Congratulations to Grace Billups Arnold, Zebra’s new Community Editor!
Grace Billups Arnold joined the Zebra in October 2020. She started as an intern then was the publication’s principal community reporter since January 2021. Read about her exciting new role with The Zebra!
Alexandria, VA – Grace Billups Arnold joined the Zebra in October 2020. She started as an intern and quickly picked up everything she could, from selling ads and website design to live video reporting on the street and in-studio producing to writing regular community features and cover stories. She’s been the publication’s principal community reporter since January 2021.
“Now a regular around town who knows the ropes and the people pulling them, Grace is taking the reins as Zebra’s Community Editor effective immediately. Not only will she continue to be the lead reporter, but she will expand her role by starting to make the tough calls on editorial assignments and overall direction for community coverage,” says Zebra Publisher Mary Wadland.
“I am extremely grateful for Zebra, for everyone here, and everything they have taught me. It is a blessing and an honor to be working in my preferred field right out of college,” says Arnold.
Graduating with a double major in English and Classics and a minor in Comparative Literature from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota, Arnold did not anticipate coming to the D.C. area after college. She was set to attend Columbia University’s Publishing Course, but alas, the plans of the 2020 graduating class were either halted or overhauled due to the pandemic.
“I worked for my dad that summer, doing marketing and copywriting, and then came out here to live with my boyfriend,” Arnold says. “I started passing my resume around, and Zebra decided to give me a shot. The rest is history.”
“We love her creative ideas, her work ethic, and her positive energy. Grace is a huge asset to the Zebra and the Alexandria community as a whole,” added Wadland.
You can find Grace Arnold around Alexandria covering events, doing social media, meeting with residents, and photographing our lovely city. When she is not working in Alexandria, she lives in D.C. with her boyfriend and her dog, Periwinkle.
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