Annie Howard

Chicago, Il · (719)440-9401 · annie@annie-howard.com

I'm a trans journalist, historian, and urbanist, interested in pursuing projects that raise challenging questions and help lead to transformative social change. I live in Chicago, I'm a freelance writer, and an organizer fighting for Just Cause for Eviction with the Chicago Housing Justice League.


Experience

Equity and Operations Organizer

Chicago Housing Justice League

In this position, I am responsible for sustaining the Chicago Housing Justice League, a coalition of housing groups working on a Just Cause for Eviction ordinance. Work involves writing press materials, working with legislative sponsors, organizing rallies and other public engagement efforts, and partnering with other nonprofit housing organizations to support housing justice issues in Chicago.

March 2021-Present

Freelance Journalist

Multiple Publications

As an independent journalist, I’ve published pieces in a number of publications. These include articles for the Guardian, Columbia Journalism Review, Chicago Reader, Lapham's Quarterly, Curbed, Metropolis, CityMetric Pacific Standard, and Slate, amongst other publications.

June 2017 - Present

Graduate Assistant

College of Urban Planning and Policy, Dean's Office

In my work in the Dean’s Office, I’m responsible for various communication related projects. Also responsible for writing and editing work related to the Urban Forum, an annual event hosted by CUPPA which draws in industry leading experts to discuss major contemporary planning issues.

August 2019 - May 2021

Anna Bachman Policy Intern

Lawyers' Committee For Better Housing

Involved in crafting a number of policy proposals, including a pilot project to ensure legal representation in eviction court, a policy current under review in Chicago’s Department of Housing.

June 2019-August 2019

Editorial Intern

In These Times

Responsible for assisting with numerous elements of web and print publication, such as factchecking, proofreading, and research. Also reported several original stories, mostly on housing campaigns in Chicago.

January 2018-June 2018

Tutor

MyGuruEdge

As an independent and contracted tutor, I’ve worked with students primarily around SAT and ACT prep, as well as English, History, and other Social Studies materials.

September 2017-Present

Editorial Assistant

Jacobin Magazine

Worked full-time in Jacobin’s New York office for my Journalism Residency. Completed a wide range of tasks in the editorial process, including fact checking, copy editing, line editing, and research. Wrote a short piece for the quarterly print publication, as well as publishing on the magazine’s website. Also contributed to launching the publication’s nascent podcast series, editing a number of interviews using Adobe Audition.

January 2017-March 2017

Life and Style Editor, Managing Editor, Executive Editor

North By Northwestern

Responsible for overseeing section meetings, helping writers develop stories, editing stories, and communicating with managing editors about section content. As managing and executive editor, responsible for editing submitted stories, helping section editors develop projects, and publishing content to our website. As executive editor, responsible for running newsroom one night a week, in addition to facilitating relations with activist communities on campus in an effort to be more inclusive as a student publication.

March 2014-June 2016

Circulation Assistant

Northwestern University Library

As a work-study student and later full-time employee, I assisted patrons in accessing library materials, as well as helping people in research projects, amongst other tasks.

September 2013-September 2017

Research Assistant

Critical Inquiry

Proofed and prepared the journal for publication, including copy editing. Responsible for researching 40 years of the journal’s archives to connect each article with related stories in the archives. Also responsible for producing a white paper considering the journal’s web presence in relation to its competitors.

June 2016-September 2016

Editorial Intern

Chicago Reader

Responsible for generating and pitching own story ideas, which resulted in numerous short features. Also assigned several review assignments, which resulted in continuing work with the Reader as a freelancer following my internship, including numerous book and film reviews, as well as author interviews.

June 2015-September 2015

Reporter and Editor

Medill on the Hill

Responsible for publishing stories written by other students in newsroom, writing on a deadline, and covering Congressional hearings, amongst other Washington events. Wrote several feature-length pieces on issues like gentrification and education, one of which was cited in the book City Power by Richard Schragger.

January 2015-March 2015

Reporter

Medill Justice Project

Responsible for contacting sources, researching data about prisoner recidivism, and poring over previous research on the story of Jenni Del Prete, falsely accused of shaking a baby to death and sentenced to prison.

September 2014-December 2014

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude
Journalism and History

GPA: 3.75. Relevant coursework includes Reporting In Diverse Communities, Features Writing, Chicago History and a graduate seminar on Narrative History.

September 2013 - June 2017

University of Illinois-Chicago

Master's In Urban Policy and Planning

GPA 4.0. Concentration in Community Development. Coursework includes Plan Making, Community Development, Comprehensive Planning, Global Urbanization, Solidarity Economy, and GIS for Planning.

January 2019-May 2021

Skills

Strong abilities in editing and shaping stories, as well as generating story ideas. Deep background in editing, including developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, and fact-checking. Experienced in Adobe suite, especially InDesign, Premiere, Audition, and Photoshop. Proficiency in HTML and CSS, and well-versed in a number of CMS systems. Strong background in a number of topics, particularly housing justice and Chicago history. Interested in pursuing projects that challenge existing systemic abuses and compel readers to action.

Awards and Presentations

  • Presenter, Allied Media Conference, 2018
  • National Book Critics Circle Emerging Critic, 2018
  • Fulbright Program Semifinalist, 2017
  • Northwestern University School of Journalism Cum Laude Graduate, 2017
  • Jeffrey Zuckerman Prize for Best Digital Humanities Project, 2016
  • Questbridge National Match Scholar, 2013