Alexa Doiron: The stories that made an impact and gave me a peek into human nature

Over the past year, I have written hundreds of stories for WYDaily but some of them stand out in my memory more than others.

Here are the stories that changed my perspective, made an impact on the local area and gave me a look into human nature.

1. Racial diversity in educational leadership

As a former student in the Williamsburg-James City County school system, I found it both discouraging and important to report on the lack of racial diversity in the division’s leadership. During my reporting, I was able to speak to other former students who provided a new look into the ways diversity and education can impact learning. READ MORE.

WJCC Schools staff is mostly white – with an all-white school board. Here’s how that’s impacting students

2. Colonial Williamsburg’s changing workforce

In reporting this story, I was able to sit down with one of the most interesting women I’ve ever met, Edith “Cookie” Heard. Over just one lunch, she told me about decades of change at Colonial Williamsburg from a minority perspective and even gave me a new outlook on life. READ MORE.

As changes come to Colonial Williamsburg, former union members look on with disappointment

3. Colonial Williamsburg breaks the rules

While Colonial Williamsburg is the staple of the local historic area, in this story I was able to learn the ways in which a foundation can create chaos and heartache for other locals. READ MORE.

This woman says Colonial Williamsburg is hurting tour companies in the area, so we sought answers. What we got was silence

4. LGBTQ Community Resources

In this story, I learned about the ways in which the Williamsburg community is not as progressive as I might’ve previously hoped. Through my reporting, I was able to learn from and inspire people in the local LGBTQ community to start making a change and provide greater resources.  READ MORE.

Historic Triangle lacks resources to create inclusive LGBTQ community

5. Finding acceptance after death

I spoke with a mother who had lost a son in Baghdad 12 years ago. Despite the loss still being difficult for her everyday, she has worked to overcome her grief and even started a support group in Hampton Roads for others going through a similar experience. READ MORE.

A knock on the door: How Hampton Roads mothers survive the deaths of their veteran children