Ani Freedman
Born 2000 · Age 26
Journalist and photojournalist focused on health, environment, and community reporting. Graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2022) and Columbia Journalism School (MS, 2023). Award-winning reporter who freelanced for InDepthNH.org, served as a fellow on Fortune's Well team, and is Editor of Daily News & Digital Content for Athletech News/ATN.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Albany, New York
Ani Freedman was born in Albany, NY (birth year estimated).
Photographed Kavanaugh nomination protest in Geneva, NY
Captured images of Hobart and William Smith students protesting the nomination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh (photo dated September 2018).
Study abroad and travel photography in Spain and Morocco
Documented scenes in Granada, Spain (La Alhambra) and photographed in Chefchaouen, Morocco (both photo captions dated November 2019).
Documentary-style interviews with immigrant communities
Photographed and interviewed an undocumented Mexican immigrant, Antonio, in upstate NY (photo caption dated February 2022; field reporting in college years and after).
Served as Writing Colleague intern and community tutor
Worked as a Writing Colleague intern, served as a Boys & Girls Club tutor, and was active in campus clubs (Beautiful Minds) while at HWS.
Covered International Women’s Day march in Geneva, NY
Photographed and covered the Geneva Women’s Assembly march on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2021).
Interviewed and photographed local subjects (Antonio) — published portfolio work
Field reporting including in-depth interviews (photo caption referencing February 2022). Work contributed to honors thesis and portfolio pieces.
Attended Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference
Attended AWP Conference with Seneca Review (HWS news references attendance in the spring prior to Aug 2022 article).
Completed honors thesis on migrant and rural workers
Completed an honors thesis combining literary journalism and photojournalism focusing on migrant workers in the Finger Lakes; work conducted in both Spanish and English.
Graduated summa cum laude from Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Writing and Rhetoric and Spanish & Hispanic Studies; inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Laurel Society; editor-in-chief of The Herald in senior year.
Accepted to Columbia Journalism School (graduate program)
HWS News reported Freedman '22 will attend Columbia University School of Journalism starting fall 2022.
Began MS at Columbia Journalism School
Started graduate studies at Columbia, focusing on health and environmental reporting, Latinx coverage in Queens, South Bronx air pollution, and eating disorders coverage.
Photographed at the TCS NYC Marathon
Photographed and covered the marathon on November 6, 2022 (photo of Alexi Pappas and participants).
Investigated PFAS pollution in New Hampshire
Reported investigative pieces on PFAS contamination for InDepthNH.org that led to recognition and awards.
Won New Hampshire Press Association Rookie of the Year Award
Recognized for reporting at InDepthNH.org (award date not specified; tied to PFAS investigation).
Received Institute for Nonprofit News Community Champion (INNY) Award
National recognition for community-impact reporting (INNY) for investigation into PFAS pollution.
Earned Master of Science from Columbia Journalism School
Graduated Columbia Journalism School with an MS in May 2023. Master’s thesis examined normalization of disordered eating and exercise behaviors linked to diet culture and medical messaging.
Began freelancing for InDepthNH.org
After Columbia graduation, started freelancing for local nonprofit InDepthNH.org, reporting on local environmental and public health issues.
Joined Fortune Magazine as a fellow on the Well team
Served as a fellow reporting for Fortune’s Well team, producing in-depth, science-based health and wellness reporting.
Ongoing reporting on health, environment, women’s issues and immigration
Continued to produce reporting focusing on health, environment, women’s issues and immigration, leveraging Spanish-language skills for underserved communities.
Built local newsroom collaboration aspirations
Publicly stated intent to work with local newsrooms on both daily reporting and in-depth investigations to effect community and legislative change.
Became Editor of Daily News & Digital Content for Athletech News (ATN)
Served as Editor of Daily News & Digital Content for ATN; bylined numerous fitness, wellness and finance stories in late 2025.
Established ongoing professional profile as health & environment reporter
By 2025, Ani had an established track record: awards, Columbia MS, fellowship at Fortune, editorial leadership at ATN, and published investigative pieces.
Published multiple feature stories for ATN (Dec 2025)
Authored and edited multiple widely read pieces on fitness industry trends and investment coverage in December 2025 (bylines on ATN site).
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