Aala Abdullahi has joined The Marshall Project as an engagement reporter. The nonprofit reports:

“In this role, she will work closely with our engagement editor, Nicole Lewis, to understand the news and information needs of our audience, particularly those directly affected by the criminal legal system.”

Abdullahi commented:

“I’m beyond thrilled to bring my expertise in engagement reporting practices to The Marshall Project, a newsroom that has a track record of championing and producing community-driven journalism.

“I’m excited to work with talented and empathetic colleagues to find unique ways to reach new audiences who would benefit from ambitious journalism on the criminal justice system.”

Recently, she worked as an innovation editor at The Sahan Journal in Minnesota, where she led The Citizen Lab Project, which explores the news needs of Minnesota’s Latino, Somali and Hmong communities.

In addition, she has also worked at AJ Contrast, Al Jazeera’s immersive media studio.

Her work has also been recognized by the Institute for Nonprofit News, LION Local Journalism Awards, Shorty Awards, and the News & Documentary Emmys.

Abdullahi graduated from New York University.