From Cannes to New York City: Communication Alumna Now an Associate Producer in New York City

As a communication major at the University of New Haven, Kayra Clouden ’18 immersed herself in courses, internships, projects, and extracurricular activities related to media. A staff writer for The Charger Bulletin, Clouden also studied broadcast media, and she gained experience at WNHU, the University’s radio station, as well as in the University’s television studio.

"The University of New Haven gave me a space where I could find my passion," Clouden said. "I was able to get involved in a multitude of media-related projects that allowed me to explore my interests and work toward my dream of becoming a full-time producer."

A producer and director for "Charger Bulletin News," the University’s student-run television news program, Clouden also launched, produced, and directed the student-led talk show "Politically Charged" with political science assistant professor Chris Haynes, Ph.D., which was nominated for a National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Student Award last year.

"The University of New Haven gave me a space where I could find my passion."Kayra Clouden ’18

While working in the University’s media services department, Clouden shot videos on campus, archived content, and expanded her knowledge of videography equipment while honing her leadership skills.

"I learned how to manage a team, practice patience, and keep my cool under pressure," Clouden said. "I had the opportunity to handle an entire project from pre-production to post-production on a weekly basis, which enabled me to understand the importance of critical thinking on the spot when things don't go as planned."

Clouden demonstrated her resilience outside of the classroom as well. During her senior year, Hurricanes Maria and Irma ripped through her hometown on the U.S. Virgin Islands, destroying her family’s home. With the help of one of her classmates, Clouden, who was a resident assistant for three years, organized a clothing drive on campus to benefit the devastated community. She later participated in a panel facilitated by Dr. Haynes advocating for more aid to the U.S. Virgin Islands during their time of need.

Despite the devastation of the storms, Clouden continued to excel in the classroom and at her internships at Sony RED Music and at NBCUniversal, where she worked on the Jerry Springer and Steve Wilkos Shows. Her post-graduate internship at Lionsgate during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in France and at Gizmodo Media Group gave her valuable industry experience.

"The University of New Haven literally changed the entire trajectory of my life. I learned to apply being a self-starter to projects that existed outside of my classes." Kayra Clouden ’18

Working as a video intern at Gizmodo led to her current freelance associate producer position at Jezebel, a New York City-based news organization that covers topics related to gender, culture, and politics, where her responsibilities include conducting research, producing interview shoots, editing videos, writing blogs, and booking talent.

"The University of New Haven literally changed the entire trajectory of my life," Clouden said. "I learned to apply being a self-starter to projects that existed outside of my classes."