Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xintian Tina Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Xintian Tina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to the U.S. from Hangzhou, China, at 18 to pursue a career in storytelling. Growing up, I was taught to keep my head down, listen more than I spoke, and avoid standing out—a common mindset in my cultural upbringing. But I had an undeniable urge to challenge these norms. I wanted to tell stories, especially those of marginalized voices, and to create space for new perspectives.

At an international high school in China, I started experimenting with storytelling by creating videos and writing articles with friends. Inspired by media platforms like VICE, I realized my future was in mass communication. Despite my parents’ concerns about the “instability” of a career in journalism, I followed my instincts, choosing advertising as my undergraduate major at Boston University to gain a foothold in the media industry.

The biggest leap came when I decided to switch to journalism for my master’s at Columbia University, fully committing to my passion. It was a daunting choice—leaving behind a familiar path for something uncertain, in a foreign country, with language and cultural barriers to overcome.

The risk paid off. Today, I’m a bilingual journalist covering cultural stereotypes and innovations, with my work featured in outlets like TIME and HuffPost, as well as serving as the President at the Asian American Journalists Association New York Chapter. While the journey wasn’t easy—navigating cultural differences and proving myself in white-dominated newsrooms—I’ve built a career that aligns with my passion. It taught me the power of trusting my instincts and embracing discomfort to grow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Xintian (Tina) Wang, a NYC-based journalist and storyteller focused on breaking down cultural stereotypes and amplifying underrepresented voices. My work spans gender & sexuality, arts, business, and technology, with bylines in outlets like TIME, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, VICE, JoySauce, and Inc. Magazine. I’m also the President at the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) New York Chapter, where I create inclusive spaces for AAPI journalists and elevate discussions around AAPI issues.

My journalism bridges gaps and fosters understanding by tackling overlooked or misrepresented stories. From writing about the intersections of technology and culture to highlighting diverse perspectives in the workplace, my work challenges stereotypes and advocates for change. I also organize events and panels that engage with issues like arts journalism, DEI in the newsroom, and mental health in the AAPI community. Through my writing and events, I strive to create spaces where voices from marginalized groups can be heard and valued.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media such as Instagram and LinkedIn has been a journey of authenticity, consistency, and meaningful engagement. I focused on sharing genuine stories from my life as a bilingual journalist, particularly about navigating cultural stereotypes and amplifying underrepresented voices. By regularly posting updates, engaging in conversations, and providing actionable advice, I created a space that resonated with others in my community. Highlighting my work in outlets like TIME and HuffPost helped me reach broader audiences, while collaborations with organizations like AAJA deepened my connection to those who value advocacy and representation. For those starting out, my advice is to stay authentic, experiment with content, engage actively with your audience, and remain patient as your presence grows. Building trust and a loyal following takes time, but the rewards are worth it​.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation within my market has been built on authenticity, a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, and the ability to tell nuanced, impactful stories. What helped most was my focus on creating work that bridges cultural gaps and challenges stereotypes. By consistently producing high-quality journalism for not only mainstream outlets, but also AAPI-led magazines such as JoySauce, EST Media, and AsAmNews, I established myself as a reliable voice in the community with a specialty in culture, gender, arts, and technology.

Engaging with the AAPI community through my role as the President at AAJA NY has also played a significant role. Organizing inclusive events and panels has allowed me to connect with others in the industry while fostering a sense of trust and collaboration. My dual identity as a Chinese journalist in the U.S. gives me a unique perspective that resonates with audiences, particularly when tackling issues often overlooked by mainstream media. What truly sets me apart is my ability to combine storytelling with advocacy, ensuring my work not only informs but also inspires change.​

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xintianwang.net
• Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xintian-wang1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xintian-wang1/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Tina_WangXT