CivicStory welcomed a new board member this month: Vincent Maximilliano Onofre, a journalist focused on politics, Latino affairs, LGBTQIA issues, and education. Vincent, the former editor of The Pace Press and social media assistant for Columbia News Service, just began a new role as Newsroom Editor at Business Wire.

Previously, Vincent has served on the board of Columbia Journalism School’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Chapter. In addition to his NAHJ membership, Vincent is also a member of the Association of LGBTQA Journalists (NAGLA) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Vincent holds an MS in Journalism from Columbia University, and a BA in English and Art from Pace University.

Vincent offered answers to a few questions to help the CivicStory audience get to know him.

CivicStory: What inspired you to join the CivicStory board of trustees?

Vincent: I believe that journalism and activism have the space to coexist, and I see CivicStory as a great initiative that brings the two together by advancing the stories surrounding civics and sustainability, and humanities-based reports.

CivicStory: How do you see yourself contributing to CivicStory's mission?

Vincent: My goal is to expand the audience of CivicStory through social media and outreach, skills that I gained through previous journalism positions.

CivicStory: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Vincent: I enjoy watching crime shows and embroidering pop culture art.

CivicStory: What are you currently reading?

Vincent: I am reading “Pasta Wars” by Elisa Lorello as a fun beach read, and “Ghost Wars” by Steve Coll, which covers a whole different kind of war.