It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I found a love for journalism after writing for the college paper, The Spectrum, at my alma mater, SUNY Buffalo. It was there that I learned how to craft compelling feature stories, conduct interviews, and weave narratives for print. Eventually, I became one of the go-to feature writers and was later asked to become the Features Editor.
It actually became a paid gig while I was in school. The paper was part of a grant program under the student union, and each of the editors received a stipend, which helped pay for gas for my beat-up Chevette that I drove back and forth from my parents’ home to campus.
That experience led me to a paid internship at The Buffalo News for two summers in a row. One of the veteran journalists there encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree at Syracuse University. He said, “Kid, you might try TV. You have the looks—you shouldn’t waste ‘em.” I laughed, but then thought—why not?
I knew Syracuse University was a long shot. The application required a 3.5 GPA or higher, and I had about a 2.7. I excelled in classes where I could create projects, but traditional testing wasn’t my strength. Feeling defeated, I confided in my mom, and she simply said, “God will make a way.”
So, I sent in my application, but I also included a portfolio with my Buffalo News articles and audio news stories I had done for the college radio station. I placed everything in a shiny bright folder, along with a makeshift business card I designed, and addressed it to the dean.
A few months later, a letter arrived at my home. Nervous—since most of my other letters were rejections—I opened it and was shocked: I was accepted!
The two-year program required me to work straight through the summers. I learned a lot, but when I returned home, I had no job. I sent out dozens of résumés and received dozens of rejection letters.
I had no idea how I would break into television news. I had no connections, unlike some of my classmates.
But over the years, I discovered something that changed my life: Your story is your power.
The experiences, struggles, and journey that shape you can unlock doors you never imagined.
Breaking into television wasn’t easy. I didn’t graduate and immediately land a reporter job. Most openings required at least three years of experience. Meanwhile, my student loans were piling up, so I needed to work.
I started applying for behind-the-scenes jobs—Master Control Operator, editing, in-studio camera work—anything to get my foot in the door.
I landed a Master Control Operator position at the local PBS station in Buffalo, New York. My job involved cleaning reel-to-reel programs—shows like Barney, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and Sesame Street—and airing them in the mornings.
After a year, I was frustrated. I didn’t want to stay behind the scenes—I wanted to be a reporter. But rejection letters kept coming.
A friend, an engineer, suggested I apply for a Master Control position at the local news station. At first, I dismissed the idea. “Why would I want to do the same thing I’m already doing?”
Then he said something that changed my perspective:
“You know how to edit, right? Watch the newscasts, write your own stories based on the footage the photographers shoot, and then ask one of them to record you doing a stand-up. That way, you’ll have a tape to send out.”
Genius!
I applied for the position at CBS affiliate WIVB and got the job. After work—sometimes at midnight or 1 a.m.—I selected stories, wrote my own versions, and edited footage. On weekends, I convinced photographers to shoot stand-ups for me.
I sent out those tapes, but most places still rejected me for lack of experience. Frustrated, I called Syracuse University’s Career Planning office. They told me about an on-air minority internship at the ABC affiliate in Rochester.
I put together my reel, followed up persistently, and finally got an interview with the news director. I landed the internship and became their weekend general assignment reporter.
Near the end of my internship, I saw an opening for a full-time reporter position at WGRZ in Buffalo. The listing said in bold: Three years minimum experience required.
“Well, there goes that opportunity,” I thought.
But my mom wouldn’t let me off the hook. “Girl, you better apply for that job. God will make a way.”
So, I sent in my application. During the interview, I shared my story—growing up in Buffalo, attending Bennett High School, and graduating from UB. I spoke about my love for the city.
To my surprise, the news director offered me the job on the spot!
At $30K a year, I was beyond thrilled. That job was proof that my story was my power.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in, and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I work as a reporter for the Black Information Network, covering general news and feature stories centering on the Black community.
Additionally, I’m passionate about sharing stories about the disabled community, particularly neurodivergent individuals. Since my son was diagnosed with autism at four years old, I’ve been researching and advocating for autism awareness.
Recently, I won a 2024 Gracie Award for my series, Black, Autistic, and Safe. I interviewed autistic adults and parents about how they conduct “The Talk” with their children, particularly in the Black community.
This work led to my book, Raising an Autistic Young Adult, where I document the transition from high school to adulthood for neurodivergent individuals.
Since then, I’ve been conducting research on higher education support for young neurodivergent adults. I’ve been invited to speak at my undergraduate alma mater and hope to spread this message to more colleges. Currently, only about 130 colleges offer specialized neurodivergent support, even though a significant percentage of students may need it but fear stigma.
I believe in the C.C.K.C.C. model—a concept I created:
Connection, Compassion, and Kindness Create Cash for Your Campus.
Whether it’s a university or a personal brand, success starts with connection.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
Never stop learning and never stop engaging with people who don’t look like you. Every interaction can be a learning experience that expands your perspective in ways you never expected.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success means:
✔️ Learning something new every day
✔️ Spending time with my family
✔️ Living a happy, healthy life
What’s next for you?
Who knows? That’s what I love about my job—I never know what story I’ll cover next!
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
You can find me at:
🌐 Website: estherdillard.com
📧 Email: esther@estherdillard.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Esther Dillard
🎥 YouTube Channel: The Color Between the Lines with Esther Dillard
