Julissa Wilson

Upland, CA — Inland Valley News is expanding its newsroom with the addition of Julissa Wilson, a communications student at California State University, San Bernardino, whose passion for writing, community engagement and Black history is shaping her path into journalism.

Wilson, who is majoring in communications with a minor in ethnic studies, said her academic interests naturally led her toward a career centered on storytelling and public discourse.

She will join Inland Valley News as a journalist focused on issues affecting the Black community and the broader Inland Valley region.

“I really enjoy talking and writing, so I figured communications would be the right path for me to build on that,” Wilson said.

She added that she chose ethnic studies because of her interest in history, particularly Black history, and its continuing impact on contemporary society.

Wilson brings with her a strong commitment to community involvement and leadership. She said that when she first entered college, she struggled to find a place where she felt connected.

That changed when she became involved with Umoja at Norco College, a program designed to support the academic success of African American students.

“Through that experience, I was able to not only make friends, but to excel in my leadership skills and connect to people outside of the community,” Wilson said. “It was a great experience. I really enjoyed myself there.”

Her involvement eventually led to leadership opportunities, and after transferring to Cal State San Bernardino, she continued seeking ways to serve fellow students.

A central theme throughout Wilson’s journey has been creating spaces where people feel welcomed and heard.

“I felt the need to connect with people who feel confident enough to connect themselves because I’ve definitely been in that position,” she said. “When I do see people looking for somewhere to be accepted and catered to, that’s my forte. I just enjoy making people feel as included as they can.”

That commitment to inclusion aligns closely with the mission of Inland Valley News, which has served Black communities throughout the region for decades by highlighting stories that are often overlooked by mainstream media.

Wilson credits much of her success to a strong support system rooted in family and friends. As the oldest child in her family, she said she feels a responsibility to set an example and pursue opportunities that honor those who have supported her.

“I’ll be the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s, so I do it all for them,” Wilson said. “They have been such an amazing support system through and through.”

She also expressed gratitude for friends and mentors who encouraged her during challenging moments and helped her continue pursuing her goals.

Wilson said journalism appealed to her because it combines several of her interests, including politics, culture, media and history.

“I am super passionate about politics, culture, media and history, and I enjoy writing about it,” she said.

Her decision to join Inland Valley News was driven in large part by the publication’s focus on Black audiences.

She noted that Black media often receives less attention in the Inland Empire despite the important role it plays in informing and connecting communities.

Outside of journalism, Wilson describes herself as someone who is always exploring new interests.

One of her newest hobbies is DJing, a skill she has been teaching herself in her spare time.

“I love music,” she said. “Recently I’ve tried to teach myself that. And when I do have free time, that’s usually what I’m doing.”

A fan of hip-hop and rap music, Wilson views music as an important form of cultural expression and hopes to continue developing her talents in that space while pursuing her journalism career.

As she prepares to begin writing for Inland Valley News, Wilson said she wants readers to know that her reporting will be guided by curiosity, research and a commitment to serving the community.

“I will definitely be looking out for local issues and things of that nature that are specific to the Black community,” Wilson said.

With a foundation built on leadership, community involvement and a passion for storytelling, Wilson enters the newsroom eager to amplify local voices and help tell the stories that matter most to Inland Valley residents.