She’s been a member of our Berks County Living freelance team since 2013, often penning major features for us as well as tackling our In the Limelight Q&As, learn more about the writer you named your favorite for 2020 when we put her on the answer side of the interview…
Q: What do you most enjoy about your freelance work with us? Meeting so many incredibly inspiring people throughout the community that I otherwise might not cross paths with, and giving them a platform to let their voices be heard.
Q: Tell us what story you most remember working on and why. This is a tough one! I remember one of my very first articles for the magazine was an Around Town on the GGS Hat and Gloves Tea Room in Mohnton. The owner, Geri Segarra, is just so lovely and she treated me to a full high tea, with hat and gloves included! But more recently I worked on a story for the May 2020 issue I know I will never forget, highlighting local families overcoming serious obstacles only to be stronger than ever. I've never laughed and cried so much on any interview as I did speaking to three mothers about the strength and resilience of their children.
Q: What do you think are the ingredients for a good story? One of the most important things for me when I'm interviewing or writing a story is to make sure that it is relatable. There are so many people doing incredible things around Berks, but it is easy to think that a lot of it is happening inside of a vacuum. Inner-city Reading initiatives may not seem as impactful in Oley, and new entrepreneurs coming into Kutztown might not immediately stand out to people in West Reading. But one thing I have learned over the years is that the people of Berks County are unfailingly supportive of one another, and no matter where something is happening, our community leaders are working for the betterment of everyone and people will come from all over to lend a hand. So, I always try to stress the community impact of any story I write and work to get people from all corners of the county involved with each other.
Q: What do you love about Berks County? No matter how you look at it, Berks County is a diverse place. From the people and businesses that call Berks home to the cultural and entertainment offerings to the towns and parks. There truly is something for everyone here, and during my time writing for Berks County Living I have really witnessed a renaissance in this area. Outside of a major city, I think people would have a hard time finding a place with as much to offer.
Q: What is your full-time job? Marketing Director for DWC - The 401(k) Consultants. I also recently relaunched my own side hustle as a marketing and copywriting consultant and trainer at WordSmith Digital Marketing (my new website should be live this week)!
Q: What do you enjoy in your free time? When I'm not working (which is a lot) I try to spend all of my free time traveling and enjoying the outdoors. I love to kayak, hike, and camp -- pretty much anything that gets me away from my desk and into nature.
Q: What are you looking forward to this holiday season? Spending time with family. It's something that I think I typically take for granted, but this year has put a lot of distance between friends and family for everyone so having the chance to be in the same room (with a few people at a time) is really exciting.
We also asked Ali to share her feelings about this recognition with our readers and voters. Here’s what she had to say: “Over the last seven years, I've had the opportunity to meet and share the stories of Berks County's best and brightest as a freelance writer for Berks County Living. I've had the chance to help spread the word about so many of the incredible initiatives that our friends and neighbors have poured their hearts and souls into, both close to home and around the world. This year, more than ever, I feel grateful for the chance to do my small part to help bring our community together. I want to thank the incredibly supportive Berks County Living staff, our amazing community leaders and business owners, and most of all our loyal readers for your continued support -- and for naming me your favorite freelance writer this year! I can't wait to see what the next seven years will bring.”
