Sarah Ladd, a 2019 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information, has made a significant impact on the world of journalism in the five years since completing her degree. As a first-generation college graduate and the first woman in her family to pursue higher education, Ladd’s journey from a remote area in Bardwell, Kentucky to becoming an award-winning journalist is inspiring.
Ladd’s passion for journalism was sparked by a snowstorm in 2009 that left her community isolated and reliant on newspapers for information, leading her to cherish the power of storytelling and connecting people. After graduating from WKCTC with an associate’s degree in journalism, Ladd quickly immersed herself in the journalism program at UK, where she gained valuable experience at the Kentucky Kernel.
Her career took off following her graduation in 2019, with opportunities to cover major breaking news events such as the Breonna Taylor story and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ladd’s work at the Courier Journal earned her recognition as a Pulitzer Prize finalist and ultimately led her to the launch of the Kentucky Lantern, a wire service focusing on health and health policy reporting.
Despite facing stress and burnout, Ladd remains committed to her role as a journalist, particularly in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues and advocating for marginalized communities in Kentucky. As an adjunct teacher at WKCTC, she is also passing on her knowledge and passion for journalism to the next generation of storytellers.
Through her dedication to impactful reporting and authentic storytelling, Sarah Ladd continues to make a difference in the world of journalism, using her platform to amplify the voices of those who may otherwise go unheard.
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Photo credit uknow.uky.edu