At Resolve, we believe that developing a strong, intentional, and multi-layered internship and fellowship program provides great benefits to the individuals who choose to work with us, to us as an organization, and to our industry at large. We greatly appreciate the value and expertise that all Resolve interns and fellows bring to the table, and our staff works hard to create a valuable, meaningful experience that will support them in their future endeavors.

Recently, we caught up with Ryan Moser, Resolve’s 2023-2024 Reporting Fellow, to learn more about his experience. Check out what he had to say below.

How would you describe this fellowship experience to others?

Enlightening. I learned so much during my 12-month reporting fellowship, and my colleagues went out of their way every single time to get me something I needed or could use for my projects. Three out of the four projects were articles I wrote on social justice that were published in many publications throughout the city of Philadelphia, and that would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the mentorship I received from Gene Sonn and Julie Christie, the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative, and all the other staff members that would stop what they were doing to help me. Jean gave me an opportunity like no other at the end of my term – she extended my fellowship so that I could host and moderate a forum at Temple University to discuss fair chance hiring in Philadelphia. The panel discussion was incredible and Resolve Philly was the lead sponsor.

How would you describe the culture at Resolve Philly?

I’ve never seen anything like the work culture here… from unlimited PTO to cautionary policies that protect the health of their employees to a free snack room and regular activities like ice cream socials, it was unlike anything I could have possibly imagined coming back into the workforce after 8 years. What impressed me the most was the 5 to 10 minutes we took before each staff meeting to have a team-building activity.

Looking back, what do you wish you would have known before starting this fellowship?

I wish I would have known that the word “no” is not used at Resolve Philly. I truly believe that if I had good intentions and a solid proposal, I would have been allowed to do anything I wanted to for my project, and that’s invigorating, and not typical of academic life, or media, for that matter.

What has been most rewarding about your work?

Being able to interview community members directly about how the housing crisis for formerly incarcerated people affected them, or how difficult it is to be homeless in Philadelphia when their main Office of Services is leaking funds and closing. Talking directly to people in the community of Philadelphia allowed me to get the real scoop on what was going on and how people really felt.

What’s next for you?

A couple of things. First, I have opened up another company called the Reentry Business Network in which I will provide corporate training to companies that wish to become fair chance employers and hire justice-impacted employees. I will continue to be a freelance journalist and try and effect change with my writing. And finally, I will continue to reconnect with my family and son and enjoy life to the fullest as I embark on my emerging career as a journalist in the city of Philadelphia with the help of my Resolve Philly family.