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Laura Davis
Making editing faster, easier and more fun 📝✨
Professional Background
Laura Davis is an accomplished communications executive, educator, and entrepreneur whose career spans over two decades in the fields of journalism and digital media. After an impressive academic journey at the University of Southern California (USC), where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and English and a Master's degree in Communication Management, Laura transitioned into a dynamic professional career that showcases her versatility and expertise.
As the Founder and CEO of Stylebot, a company committed to innovating in the digital space, Laura has demonstrated her leadership abilities and her passion for connecting people with the latest trends in technology and communication. Her experiences in higher education also stand out, with her roles including Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Adjunct Professor at USC. During her tenure, Laura not only taught the next generation of journalists and communication professionals but also served as the USC Startup Incubator director at the USC Viterbi Startup Garage, helping budding entrepreneurs find their footing in the competitive startup ecosystem.
Before her venture into academia and entrepreneurship, Laura built her reputation in the fast-paced world of journalism. She has held prominent roles in notable media organizations, including her position as Editor of Mobile News at BuzzFeed, where she was instrumental in shaping mobile news strategy during a transformative era for digital media. Her editorial prowess was further demonstrated in her role as Deputy Mobile Editor at the Los Angeles Times, where she contributed to enhancing news delivery across mobile platforms, ensuring that readers received timely and relevant content in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Education and Achievements
Laura’s educational background laid a strong foundation for her impressive career. Her studies at Park Hill High School ignited her passion for storytelling and communication. Furthering her education at the University of Southern California, she honed her skills in journalism and English, equipping herself with the tools necessary to excel in the media industry. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Laura pursued a Master's degree in Communication Management, deepening her understanding of effective communication strategies, particularly in the wake of technological advancements that have transformed the way news is consumed.
In addition to her academic legacies, Laura has taken on various roles that exemplify her commitment to education and mentorship. As a Coach at Trusting News, Laura shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring journalists and media professionals, guiding them in the ever-evolving landscape of news integrity and trustworthiness.
Throughout her career, Laura has also made significant contributions to various well-known news organizations, gaining valuable insights that she later imparts to her students. Her impressive journey includes roles such as Editor at Yahoo! News and National Desk Editorial Assistant at The Associated Press, where she laid the groundwork for her extensive career in digital journalism.
Notable Achievements
Laura's multifaceted career is characterized by several key accomplishments that underscore her expertise and influence in the field of communication.
- Founder & CEO of Stylebot: Laura launched this innovative company with the vision of utilizing technology to enhance digital interactions, reflecting her forward-thinking approach to communication.
- Associate Professor of Professional Practice at USC: In this capacity, Laura played a pivotal role in developing curriculum and fostering an engaging learning environment for students, offering them a chance to thrive in a competitive media landscape.
- Editorial Leadership: With extensive leadership positions at BuzzFeed, Los Angeles Times, and Yahoo! News, Laura has been a driving force in shaping digital journalism. Her efforts in mobile news strategy have been recognized as influential in the industry.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Through her roles at USC and Trusting News, Laura has dedicated herself to mentoring aspiring journalists, providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving media industry.
- Innovative Start-Up Development: As the director at USC’s Startup Incubator, Laura has fostered innovation and entrepreneurship among students, empowering them to launch successful startups in various fields.
With her extensive experience and dedication to elevating the standards of journalism and communication, Laura Davis continues to inspire and lead in her field, making lasting impacts on both her students and the industry as a whole.
Highlights
I was just telling my dad recently that if you want to dissuade people of conspiratorial beliefs, it's not effective to argue with them about the facts.
Instead, research suggests that you should prompt an analytical mindset.
It was fun to chat with Stacey Leasca about this technique and others for consuming news this election season for her recent Glamour story: https://lnkd.in/grU7_PQ2
And journalists: Stylebot is partnering with Modifier at Resolve Philly and Trusting News to incorporate research-backed advice for handling conspiracy theories and misinformation into our style guide.
You might be able to access it for free through the Knight Foundation's Election Hub: https://lnkd.in/gkyVjbxX
As much as I'm a gen AI optimist, sometimes find myself thinking, "When is it going to solve problems I actually have?"
Too often the solutions that are automatically included in products I use don't really help me, and in some cases they create more work or distraction.
But Yahoo's recent mail redesign introduces a gen AI feature that's well-timed in my life.
My twins started at a new school last week, and I am overwhelmed by all the communications: the apps, the WhatsApp chats and the nearly nightly emails from the teacher.
So this AI-generated email summary came into my life at a good time.
I still read the whole email, just to double-check, and the summary did miss important information. But it was one of the first times I got an AI feature I didn't ask for and thought, "Oh, this could really help me."
And I cared enough to send feedback to Yahoo about the crucial omission 🤷♀️
