What Matters to Me and Why: Elaine Ray

Elaine Ray, Director of the Stanford News Service, will talk on "what matters to me and why." What Matters to Me and Why is a discussion and lecture series that encourages reflection within the Stanford community on matters of personal values, beliefs, and motivations in order to better understand the lives and inspirations of those who shape the University. All students, faculty and staff are welcome!

Elaine Ray joined the Stanford News Service as a reporter in 1996. Since then she has served as a reporter and editor of Stanford Report and has been director since 2001. Elaine first came to Stanford in 1995 as one of that year's John S. Knight journalism fellows. Prior to her Knight Fellowship, she worked for several years as an editorial writer for the Boston Globe, helping to shape the paper's editorial positions on such topics as civil rights, domestic violence, education, Haitian refugees and South Africa. She also spent many years as an editor and writer for Essence magazine, first as editor of the magazine's career and travel sections and ultimately as executive editor.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Elaine earned her bachelor's degree from Chatham College and a master's degree in journalism from Kent State University. Elaine's hobbies include creative writing, travel and African dance. She has a 13-year-old daughter, Zuri.