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about lateefah

After graduating with a Media and Communications degree in 2015, I took my first steps into the journalism industry, fulfilling a long-held dream to become a journalist and eventually an author (a goal I’m still working toward). During my second year at university, I networked my way into an internship at Bauer Media, which marked the start of my career journey.  I wrote articles and blogs for startup magazines and interned at London Collections: Menswear for various fashion arts publications. In 2016, I landed my first paid commission with Black Ballad. However, after graduation, while striving for full-time journalism roles, I faced some challenges and came to a realisation: the financial stability I was seeking might not come from journalism alone. I decided to pursue freelance journalism part-time while building a full-time career in public relations—an area I had developed an interest in during university.  

 

Charity Communications

My first official PR role was as a Media Officer at the national non-profit Terrence Higgins Trust, where I discovered my passion for charity communications. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with several impactful organisations, including Internews, Friends of the Earth, and Black Equity Organisation. In each role, I’ve been dedicated to elevating their causes through strategic communications and powerful storytelling that drives meaningful engagement.

Freelance Journalism 

For the past six years, I’ve balanced a full-time job while pursuing my passion as a freelance journalist. This journey has taken me to incredible places, writing features, opinion pieces, and interviews for international publications. My bylines include: The Guardian, STYLIST, POPSUGAR, The Independent, Metro UK, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and Business Insider.  

 

Freelance PR Work

Over the years, I’ve also carved out a niche as a freelance PR consultant. My first part-time freelance role was with Coldr as a Communications Associate, where I pitched earned media opportunities to national and lifestyle publications for clients like eBay UK and Pinterest. In 2024, I worked as a freelance Communications Project Lead at leading gambling harms charity,  GamCare, supporting their campaigns around gambling harms.  I’ve also collaborated with creative agency  Archtype and worked independently with individual clients seeking to use earned media to raise their profiles.  

In 2024, I made the leap to full-time freelancing. I’m now focusing on offering freelance PR and communications services while continuing my work as a journalist. This shift has allowed me to pursue my passions with more flexibility and creativity, helping organisations and individuals tell their stories and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.  

If you’re looking for someone to help secure earned media, craft compelling narratives, or elevate your brand’s visibility, feel free to get in touch.

 

Let’s create something impactful together!  

9-5 CAREER HIghlights

jan 2023

Stories Manager

Friend of the Earth 

📝Created a Ethical Storytelling Guidelines document.
This 5000 word guide covered all the crucial considerations that non-profit professionals need to consider when engaging with storytellers and individuals with lived experiences.

🗣️Established a Stories Panel
Proposed and Managed a panel of different members across the organisation who helped to identify potential story leads.

🖥️ Developed an internal SharePoint page

Produced an internal hub for all staff to access everything related to storytelling.

april 2021- dec 2022

Press Officer

Internews

Earth Journalism Network media partnership for COP26

Led the organisation's first media partnership with the national newspaper, The Scotsman, ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP26).

Find out more about the partnership here

june 2012-

april 2021

Media Officer 

Terrence Higgins Trust 

Produced a media strategy and content ideas for National HIV Testing Week, surpassing campaign objectives and media KPIs. Secured coverage in 25 media outlets, including broadcast and radio platforms, exceeding the initial target of 10.

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