Sharon Kay
Sharon is the CFA's Communications Manager.
My role in the CFA
I write and edit stories about CFA’s mission and the programs we support, including: the College and Career Lab, the James Weldon Johnson Professorship and our Pathways website. I collaborate with colleagues to create videos about CFA programs and events, and I write and produce the CFA newsletter to spread the word about opportunities for faculty—from mentoring to funding to collaborating across disciplines. Finally, I manage our LinkedIn page, and I work with NYU public affairs, the libraries, and other colleagues to share stories about faculty achievements.
Most enjoyable thing about my work
I love learning and storytelling. I am also energized when collaborating with colleagues and faculty. Even during remote teaching and learning, together we found new methods and technologies to overcome the distance, and to support one another. I truly appreciate the innovation, ingenuity, and flexibility that came out of this period. I believe that we still have a lot to learn and process about our remote and hybrid years—both personally and professionally.
I believe we still have a lot to learn and process about our remote and hybrid years
Sharon, earlier in her career, working on a documentary about radio astronomy and SETI for Discovery Channel UK
Proudest recent accomplishment at work
I am particularly fond of a story I worked on with public affairs about James Weldon Johnson, NYU’s first Black Professor, bringing attention to his remarkable life. I am also pleased that the Faculty Spotlight series I created as a less traditional profile to promote on LinkedIn has caught on, and that faculty are receiving accolades for their accomplishments.
Proudest recent accomplishment outside work
I learned to surf with my 13-year-old daughter!
What I’d do at NYU if I could switch jobs for one week
I would teach. Throughout my career, I have taken deep dives into so many subjects in order to write about them or produce videos and documentaries. Sometimes projects, or a science journalism fellowship, lasted the better part of a year, and by the end I pondered whether it was a subject (e.g. WWI history, radio astronomy, artificial intelligence, and global public health) that I wanted to continue to study and possibly teach. But ultimately I chose to move on to new subjects and tell stories that I hadn’t told before. For one week, I’d like to be an expert in just one field and teach diverse learners in a way that is meaningful to them.
Usheevii King
Assistant Vice Provost
Sharon has a remarkable talent for crafting stories, capturing the essence of and highlighting the humanity behind NYU’s collective academic achievement and successes. Her work has elevated the Center’s communications and helped to build connections and foster community in and outside of the university.
Jonathon Valle
Multimedia Producer
Sharon is a born storyteller with a unique talent for engaging audiences. Her ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner has been instrumental in advancing the CFA’s initiatives. She consistently brings a refreshing approach to projects and is an invaluable asset to the team.