About me
Hi, I’m Ayannah!
I was raised in West Hartford, Connecticut, and have always been drawn to creativity—whether through music, writing, or capturing life with a camera. My love for photography was inspired by my grandfather, who documented everything with joy and wonder. His influence has shaped how I see the world.
At 12, I got my first camera—a red Coolpix Nikon. Two years later, I brought it to a Lady Gaga concert and captured photos that still feel magical to me. That moment confirmed what I’d always known: storytelling through visuals was my calling.
Today, I’m a Visuals Journalist at Connecticut Public (an NPR/PBS affiliate), where I produce content across platforms—from Emmy-winning TV shows and documentaries to breaking news, photo stories, and talk shows. I started here just before graduating from university.
My education includes a Bachelors degree in Journalism, with a focus on Digital Media and Design from The University of Connecticut. I also recieved dual diplomas from Conard High School and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where I specialized in creative writing and digital media.
I have since continued to grow my visuals skills through multiple workshops with the NPPA including the Advanced Video Storytelling Workshop and the Immersion Multimedia Course.
Whether it's through a lens or the written word, I’m passionate about telling stories that connect people.
AWARDS
2025 | Regional Edward R. Murrow Award
Category: Diversity Equity and Inclusion - First Place, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery
2025 | Local Media Association Digital Innovation Award
Category: Most Innovative Content Initiative- First Place, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery
2025 | NPPA Best of Photojournalism Award
Category: Documentary Series - First Place, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery
2025 | The Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Excellence in Journalism Awards
Category: Diversity Coverage - First Place, Rediscovering Sawney Freeman's music
Category: Photo Essay - Second Place –7 New England musicians perform at Newport Jazz Festival, building community and keeping jazz alive
2024 | The Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Excellence in Journalism Awards
Category: Photo Essay - Second Place, UConn Students Celebrate as Men’s Hoops Scores its 5th NCAA Title
2023 | 46th Boston/New England Regional Emmy® Category: Societal Concerns (Long Form Content)
CUTLINE: Antisemitism Rising: Bearing Witness Then and Now