Ashley Ford, a freelance journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of “Somebody’s Daughter,” will join Free Press Indiana as the statewide women & girls reporter.
In her role, Ford will travel the state to meet women and girls in cities, small towns and rural communities and cover issues and topics of interest concerning their well-being.
This is the first hire of its kind for Free Press Indiana, founded in 2023 with the goal of filling news gaps in credible news accessibility and collaborating with partners in the Indiana news ecosystem. Free Press Indiana is the support organization for Mirror Indy, launched in December 2023 to provide community news in Indianapolis.
Ford, who grew up in Fort Wayne, spent several years living and working in New York City before returning to Indiana. She has written or guest-edited for many publications, including the New York Times, The Guardian, ELLE magazine, Teen Vogue, New York Magazine, Allure and Mary Claire.
“Thoughtful and engaging reporting on the experience of women and girls in our state provides a vehicle through which to examine all that impacts the quality of life for everyday Hoosiers–from legislative policy, to education, health care, housing and culture,” said Bro Krift, CEO of Free Press Indiana. “We are grateful to have such a bold and creative thinker join us on this journey.”
Ford, who lives in Indianapolis, will start her role on Sept. 29. Her reporting will be made available via Free Press Indiana’s websites, newsletters and social platforms. The content will also be free to republish for other newsgathering organizations.
The creation of this role is possible through financial backing from the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, with collaborative support from Indy Maven.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
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