XIOMIDIA

Representation is not just a theme in her work. It’s the foundation of her motivation.

Stories Beyond the Frame

Xiomara Saavedra is a senior Journalism student in the 3+1 program with a minor in Media Studies. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, specifically Coney Island, her connection to storytelling began early, shaped by the people, neighborhoods, and environments that surrounded her.

Seeing the Gaps

Throughout all four years of high school, Saavedra took photography classes, an experience that changed how she viewed the world around her.

As she photographed members of her community and spaces that felt meaningful, she began to notice a pattern: marginalized communities were often absent or misrepresented in mainstream media. This realization became the foundation of her interest in journalism and visual storytelling.

Representation as Responsibility

As a Latina journalist navigating a complicated social and political climate, Saavedra feels a responsibility to use her platform to amplify voices that are frequently overlooked.

Her work is driven by the hope of becoming a voice for people who feel silenced and by a desire to challenge harmful narratives that impact her community and others facing similar struggles.

Meeting Audiences Where They Are

Through her journalism coursework, Saavedra has learned the importance of understanding audiences and adapting content to meet their needs.

She is especially interested in finding creative ways to connect audiences with stories they may not typically engage with. This approach has shaped her interest in the ICM program, where she hopes to further explore how audiences interact with media across constantly evolving platforms.

A Project That Brought It All Together

One of Saavedra’s most meaningful interactive media projects involved telling the story of Susan McCaslin, a New Haven–based artist who blends visual art and storytelling in powerful ways. Saavedra observed McCaslin and her husband as they built an art installation at the Parkville Art Gallery, documenting the process firsthand.

From this experience, she created a multimedia website featuring a video capturing the installation process, an article highlighting McCaslin’s story, and original photography of her artwork. The project also included interview-style videos and a gallery showcasing McCaslin’s art studio in New Haven, allowing audiences to engage with the story through multiple formats.

Looking Ahead

This project brought Saavedra closer to the type of work she hopes to pursue professionally. As she works toward a career in magazine journalism and social media management, highlighting individuals and communities often overlooked in media remains central to her storytelling.

Across platforms, her goal is to create work that is intentional, accessible, and rooted in representation.