ATLANTA With just a few months remaining before the 2017 Clark Atlanta University commencement ceremony, senior journalism major Dominique Sims achieved what many students in her position long for. She had her work published in a major U.S. newspaper, The Detroit News. Dominique wrote an investigative report on why no U.S. carmakers are pursuing self-driving vehicle technology for the disabled community.
Her in-depth report from the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit was part of the Discover Your Drive program for student journalists sponsored by General Motors. The San Francisco native was the only CAU student to participate in the prestigious program, and one of a handful of students from underrepresented ethnic groups.
“I’m glad I was given this opportunity to showcase my writing,” said Dominique. “Discover Your Drive gave me the opportunity to meet and work with media professionals and peers who share a common enthusiasm for journalism. I am humbled for sure.”
Dominique said she was motivated to write the story by her uncle who was paralyzed from the neck down in a shooting, and a desire to showcase HBCU excellence and defy all odds and negative stereotypes of black women. After her story was published Dominique said she received positive feedback from some automakers who now plan to re-evaluate ways to make self-driving vehicle technology available to people with disabilities.
After graduation in May, Dominique plans to attend the National Association of Black Journalists conference in New Orleans, pursue a summer internship in New York City and seek a permanent career as an international correspondent. To read her full investigative report in The Detroit News click the link: http://detne.ws/2jBbBak.
