Raisa Zaidi, Managing Editor, Central Desk & Editorial Partnerships
My background: I’ve spent the last 15 years in journalism across digital, TV and documentary. I was Editorial Director at Axios, where I produced the Emmy-winning Axios on HBO series, and before that, I was a showrunner for The Stream on Al Jazeera English, amplifying global voices and stories often missing from the conversation.
What I do: My work is about collaboration – building relationships, sharing resources and helping local stories reach more people, while making sure communities across LA feel informed, seen and more connected. I also focus on amplifying the great work already happening in LA journalism, as each newsroom brings its own expertise and institutional knowledge to the city.
Why LA?: I was born in Inglewood. Though I didn’t grow up here, it’s where my core memories are rooted – where my parents, who immigrated separately, happened to meet (shoutout to Pacific States University for the stars aligning!) and where I first watched my grandparents, aunts and uncles from Pakistan and Lebanon navigate this beautiful and complicated city. These are the journeys I want to keep illuminating.
The best way to reach me: raisa@thelalocal.org
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