Monica Drake (journalist) facts for kids

Monica Drake is an important journalist and a top editor at The New York Times newspaper. She made history as the first African-American woman to hold a very senior position on the newspaper's main leadership team.

Early Life and Education

Monica Drake grew up in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Her mother, Kathleen Glover, was a doctor, and her father, Macarthur Drake, was a lawyer. She went to Yellow Springs High School.

After high school, Monica Drake studied at two well-known universities. She first attended Yale University. Later, she went to the School of Journalism at Columbia University. This education helped her prepare for a career in news.

Career at The New York Times

Monica Drake started her journey at The New York Times in 1998. She began as an intern, learning the ropes of the newspaper business. By 2001, she became a copy editor. This job involves checking articles for mistakes and making sure they are clear.

Rising Through the Ranks

Drake worked in different departments at the newspaper. She spent time at the Culture Desk, which covers arts and entertainment. Later, she became the senior Travel editor. In this role, she helped shape stories about travel and adventure.

Her hard work and talent led her to a very important position. Monica Drake became a deputy managing editor. This made her the first African-American woman to be part of the newspaper's top leadership team.

Innovative Projects

As an assistant managing editor from 2017 to 2023, Monica Drake helped create new and exciting content. She started a column called "Surfacing." This column explores unique cultures and communities from all over the world. It appears both online and in the printed newspaper.

Drake also once posted a job opening for a "dream" travel position. This job listing gained a lot of attention across the country. More than 13,000 people applied for the role!

Personal Life

Monica Drake married journalist Greg Winter in 2006.