2015-16 leadership team
Name: Taylor Robinson
When I’m not in the newsroom or working on a story, you’ll most likely find me snuggled up with my dog, Rufus, playing a video game or two. I like to keep things pretty simple, yet exciting, and am happiest when I’m around those I love.
Position at the Voice: Editor
Age: 24
Hometown: Dundee
Major: Journalism
Classes: Guns, God, and Ganja: U.S. Federalism
Favorite spot on campus: The newsroom
What’s a dream I have for the future: Take some time off and backpack around the world
Why are you at the Voice? Upon my start at WCC, I realized I wanted to combine three of my passions: people, writing and fun. I enrolled in a couple journalism classes and the adviser of the paper at the time happened to be one of my instructors. After attending my first meeting, I was hooked. Since Fall 2014, I have learned of the Voice’s long-standing 50 year legacy. Looking around the room at the awards which adorn the walls, I’ve come to realize just how important it is to hear students’ voices and also be their voices. This school is really something special, and I couldn’t be more thankful for what I’ve learned, and most importantly, who I’ve met. I definitely couldn’t do it without this amazing and hardworking staff.
Name: Sofia Lynch
It’s especially difficult for me to put myself into so few words, but the thing I can say for sure about myself are that I am passionate about those I love and the things I love. This mainly includes owning or viewing mini versions of regularly large things, creating in all forms, indulging in the artistic and literary creations of others, and consuming foods that are expected to skyrocket me into obesity by my 30s. Other than that, I can’t be summarized any better than through the words of my father: “Sofia’s not a total cynic; she has hope for babies and dogs.”
Position at the Voice: Managing Editor
Age: 19
Hometown: Livonia
Major: English
Classes: Developmental Psych, Composition II, Intro Comp, Voice I
Favorite spot on campus: The newsroom
What do you do with your time outside of the newsroom? My main passions include: writing and reading fiction, taking pictures, songwriting, and traveling.
Why are you at the Voice? When I first contacted the Voice about getting involved, I thought that it was a shot in the dark that the team needed or wanted my help. I was looking to find my place at WCC and also wanted to find a means of pursuing my love for writing. One and a half years, 70-something bylines, and 200 gallons of sweat and tears later, I am now the Managing Editor of the paper I almost counted myself out of. I am still with the Voice to continue bettering myself as a writer, but also to pass what has been taught to me, through this experience, to those who are interested in pursuing the same path. I couldn’t be more grateful for my experience and those who helped build it, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of creating this paper every two weeks for my school and community.
Name: Madi Tortora
Writer, pet lover and avid cat photo enthusiast. I spend all of my money on shoes and pizza and I hope that one day my words will change the world. I’m self-sustaining as well as socially aware, and a better person because of it. I can also quote “Arrested Development” better than you and all of your friends.
Position at the Voice: Staff Writer
Age: 18
Hometown: Brighton
Major: Journalism
Classes: Copy Editing, Intermediate Algebra, Composition 2, Fundamentals of Speaking
Favorite spot on campus: In the newsroom
What’s the one thing I’d like others to remember about me at the end of my life?: That I argued for things that I truly believed in, and that I never gave up the things that I loved. Also that I went after my dreams, and didn’t let any obstacles stop me from getting where I wanted to be.
Why are you at the Voice? When studying journalism, experience is extremely important. So, before school even started, I was called by someone in student activities asking me if I would be interested in writing for the Voice, and I definitely was. I figured that it would be good to start my experience with writing for a paper immediately so I adjust to things like deadlines and interviews.
Name: Taylor “Tini” Mabelitini
To start off, in case quotation marks didn’t clue anyone in – Tini is not my real name. It is, however, what I’m exclusively known by within the walls of the Voice office. Why? Simply put, Editor Taylor Robinson was here first, and to not plague ourselves with frequent mix-ups, my name was shortened to its last two syllables: Tini. I’ve come to love it.
