A Wicked Good Story: Rutgers SPJ Takes on Power of Narrative Conference in Boston
“Shipping up to Boston” takes on a whole new meaning when opportunities such as attending Boston University’s prestigious Power of Narrative Conference come along, which is not often.
Over spring break, members of the Rutgers chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) traveled to Boston to immerse themselves in one of the most respected gatherings of narrative journalists in the country. For these student journalists, the experience offered a chance to enhance their craft and a powerful glimpse into their future careers.
The conference was held March 27–28, 2026 and brought together some of the most influential voices in storytelling, including documentarian Ken Burns, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sara Stillman, author Patrick Radden Keefe, and BBC audio journalist Asma Khalid. Through panels and workshops, attendees explored how to craft compelling nonfiction stories in an era dominated by fast-paced, surface-level media.
Associate Professor of Professional Practice and SPJ advisor Mary D’Ambrosio emphasized the significance of the event. “This is the top gathering of narrative journalists in the country, and I’m thrilled that SPJ has had the opportunity to participate for the first time,” she said. The students’ travel was funded by the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and by Department Chair and Professor of Journalism and Media Studies Lauren Feldman. For D’Ambrosio, the conference represented not only a learning opportunity but also a chance for students to engage with the broader journalism community.
Inside the “Power of Narrative” Conference
Sessions at the conference focused on topics such as high stakes interviewing, writing for audio storytelling, and navigating journalism in an age of disinformation. These workshops highlighted the importance of using multiple storytelling formats—video, audio, and long-form writing—to fully engage audiences. In a media landscape saturated with quick updates and “hot takes,” the conference underscored the lasting impact of narrative journalism. As described on the conference website, while breaking news may dominate attention briefly, narrative storytelling has the power to deeply influence how audiences understand the world.
For Emily Steele, a senior majoring in Journalism and Media Studies with a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media (DCIM), and SPJ’s social media manager, the experience was transformative. After earning a scholarship to attend, she described the trip as “once in a lifetime.” Steele noted that learning directly from industry professionals and well-known professionals allowed her to absorb an immense amount of knowledge in a short period of time. “It was such a great learning experience,” she said, reflecting on the opportunity to hear from well-known journalists and media figures.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference for Steele was seeing how classroom lessons translate into real-world applications. “I think the key highlight for me was just seeing how the lessons that I learned in the classroom can be applied in the workplace,” she explained. Observing professionals in action helped her bridge the gap between academic theory and the realities of the newsroom, reinforcing the value of her education at SC&I.
SC&I’s Role in Professional Growth
Steele also credited SC&I with providing opportunities that prepared her for experiences like this. From volunteering as a production assistant at the 68th Annual New York City Emmy Awards to attending CNN’s historic live broadcast of the Broadway play “Good Night, and Good Luck,” starring Tony Award nominee George Clooney, she said the program consistently connects students with hands-on experiences. “I don’t think I would have gotten this opportunity if I was in any other program,” she said, highlighting the school’s commitment to professional development.
Beyond the sessions, the conference also exposed students to powerful examples of long-term storytelling. Steele met filmmakers who had spent eight years documenting the lives of girls affected by parental incarceration. Their dedication to following the same subjects over nearly a decade demonstrated the perseverance required to tell meaningful stories. “It was so cool to see the culmination of their hard work,” she said, emphasizing how impactful storytelling can influence systems such as the correctional facility system.
“Parking was a bit of an endeavor,” Steele joked, but noted that otherwise, the experience was well-organized and rewarding.
Building Community Through SPJ
The trip also strengthened the SPJ chapter as a whole. As the social media manager, Steele captured photos and content to showcase the group’s accomplishments and inspire future members. “It gives us something to say that we did as a group,” she said, noting that even as leadership changes next year, the experience has laid a strong foundation for the organization’s future.
Ultimately, the Power of Narrative Conference reinforced the importance of storytelling in modern journalism. In a world overwhelmed by constant information, narrative journalism stands out for its ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
For these Rutgers students, the trip bridged lessons with tangible real-world insight, offering a meaningful glimpse into the world of journalism and the chance to connect with professionals they aspire to become.
