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Hi!
i'm Dawn
Sawyer,
A multimedia journalist
bringing you
fresh stories about
real people facing real issues
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The University
of Georgia
Bachelor of Arts
Journalism major with a minor in Political Science
My current role:
Livestream Coordinator
I am a part of CNN's new team, CNN All Access, where I produce livestreams and live shows for CNN subscribers.
SPJ Mark of Excellence Award - 2023 Finalist
Featured Story:
Remembering Devin
Read here to access the full audio & visual elements
Sharlene Willock’s dogs jolt her awake every day at 5 a.m., begging to be let outside.
“Kodie, it’s too early,” Sharlene says to the black labrador mix.
Between her and Sharlene’s other dog, Nova, Kodie is always the initiator of the two. “Go back to bed.”
Kodie doesn’t listen very often, but Sharlene can never stay mad at her. She is, after all, Devin’s dog.
Sharlene used to speak with her son, Devin Willock, close to this time in the morning, as he made his way to class at the University of Georgia and she made her way to work as a nurse practitioner in New York. The regular check-ins were like clockwork for the mother and son. Until earlier this year – until the day tragedy repeated itself for the Willock family, and he was gone.
Continue reading here.
With works featured in:
Employers
"Dawn has gone above and beyond her role as livestream coordinator to ensure both All Access and CNN.com have the best, newsiest, most dynamic livestreams available. She has also served as a mentor to her teammates as they hit roadblocks with livestreaming and has become a trusted source of knowledge on the team. Every day, I know Dawn will show ownership and excellent judgment as she works hard for the CNN audience."
Logan Whiteside
CNN All Access Director of Livestreams and Programming
"In a short time, Dawn has been able to show her skills as a developing journalist, making calls, vetting stories, researching and writing many feature stories for digital. She has been consistent on the National News Hub and has proven that she can do the work. One example; her first was a feature and event coverage on Harriet Tubman being honored as a one-star general. She was told by her editor that it was a very highly read story and was enjoyed by higher ups! She's also had another feature story that was her highest viewed, Elizabeth Francis, the oldest living American. Good job Dawn and keep up the good work!"
Cristina Hernandez
CNN Director of News Associate Program
Readers
"Thank you so much for this amazing article. I️ grew up with Devin and went to high school with him for a year. One of my earliest memories from kindergarten is of him. This was beautifully written. I️ am a senior at Penn State and some days I️ wish he would have stayed committed here and he would have still been with us. I️ also work for a media outlet as a photographer Onward State and this just amazing. Thank you again it brought tears to my eyes."
Sarah Lynn
Reader of 'Remembering Devin' article for The Red & Black
In their words
"I just wanted to thank you so much for the story you did about me as the Sponsor for the USS Beloit that was commissioned this weekend in Milwaukee Wisconsin. You are the first person who has EVER gotten the facts about me correct in the past decade! I am more grateful than you know."
Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson
The subject of the story, 'First Black woman major general honored as sponsor for US combat ship' for CNN
Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson
The subject of the story, 'First Black woman major general honored as sponsor for US combat ship'
More about me
I am a multimedia journalist who is passionate about documenting history as it unfolds and distributing this in ways that engages a variety of audiences. I also have a passion for public speaking and dance!