Position at the Voice: Contributor
Age: 20
Hometown: Canton
Major: Graphic Design
Classes: Typography I, Fundamentals of Speaking
Favorite spot on campus: The pond and nature trails by the GM building
Currently Netflix binge-watching: Grace and Frankie, Master of None, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (for the fourth time)
Why are you at the Voice? I first joined the Voice because I knew I liked to write and I was searching out a way to feel at home at WCC – somewhere to belong, something to connect me to campus that wasn’t worth four credits and three and a half hours twice a week. I kept coming back to meetings because of the people here and how they encouraged and pushed me to become a better writer and designer. All the late nights putting together pages, the busy days doing interviews and event coverages, and everything in between, it’s all worth it when I get to share my own voice, and help others share theirs as well. That’s what journalism and writing is about; telling the stories of others, and consistently bringing people the truth. That is why we, as a paper, exist. That’s why I’m at the Voice.
Name: Gray Bancroft
Having never worked in this type of job I didn’t know what to expect. The assignments started rolling in and it was overwhelming. When I saw my first photos in print in the newspaper I was at a loss for words because I have never had my photographs available for thousands of people to see. Throughout the semester I got to meet people and attend events that I would have never attended if I wasn’t involved with the newspaper. I love working for the Voice.
Position at the Voice: Photo Editor
Age: 26
Hometown: Lansing
Major: Photography
Classes: PHO 231 Portfolio Seminar, SOC 206 Intro to Women and Gender Studies
Favorite spot on campus: The nature trails that go through the woods
What do I like most about working at the Voice?: Getting involved with what’s happening on campus, working with an amazing group of people and having the opportunity to do something I love.
Why are you at the Voice? I didn’t know where to begin after college so I decided to gain some experience at the Voice.
Name: Becky Alliston
After working 40+ years in the administrative support area, I found myself caught in the economic downsizing a few years ago. I loved that first year of freedom and being able to travel, but needed something more. I explored options at WCC and that developed into now being dual-enrolled in the WCC consortium with Ferris State University. In addition, my time is spent trying to keep up with 18 grandchildren and enjoying sports.
Position at the Voice: Advertising Manager
Age: 70
Hometown: Ypsilanti
Major: Business Management
Classes: Winter term – Statistics and Understanding Cultural Differences
Favorite spot on campus: Walking around campus – I am a walker so love the outside spaces.
Why are you at the Voice? I began as an extension of a sales/marketing class. It is fascinating watching all the excitement (and trials) that everyone brings to complete each issue. Not being on the editorial side, I try to maintain the business and support side.
Name: Jenee Gregor
Michigan native, turned California transplant and back to Michigan again. I have an insatiable thirst to see the world and to tell everyone about it. The wind takes me away and legitimacy brings me back. I am enthralled with writing and food, and hope to combine them into a career.
Position at the Voice: Contributing Writer
Age: 27
Hometown: Howell
Major: Journalism
Classes: Copy Editing, Digital Journalism, Mass Communication, Healthcare Terminology, General and Therapeutic Nutrition
Favorite spot on campus: The native wildflower patch by the pond outside the Morris Lawrence building
What is a life goal of yours? I want to build a hut on every continent.
Why are you at the Voice? I am here to gather experience and shape my career path to be able to share, and create a more informed world with research and diligence.
Name: Greg Powell
Ex-surfer, part-time surrealist, aspiring billionaire. Greg can be found in the early morning hours of various reputable — and some not so reputable — dens of culture and iniquity. He thrives on harmony and conflict. Although seen by some as far-fetched, he some day hopes to domesticate a large cat, such as a cheetah, bobcat or mountain lion.
Position at the Voice: Graphic Designer
Age: 30+
Hometown: Ann Arbor
Major: Graphic Design
Classes: Illustrator Graphics
Favorite spot on campus: Wherever the breeze is freshest
Who would you love to see collaborate? Taylor Swift, Susan Boyle and Slayer
Why are you at the Voice? To make it rain first-class news publications at WCC
Name: Colin MacDougall
I am a writer/photographer for The Washtenaw Voice. I first came to WCC as a part-time student in Winter 2014. I am interested in writing about the environment, science, music and politics. I like to take on the social issues that we are facing locally and globally. I enjoy studying history, humanities and social sciences.
