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The most interesting stories require tenacity to be told.
That’s one of the takeaways from Pioneer’s first DEI Rural Storytelling Fellow Chiara Profenna. A University of Portland graduate who demonstrates strong storytelling abilities, Chiara was the DEI editor for her university’s newspaper, ensuring culturally competent reporting. When she interned at The Oregonian, she explored the successes and struggles of groups throughout the city, including a Black farming community, food entrepreneurs and Portland’s iconic drag queen, Poison Waters.
In her first three months writing for Ruralite magazine, she’s covered the growth of esports in rural Oregon and a storied carousel circling into a new community.
Halfway through the 6-month program we checked in with her to see what drew her to the fellowship. Hear how she finds overlooked stories and how the fledgling program is helping her hone her storytelling skills.
Q: What drew you to the fellowship?
A: I was drawn to the fellowship by my desire to explore and uplift voices from marginalized communities in the Pacific Northwest. The opportunity to connect with compelling people and amplify voices in rural areas really stood out to me as a great career opportunity and challenge as someone who has always lived in larger cities.
Q: How did you find stories which might otherwise be overlooked?
A: Unearthing overlooked stories in rural communities was a difficult process, which involved quite a bit of research, travel and building relationships with people I met. Often, the most interesting stories require a bit of digging and tenacity to be told.
Q: What’s been your biggest takeaway as a writer?
A: This fellowship has reinforced my beliefs in the importance of local journalism and storytelling. Each story I’ve written has affirmed the importance of capturing the diverse narratives that make up the fabric of rural life in the Northwest.
Q: Why do you feel rural storytellers matter?
A: Rural storytellers matter because their narratives provide a vital perspective that is often overlooked in mainstream media. These stories offer insight into the unique challenges, triumphs and resilience of communities that exist on the outskirts of our nation.
Q: How has the fellowship changed how you, as a writer, view rural life?
A: This fellowship has deepened my appreciation for rural life, the act of storytelling and actively engaging in smaller communities. I’ve also been able to slow down on my writing process and really take the time to perfect my stories and ensure my narratives are conveying an important message.
Q: Favorite story you’ve written so far?
A: My favorite story so far has been “Leveling Up in Rural America,” about esports programs in high schools and universities. It was one of the first stories I wrote, and I was able to delve deep into the communities I was talking about.
I also always love learning about new aspects of life that I don’t partake in. Esports was a fascinating topic, and everyone I spoke to was so passionate. It was hard not to enjoy the process!
Q: The fellowship includes travel opportunities in the West. What are some of your favorite spots you’ve visited?
A: Exploring the Pacific Northwest during the fellowship has been an exciting journey. I’ve been able to travel through a lot of Oregon and Washington, seeing some of the many charming small towns and vibrant communities. As a Portlander, I’ve loved seeing more of Oregon, especially The Dalles and many of the other communities along the Columbia River Gorge.
Q: What’s been your experience with Pioneer’s editorial team?
A: Working with Pioneer’s editorial team has been an incredibly supportive and rewarding experience. The guidance from my mentors has taught me a lot about writing, multimedia, storytelling and the magazine industry. I am incredibly grateful for them and their flexibility in allowing me to explore my storytelling skills with such depth and creative freedom.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about applying for a rural storytelling role?
A: I would encourage aspiring fellows to seize this important and educational opportunity. On top of everything I learned, I’ve also had the unique experience of exploring the Pacific Northwest and the privilege of sharing untold stories. I have also grown a lot as a professional and made meaningful connections during my time as a fellow.
I am grateful for the chance to contribute to Pioneer’s amazing legacy of rural stories and promote a more diverse and inclusive depiction of the Pacific Northwest. This fellowship has been a rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing to amplify the voices of those whose stories deserve to be heard.
About the Fellowship
Pioneer Utility Resources introduced the DEI Rural Storytelling Fellowship, supported by a $30,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, in 2023. The innovative journalism program aims to cultivate a new generation of rural storytellers who can unearth the stories rarely told in today’s media outlets. Chiara’s fellowship wraps up at the end of February.