Charlotte Rene Woods joined Charlottesville Tomorrow as a reporter in March 2019. She has a B.A. in Journalism + Design from The New School in New York City, where she covered a variety of breaking and long-form stories and served as Managing Editor of the student newspaper.  She earned her M.S. in Multimedia Journalism from Virginia Commonwealth University where she fell in love with politics as she covered state and city government for various publications. In 2015, she wrote a long-form piece that examined Islamic State’s use of social media for self promotion with analysis from branding/social media strategists, counter-terrorism analysts, and a Syrian citizen journalism group. Charlotte also created a documentary film that explored Virginia’s existing and proposed gun laws during the 2018 legislative session. Her passion for constructive/solutions journalism lured her to Charlottesville Tomorrow where she covers land use and government. She is also writing a sci-fi novel in her spare time.

What makes Charlottesville-Albemarle special to you?

From the general size, layout, and proximity to mountains, it reminds me of the German town I lived in as a teenager. The downtown mall is very similar to parts of the marketplatz there.

Best part of working at Charlottesville Tomorrow?

Reporting and the super nice staff!

Ultimate Charlottesville Saturday?

I’m new in town, so I’m going to figure that out!

Favorite arts and culture venue in Charlottesville and away from Charlottesville?

I’ll learn my favorite Cville spots in time. When I lived in NYC, I enjoyed the museums, and performance spaces throughout the city. The people who performed in parks and subway stations for tips were also amazing!

Most interesting trip away from Charlottesville?

I was fortunate to grow up moving around the world. I’ve had a lot of interesting trips, and I don’t think I could choose a “most interesting” one.

What’s still on your bucket list?

I’ve been to Alexander Hamilton’s home in Harlem so now I need to see Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (and give the Hamilton soundtrack another listen)!