Sonali Kohli Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, California, United States

I lead searches to place journalists, editors and executives in newsrooms and media-adjacent organizations across the United States. I organize training sessions and offer coaching and guidance, especially for candidates from the groups most marginalized in journalism.I contribute to URL Media’s Career Newsletter with advice, written pieces and job postings.

I am part of a team that recruits reporters and leaders in newsrooms across the United States.

I reported and wrote the young adult nonfiction book "Don’t Wait: Three Girls Who Fought for Change and Won" about three teenagers’ efforts to make their communities safer, healthier places.Don’t Wait, published by Beacon Press on June 4, 2024, highlights what propelled the teenagers of color into their activism to their experiences organizing and incorporates Q&As with important lessons from activists who have led the way. As the young women transition from teen to adult activists, Don’t Wait reflects the powerful lessons they’ve learned in their activism while building movements in their communities that will continue to live on as they move forward.I'm visiting bookstores, student groups and classrooms to talk about the book and civic engagement. DM me if you're interested in a visit!

As the CSU Team Lead I edited and mentored college journalists from across the Cal State University campuses as they cover the largest public 4-year college system in the country.

Los Angeles

I covered education and breaking news in and around Los Angeles. In 2020 I was named the best education reporter in the U.S. by the Education Writers Association

New York City

Staff reporter writing and charting about education, inequality, and diverse voices.

Atlantic Media Editorial Fellow reporting for Quartz on the future of television/internet video, education, and diversity.

Los Angeles, Ca

Covering Diamond Bar, Walnut and Hacienda Heights for the Los Angeles Register

Santa Ana

Reporter covering Costa Mesa city government and general news, cops for Costa Mesa and Newport Beach

Greater Los Angeles Area

Washington D.C. Metro Area

General assignment intern in the Washington bureau covering national politics for Gannett's regional papers.

Pasadena, Ca

Reported, wrote, shot photos and uploaded stories about Downtown Los Angeles and South LA for blogdowntown.com and oncentral.org.

Santa Ana, Ca

Beat reporter for Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.

worked at KNBC in Burbank, CA, writing and putting content on the website

Spencer Fellowship In Education Reporting

I was one of four reporters chosen for the Spencer Education Reporting Fellowship, a program at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Bachelors, English

Activities and Societies: Minor in Geography/Environmental Studies, Daily Bruin