Greetings!

Sierra A. Porter is a Georgia State University alumna, graduating in May 2018 with a B.A. in journalism. As an accomplished journalist, she has interviewed prominent figures in media and entertainment, including Bobby Brown, Cee Lo Green, Jermaine Dupri, KISS’ Paul Stanley, Andre 3000, Boyz II Men, and more. 

Porter previously served as an entertainment writer for The Des Moines Register and was awarded the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)-New York University Journalism Scholarship for the Magazine and Digital Storytelling program.

In 2021, she earned the Sheila Brooks NABJ Entrepreneur Scholarship and gained valuable experience interning at LinkedIn News, The New York Post, and Billboard. During her time at NYU, Porter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type II after years of being misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and severe depression. She faced immense challenges, including suicidal ideation, attempts, and multiple hospitalizations spanning from Georgia to New York.

Although she achieved significant success as an entertainment journalist, Porter became disenchanted with the industry and shifted her focus to music commentary. Struggling with substance abuse and dissatisfaction with the industry, she took a step back from writing, explored other gigs, and pursued a third degree in corporate communications and public relations at Georgetown University.

Determined to confront her mental health challenges, Porter made the life-changing decision to quit alcohol and wrote a deeply personal 14-page essay detailing her journey to diagnosis and recovery. Inspired to help others, she began volunteering for mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) through their In Our Own Voice program.