A new era begins for Go Ask Mom: Meet the new editor
Hello again!
Some of you might remember my previous posts for Go Ask Mom, but allow me to introduce myself - I’m Kathy Hanrahan, a full-time working mom of two children.
I started writing for Go Ask Mom in 2011 with a column titled “Training for Baby,” where I focused on getting in shape before I started trying to get pregnant. I was in the best shape of my life when I had my son in 2012, then life happened.
I began a new job as the editor for WRAL’s Out and About and settled into family life. Then, we tried to have another child and were hit with secondary infertility.
I blogged about my infertility journey (including three miscarriages, IVF and the eventual birth of my rainbow baby) in 2018 and 2019. I gained a lot of weight in the process and now I’m on another journey to get fit again. I’ve lost 40 pounds since January.
I love the Go Ask Mom community, so I was very sad to learn that current editor Sarah Hall would be stepping away from her position. She has done so much to shape this community on WRAL.com.
I’m humbled to be taking over the new position of WRAL Lifestyle Editor, which will oversee Out and About, Go Ask Mom and Smart Shoppper.
What does that mean?
New content
You will continue to get recipes, craft ideas, park profiles, tips on traveling with your children and a lot more. We have some familiar faces and a few new ones with children of all ages. We heard you loud and clear in our recent survey, you want more content for your older children and teens.
More voices
In addition to seeing more stories from me, I have gathered a wonderful group of parents and caregivers who are excited to meet you in the coming weeks.
Current WRAL reporter Nia Harden will be contributing stories about her family and new mom WRAL multiplatform producer Jessica Patrick will also be writing regular posts. Former WRAL reporters Tara Lynn and Sloane Heffernan will also be regular contributors.
What about dad?
In addition to stories from moms, we need some dad energy around here! We are bringing in WRAL’s Ken Smith and Bryan Mims and Mix 101.5 FM morning host Kyle Smelser to share their insight, experiences and maybe even a couple of dad jokes. We’re looking forward to bringing more dads AND other important family members who play important roles in families in the coming weeks and months.
New voices
One of the most exciting announcements is that we’re adding new voices right away! Let’s learn more about them.
- Kiara Ruth started The Banana Moon blog because she wanted to connect with readers. She is based in Raleigh and has a 5 year old son.
- Meka Harrell is a mother of four children who started blogging in 2017. This Raleigh mom has her own T-shirt line called, MomSlay.
- Tandra Wilkerson runs the Thriller Mom Blog. This Triad-based mom loves writing about adventure with her family and has even shared some of their trips on their YouTube channel.
- Amy Davis is a busy mother of three, web contributor for the historic Village District and a fitness instructor with FIT4MOM Midtown Raleigh.
- Nili Zaharony is mom to three little ones (ages 5, 3, and 6 months) that keep her constantly on her toes. She and her husband created the NC Triangle Connection to help others through the challenges of relocating to the Triangle.
- Stephanie Llorente is the owner of Restored, a faith-based business that delivers relevant resources and intentional community to working moms. She is a mother of two and based in Raleigh.
- Jamei McGee married her college sweetheart and the two have three daughters. She has been sharing their lives via social media for the past year.
I’m so excited for what’s to come! Let me hear from you! If you have a story idea or want to suggest a contributor that should be on our radar, email me at khanrahan@wral.com.
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Look for posts next week about each of our contributors!