RNA Regional Gathering Brings Religion Journalists Together in New York City

On Saturday, March 21, RNA members gathered at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 in East Harlem for a regional meet-up bringing together religion journalists from across New York City and the Mid-Atlantic. The afternoon began with informal networking over Joe’s Coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts before organizer Richa Karmarkar led a group icebreaker.

Attendees included not only journalists but also poets, nonprofit organizers, and public relations professionals representing religious organizations — all connected by a shared understanding that “faith is always in the room.” During the icebreaker, participants shared how they are staying grounded during the current news cycle and posed questions to others in the group, sparking lively conversation and new connections.

Participants expressed enthusiasm about continuing to meet as a group in the future.

RNA is excited to see strong interest in regional gatherings like this one, which build connections among religion journalists outside the annual conference. The New York meet-up follows a similar gathering last month in the Pacific Northwest hosted at Washington State University.

The event was made possible thanks to the La Fortaleza Community Development Corporation, which supports cultural and economic initiatives in El Barrio/East Harlem.