. I’ve had the chance to learn about different newsrooms by meeting grantees and hearing how they serve their communities. I’ve also had the opportunity to witness how collaborative the local news ecosystem is, with organizations regularly sharing resources and expertise to better support their audience.
What's surprised you most about the work that the Foundation does?
How much the Foundation's work goes beyond grantmaking. Before joining, I assumed supporting journalism was mainly about reviewing proposals and providing funding. Instead, I've seen how much thought goes into understanding the challenges newsrooms face and identifying ways to support them. Whether that's exploring resources journalists need, facilitating conversations across the industry, or helping develop ideas that address gaps in the field, the work is much more collaborative and strategic than I expected.
What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy a day out in Chicago?
I’m a lover of two things: trying new restaurants and secondhand shopping. Lately, some of my favorite Chicago restaurants have been Chef’s Special and Noriko Handroll Bar. As for thrifting, Village Discount, especially the Andersonville location, is my go-to for uncovering hidden gems. When I’m in the mood for something more curated, I love browsing Bodega Vintage for unique pieces and vintage bags.
What's a local news source more people should know about?
Borderless Magazine. I think Borderless has made a real impact locally by ensuring immigrant communities can access important news in multiple languages and see their experiences reflected in coverage. Their bilingual, community-focused reporting helps fill information gaps and brings attention to stories that might otherwise go untold.