Position at the Voice: Contributor
Age: 25
Hometown: Dearborn
Major: Liberal Arts Transfer / Urban Studies
Classes: Physical Anthropology, Psychology, Comparative Religions, Composition II
Favorite spot on campus: The Bailey Library by the window wall
What’s been my favorite experience while working for the Voice? When I wrote the woolly mammoth story last semester, I got to go to the University of Michigan’s Museum of Paleontology and talk with two paleontologists about the mammoth they had just pulled out of the ground. I got to go into the back of the museum and into the lab to take pictures of the mammoth skull and tusks.
Why are you at the Voice? I first started attending meetings at the end of the Winter 2014 semester in hopes of being a photographer. At the start of the Fall 2015 semester I started pitching story ideas and before I knew it, I was writing them. I look forward to bringing forward hard-hitting news to the WCC community.
Name: Iván Flores
Storytelling is something I’ve always been fascinated with. I love reading or watching news about conflicts in distant parts of the world as much as I love meeting new people and listening to their stories. Writing for the Voice presented an opportunity to explore something I’ve always been passionate about more deeply. But first and foremost, I love spending time with my best friend. I enjoy making music, family time, eating hummus, and “Why not?” moments. Oh, and, I’d rather be up north or in Chicago.
Position at the Voice: Contributor
Age: 19
Hometown: Ann Arbor
Major: Journalism
Classes: Spanish, Biology
Favorite spot on campus: Next to my friends
If you could be any kitchen utensil, what would you be and why? I would be a frother. Not only can you make a killer latte with a frother, it’s also fun to play a violin with one.
Why are you at the Voice? I am at the Voice because I love journalism.
Name: Michael Mishler
I grew up in Pinckney, Michigan as the youngest of a family of five sisters and one brother. My family moved to Ann Arbor when I was seven and I’m absolutely in love with the town now. I play piano and pipe organ, and I love almost all music. I hope to go on to the University of Michigan and study graphic design and organ performance.
Position at the Voice: Writer and photographer
Age: 15
Hometown: Ann Arbor
Major: Graphic Design Certificate, WTMC student
Classes: Math 169, Chemistry 101, Graphic Design 104, Music 189
Favorite spot on campus: Pretty much the whole ML building, but especially the dressing room behind the stage, mostly because of the piano there. Also, I like sitting around in the booths in the Student Center early in the morning when few other people are there.
What’s your favorite musical instrument and why?: My favorite instrument is definitely the classical pipe organ. I’m a pianist, but I started playing organ this year, and it’s amazing. You can get both gigantic, loud sounds and tiny, soft sounds out of the same instrument.
Why are you at the Voice?: I joined the Voice staff in Fall 2015 because I had been looking for a good job, and I enjoy journalism, especially going out and doing interviews. I figured it would be a good challenge, as well as a chance to improve my writing and journalism skills (and make some money as well).
Name: Jenelle Franklin
At 17, I started attending the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy. After six years as a massage therapist, I expanded my licensure to include esthetics. I have been enjoying the last four years at Voilà Salon and Spa in Saline, Michigan. I have always loved writing, and I felt ready to pursue journalism alongside my current career.
Position at the Voice: Contributor
Age: 25
Hometown: Chelsea
Major: Journalism
Classes: Digital Journalism, Copy Editing, Creative Writing, Philosophy of Logic
Favorite spot on campus: Swaying in the trees in my hammock
What are your driving forces behind your goals?: I have both desire and passion; for my work to succeed, for it to be the best representation of what I can do, and to always be the best portrayal of the truth.
Why are you at the Voice?: To further develop my writing with an encouraging team, and show readers what is going on in the community.
Name: Haily Hastings
I’ve been a student at WCC for two and a half years. I discovered my love for coding when I took WEB 110 during my first semester. Some hobbies of mine are playing video games, drawing and playing with my two pet rats.
Position at the Voice: Web Editor
Age: 21
Hometown: Saline
Major: Web Development
Classes: User Experience II and Intermediate Interface Design
Favorite spot on campus: Library
Why are you at the voice?: I wanted to gain experience managing a website and to get a chance to apply what I’ve learned so far as a web developer.
