Meet Xintian Tina Wang

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xintian Tina Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Xintian Tina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room—especially as a Chinese journalist in the U.S., and often the only woman of color in the newsroom or boardroom—has become an all too familiar experience. While it can be intimidating, I’ve come to see my unique perspective as my strength. My dual identity and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices have become central to my work.

Over the past few years, as a journalist focusing on DEI issues in New York, I’ve created space to advocate for others while embracing the complexities of my own identity. From cultural stereotypes to innovations in gender & sexuality, arts, business, and technology, my work has appeared in TIME, ELLE, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, VICE, and Inc. Magazine. Navigating spaces where my voice wasn’t always valued has fueled my determination and sharpened my focus.

Coming from a background where I was often told to stay in the shadows, I’ve learned to embrace the discomfort of standing out. My role as director of events for the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) New York Chapter, along with earning an MS from Columbia Journalism School and a BS in Mass Communication from Boston University, has taught me the importance of breaking cultural barriers while remaining true to my values. Speaking for cultural minority groups whose voices are often buried in mainstream discourse has shown me that being the “only one” often means being the one who brings a fresh, vital perspective to the table.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a NYC-based bilingual journalist with a focus on breaking down cultural stereotypes and covering innovations across gender & sexuality, arts, business, and technology. My recent work has appeared in TIME, ELLE, HuffPost, ARTNews, Teen Vogue, VICE, and Inc. Magazine. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to bring to light stories that are often overlooked—especially those of cultural minority groups whose voices are buried in mainstream discourses.

My journalism is deeply tied to advocacy. I aim to challenge misconceptions and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly within the AAPI community, and I strive to bring nuance and empathy to these conversations. Whether it’s writing about DEI issues or diving into the intersections of technology and culture, I am passionate about stories that reveal deeper truths and inspire change.

In addition to my writing career, I serve as the Director of Events for the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) New York Chapter. Through this role, I help create inclusive spaces for AAPI journalists to share their experiences and elevate coverage of AAPI issues in the media. I’m currently working on partnering with more cultural institutions and icons to expand our influence, particularly through organizing events that bring journalists and the broader community together for discussions about the importance of diverse perspectives in the newsroom and beyond. Recently, I’ve moderated and organized events at Asia Society, Korean Cultural Center, and Cultural Lab LIC, where I led important discussions around the future of arts journalism, mental health in K drama, 2024 Election

My work isn’t just about reporting—it’s about building connections, understanding complexity, and giving visibility to voices that deserve to be heard.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, empathy, and resilience. These traits have shaped how I approach my journalism work and how I navigate spaces where I’m often the only one representing my perspective.

Curiosity has driven me to ask tough questions, explore new angles, and pursue stories that might otherwise go untold. For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be to stay curious—about the world, people, and even your own work. Let that curiosity guide you to dig deeper and challenge your own assumptions. It’s in the curiosity that innovation often happens. I often find my interview subjects on weekends when I am browsing vintage markets or gallery shows.

Empathy is essential, especially in journalism. Whether I’m interviewing someone or writing about underrepresented communities, empathy allows me to see beyond the surface and connect with people on a human level. Developing empathy is all about listening—really listening—and being open to perspectives that differ from your own. Practice listening to understand, not to respond, and you’ll find your work becomes richer and more authentic. I recently wrote an op-ed about ‘how to report for underreported’ for the Society of Journalists’ magazine Quill (www.quillmag.com)’s 2024 Fall Issue. If any of the readers wish to learn more about this topic, you can check the piece out.

Resilience has helped me push through the inevitable challenges that come with being a journalist of color in spaces that aren’t always welcoming. For anyone just starting out, it’s crucial to build resilience—whether through finding supportive networks, such as AAJA in my case, or developing a strong sense of self and purpose. The media landscape can be tough, but resilience will help you keep going, even when the road gets difficult.

To develop these qualities, I’d encourage early-career professionals to seek out experiences that push them out of their comfort zone, whether it’s through mentorship, diverse storytelling opportunities, or active involvement in community-driven projects.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

As a journalist writing on underrepresented communities, the biggest obstacles include overcoming preconceived biases from the editors and a seemingly “white newsroom.” Some of my big stories are only commissioned during AAPI month, and this is a problem. We should be heard beyond May.

In addition, engaging underrepresented communities is also challenging and requires intentional outreach and trust-building. It’s important that local news organizations go beyond hiring just one reporter of color to cover race and ethnicity. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) should be a newsroom-wide commitment, with all reporters incorporating these perspectives into their work. Relying on a single DEI reporter can lead to burnout and misses the opportunity to integrate diverse viewpoints throughout all coverage. Building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive culture where every journalist understands and values the importance of DEI can create more comprehensive and authentic reporting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xintianwang.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina_wangxt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xintian-wang1/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Tina_WangXT

Image Credits

for the panel moderator one for the header image, please credit: Celina Tebor
for the art panel at cultural lab, please credit: Vivian Cao
for my published pieces, you can credit the name of the publication appeared on the photo