Industry: Journalism

Hats: Entertainment Editor of XoNecole, Creator / Creator of cthagodworld.com

School: Florida International University

Major: Journalism & Mass Communications

Charles Swindell once mentioned “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90%  how you react to it.” When Soraya laid in a hospital bed suffering from Crohn’s disease, she vowed to herself  that when she gets  healed she would pursue her career in journalism wholeheartedly. In fact, it was during those painful times that she found writing in her journal therapeutic. Fast forward to today , it is quite obvious that she didn’t let her setback become her reality.She’s been recognized as one of the top 19 “Women in Media” by iHeart Media & Power 105.1 (along with xoCEO Necole Kane), and was the youngest on the list. In her own words, her hustle can be summed up as: “Writing, hosting, and doing the most-ing!” Lets find out more about Soraya.

Where were you six months after college?

Life after college was a bit dry. I moved to NYC the next day after graduating with no jobs prospect. However, I ended up contributing to a lifestyle blog called “Friends With Benefits” and was working in the retail and restaurants industry. However, my friends from BrklynStickup  noticed my writing and asked me to be their publicist. While I was pitching them to a popular Hip Hop website, that same website ended up offering me a salaried position. I was excited, I thought this was my big break until they had to let me go 4 months later because of budget cuts. Here I was again, back to square one applying for jobs.

What are three things you’ve told yourself that kept you going during your darkest hour?

1. This is just temporary.
2. There’s no testimony without a test
3. No matter how lonely you may feel, you’re never alone. God is protecting you at all times.

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