New Startland reporter wants to immerse herself in KC’s culture of innovation

Two months ago today, I packed up the last of my belongings in my Columbia, Mo. apartment.

And to be frank, I was slightly embarrassed to be moving back in with my parents in Independence, Mo.

A recent graduate from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, it seemed that almost everybody I knew was headed off to work for big name media groups in New York or Washington D.C. Although I envied this lifestyle, I couldn’t compare apples and oranges. I didn’t want to be in an environment that was already big. I wanted to help something grow.

A Midwest girl at heart, I wanted to use my skills to cultivate community and plant seeds of inspiration here at home. A slightly prideful person, I get annoyed when people look down on my hometown. The more years I’ve been away in college, the more I’ve found myself protective and proud of Kansas City — especially during our World Series win.
[pullquote]“I could not be more thrilled to get the opportunity to report on and surround myself with so many inspiring people who are getting things done in Kansas City.” – Meghan LeVota[/pullquote]

I tried my best to stay strong in my transition to adulthood, despite the fact that everyday I seem to come across headlines that read “Attention Millennials: You Suck and Your Future Is Going Down The Toilet.” It’s easy to lose hope — especially for creative types. I’ve always wanted to put ideas into action in one way or another, whether that be music, theatre, political action, improv or sketch comedy.

I first got interested in journalism because I believe that communication is extremely important. Although newspapers may be dying, the flow of ideas cannot if we want to continue progressing as a society. At school, my emphasis was called “emerging media.” I did a little bit of writing, video, audio — you name it. I wanted to learn how to use my voice to spread ideas so I could create positive change.  

A fan of the podcast Startup with Alex Blumberg — which if you haven’t listened to yet, you should — I was excited to learn more about how to make ideas move. Although journalism is about using your voice, business is about action. As an idea person, it’s important to talk the talk and walk the walk.

I tried my best to not get jaded throughout my job search. After initially meeting Bobby and finding out what Startland News is all about, I was attracted to the positivity and futuristic thinking of the publication. I knew it was a mission I could get behind.

I could not be more thrilled to get the opportunity to report on and surround myself with so many inspiring people who are getting things done in Kansas City. I’ll be the first to admit, I have a lot to learn. I plan to immerse myself in startup culture so I can begin storytelling as soon as possible. Please reach out to me at meghan@startlandnews.com to say hello or offer up story ideas.

Can’t wait to hear from you!

Meghan is a Startland News reporter, covering Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community. Connect with her at Meghan@startlandnews.com on Twitter @StartlandMeg.