Penn State alumna Joanie Vasiliadis, a journalism graduate from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, recently landed on Forbes’ 2021 “30 Under 30” list, which annually recognizes notable young professionals.

Vasiliadis serves as the vice president of digital content at Tegna, a company that supports nonprofit activities, serves the greater good, and creates a better future for the media industry. It aids local news stations in reporting the news and marketing their brand on a digital level. Vasiliadis currently oversees 49 newsrooms’ digital content across the US.

“We have fabulous news and digital directors in every newsroom. They’re the ones who do the great work. I’m here to support them,” Vasiliadis said in a release.

She has also strived for misinformation training throughout her company, constructed Tegna’s national desk, and brought Verify, its fact-checking franchise, into Snapchat.

Vasiliadis said she credits the resources, people, and support at Penn State for setting her up for her successes today.

“I am really thankful that the school prepared me to shoot and edit video and give me the tactical skills that you need,” Vasiliadis said. “It has a wonderful network. I felt very prepared.”

Vasiliadis attributed her achievements to those she has worked with during her time at Tegna. When she heard about her selection to be on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list, she said she felt both humbled and excited.

“There are just so many different people, different businesses, different minds on the list…It’s nice to be a part of it. I am very grateful, and I can’t say enough about my team,” Vasiliadis said. “They’re so supportive, and they are the reason I’m on a list like this.”

A big tip Vasiliadis has for those who have graduated or will be graduating soon is to be passionate about the work they’re doing.

“You can teach people how to write a better headline or edit a video,” Vasiliadis said. “You can’t teach people how to care about the work that they do and how to love their job and bring 100 percent.”

She recommended that young graduates exhibit their perspectives and their skills on digital platforms that fit today’s style since most local news has a hard time reaching younger audiences.

“[Applicants] who stand out are the people who produce vertical video with text on screen,” Vasiliadis said, “And have interesting music that’s ready for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.”