Alexis Winston, a 2017 graduate of Pace University with a BA in Film and Screen Studies, has joined The New York Times as a video production and planning coordinator. In this new position on the reporter video team, Winston acts as a link between producers, journalists, and the operations team to help create high-quality video content that supports the organization’s reporters.
“This is a brand-new role on the reporter video team, where I serve as a conduit between producers, journalists, and the operations team to execute high-quality video content that supports some of the most renowned reporters in the world. It’s deeply meaningful work, to contribute to one of the most respected news organizations on the planet, where our goal every day is to serve the public with accurate, thoughtful, and engaging journalism. Helping to bring that mission to life through video feels both purposeful and humbling,” said Winston.
Winston described her career path since graduating from Pace as “perfectly imperfect.” She spent about eight years freelancing in film production before moving into corporate roles after working at Paramount. She also worked at Condé Nast before joining The New York Times. Her experience includes periods of unemployment during industry disruptions caused by COVID-19 and labor strikes.
Winston’s interest in film began early in childhood and was fostered by family movie nights and participation in her high school’s film club. “My love for movies began when I watched Mississippi Burning at just three years old, from beginning to end. From there, it grew through family movie nights at the Regal Theater in Peekskill and later in my high school’s film club, which happened to host the largest high school film festival in the country. Choosing film as a major was an easy decision. I wanted to study in the heart of New York City, where the streets themselves feel like a film set. I’m grateful to my parents for supporting my dream, because I can’t imagine having chosen any other path.”
She credits Pace University for its values of ambition, inclusivity, and real-world experience: “I chose Pace not just because of the scholarship opportunities I received, but because of what the university stands for: ambition, inclusivity, and real-world experience. Pace always felt like the place where hard work met opportunity, and it truly was. I saw that through my friends and classmates, who constantly inspired me to push myself. With the concrete jungle as our campus, I naturally adopted the hustle mentality that New York City demands. That drive stayed with me and became the foundation for how I approach my career today.”
Winston explained how her studies at Pace prepared her for professional life: “Pace was where I learned to take my dreams seriously. It was the first time that working in film felt tangible, something I could actually pursue. I used every opportunity, even in non-film classes, to create video projects instead of essays… Through Pace, I learned how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and turn my passion into a profession.”
She cited Professor Amy Zilliax from Pace’s Film and Screen Studies department as particularly influential: “Professor Amy Zilliax… helped me connect film to the larger human experience… Her classes didn’t just teach film; they taught perspective, empathy, and curiosity.”
Reflecting on her time at university Winston said: “New York has seen me through every version of myself. As a Pace student… There were moments of loneliness… but Pace gave me strength.”
To current students she offered advice: “To current students… your time will come. Don’t rush it… never give up.”
