James Mae
(202) 505-3584 • Washington, D.C. • j.mae2920@gmail.com • LinkedIn
Platforms: WordPress, Substack, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.
Software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Google tools, Microsoft Office and camera operation (digital, video and film).
EXPERIENCE
Fellow, Ballotpedia (July – Sept. 2025) Washington, D.C.
- Researched and fact-checked candidate information and platforms for local, state, and national races.
- Coordinated Ballotpedia’s candidate surveys and responses, resulting in a ⅔ return rate.
Owner/Creator, Starlight Stories News (July 2024 – Current) Dayton, OH/Washington D.C.
- Produced over 20 multimedia stories on Substack and TikTok this year, growing audience engagement to 10,000+ viewers through engaging web and social video content.
- Investigate and report on policy, politics, land use, and social issues by leveraging public records requests, interviews, research, and public meetings to deliver well-sourced coverage.
Freelance Work
- Freelance Producer, Dayton Public Access Television (Dec–May 2025).
- Newsletter Writer, Institute for Independent Journalists (Feb–Apr 2025).
- News Writer, Society of Professional Journalists News Team (Oct 2023, Sept 2024).
Editor-in-Chief / Investigative Editor, The Wright State Guardian (Oct. 2020-May 2023) Dayton, OH
- Managed daily editorial operations and a team of 25+ reporters, producers, and editors, ensuring robust and accurate coverage on elections, state and local politics, and national topics such as vaccines and abortion.
- Oversaw preproduction and editing for weekly news coverage, including fact-checking, content planning, and layout for print and digital, leading to over 15 stories a week.
- Broke over 20 developing stories, conducted over five investigative stories, and oversaw the publication of Flight Magazine, Nexus literary journal, and other special projects.
Host and Producer, WWSU 106.9 FM (Aug. 2021-Dec. 2023) Dayton, OH
- Hosted 10 episodes of a news and talk show focused on local and national political issues.
- Booked over 10 guests, wrote 12 scripts, and edited audio for live and recorded segments.
- Coordinated with station engineers and producers to ensure technical quality and FCC compliance.
Additional Experience:
Campus Scholar-FIRE Free Speech Advocacy| Dec 2023-May 2024.
Social Media Manager- Wright State Campus Recreation| Aug 2023-April 2024.
EDUCATION
Master of Professional Studies, Journalism, Georgetown University (Expt 2026).
Digital Essentials, Photo&Video Storytelling, Ethics, News Writing.
Bachelor of Arts, Media Studies, Wright State University (Aug 2020-April 2024).
LEADERSHIP & AWARDS
Society of Professional Journalists:
- VP SPJ Georgetown Chapter(Sept 2025-Current).
- At Large Board Member: Freelance Community (Oct 2024-Oct 2025).
- Planned and coordinated conference sessions for the organization's annual conference.
- Assisted in writing the weekly freelance community newsletter.
- Hosted webinar for SPJ D.C. regarding FOIA and AI.
- SPJ News Team (Oct 2023 & 2024).
Wright State University:
- Received the Senior Leadership Award for excellence in leadership and community service (April 2024).
Grants
Written and awarded over four grant applications, leading to attendance at the Women and Journalism Symposium and funding from the Trans Journalist Association.