A.V. Benford reports on education for CapRadio, Sacramento’s NPR affiliate, and for The Sacramento Observer newspaper. A proud native of Chicago’s South Side, Benford was a staff writer and web editor for the South Side Weekly before joining Report for America. In addition to journalism, this transdisciplinary multimedia artist is also known for her work as a poet, cultural critic, chef and photographer and says the work is rooted in text and its creative applications for social change. Benford is a National Slam Champion and alum of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is also an alum of The Second City Outreach program, VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation) and WOW Cafe Theatre. Benford’s work has been honored by Chicago magazine, Circle of Voices, the Chicago Reader, the Fresh Fruit Festival and Young Chicago Authors, among others.
Beat: Education in Sacramento area
The reporter provides in depth radio and print coverage on a variety of education issues, including quality of public schools in Sacramento and access to technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.