SAIPAN-BORN Riane Capalad will join the Oprah Daily team at Hearst Magazines NYC as its newest editorial intern.
Capalad said when she first received word that she received the prestigious internship, she was moved to tears.
“I literally cried for half an hour. I was shaking. It was definitely a cloud nine experience. The journey wasn’t easy. I really had to put in the work. So, receiving the good news was definitely an ‘Aha!’ moment for me. Everything happens for a reason. You just have to open yourself up to the world of endless possibilities with a brave soul,” she said.
“When you dream, you might as well dream big and make it happen. This is my way of becoming a voyager in this generation: to dream big and let the waves take you to where you are meant to be. But I can’t wait to visit Saipan again.”
Capalad graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in multimedia arts in communication from Malayan Colleges Laguna in the Philippines in 2018.
She moved back to Saipan and worked for Marianas Variety’s advertising and media department.
She is now pursuing her master of arts degree in strategic communication at the University of Delaware.
“I lived a beautiful island life. Since I was a little kid, I already knew that my life’s meaning and work will always be as a communicator. I love to travel, absorb culture, and understand the perspective of others,” she said.
Quoting Ann Handley, author of “Everybody Writes,” Capalad said, “‘What matters now isn’t storytelling; what matters is telling a true story well.’ I want to create a true story, making people laugh, cry, and stop and pay attention.”
She said her grandmother is the reason why she started writing in the first place.
“My ‘lola,’ or grandmother, is a natural storyteller. I started listening to her stories about my grandfather when I was little. He passed away at 44, so I never had the chance to meet him, but I got to know him more every day because of those stories. I discovered that my grandfather and I have a lot in common. He liked sports, music, and the arts. He was the kindest and most loving human being, and he loved his family very much. I want to channel that beautiful human connection and influence people’s lives like how my grandmother changed mine,” she said.
Capalad said communications has led her to explore related concentrations, noting her experience in journalism, marketing, photography, and film.
She said she moved to the U.S. mainland to expand her education and pursue her dreams.
“A little part of me was scared and sad about leaving Saipan, but I knew that the island and ‘tasi,’ or deep blue sea, would always be with me wherever I go. I am a traveling culture,” she said.
Like many Asians and Pacific Islanders, Capalad said she was uncertain of how she would fare in the states.
“To be honest, it was far from comfortable. I really did take the road less traveled. I applied to so many media companies in New York, and none responded. It was terrifying for a moment,” she said.
However, she said she had a breakthrough when she realized that the universe was only pushing her to something greater than what she had expected.
She was led to the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program, or MAIP, under the 4A’s Foundation, beginning her journey there in October of last year before officially receiving an offer this past February.
“When I got accepted to the program, it opened wonderful opportunities. Now I can finally say that I am an incoming editorial intern at Hearst Magazines NYC and will be joining the Oprah Daily team this summer,” Capalad said.
“Coming from a place with limited resources should never be an excuse to not pursue your dreams in the big world. Never underestimate the power of will, and turn those dreams into reality. All things are possible. I am living proof,” she said.
Capalad said her current graduate studies is also helping her focus on developing persuasive messages using theories and ethics of communication, digital content creation skills, and industry-specific techniques applied to today’s fast-changing media.
She specializes in digital and social media content, which she said is entirely relevant to her new role this summer.
She said her past volunteer or community service experiences have also enhanced her skill set, namely her first ever fundraising event on Saipan, “Your Bento is a Hero,” in 2019.
All proceeds went to the CNMI Division of Youth and Family Services and the 500 Sails Dolphin Club.
“That was a memorable experience. I am so grateful to have family, friends, and the whole community become a part of it. Being immersed in a diverse community, I realized and learned many things that molded my perception of how life is supposed to be,” she said.
“I always make sure that I do my part to bring purpose and hope. It gives me a sense of connection and belongingness. My volunteering experiences in the community inspire me to tell more stories, write meaningful narratives, and create content full of life. And that’s what Oprah Daily is all about: ‘Moving forward with your purpose and living life well.’ ”
From this editorial internship with Oprah Daily, Capalad said she hopes to network and establish solid and meaningful relationships that will not only benefit her personally, but the CNMI as well.
“I know that it will be such an exciting job opportunity and that I am blessed to land on one of the world’s largest publishers of magazine media. I really just want to absorb all the skills and knowledge and be incredibly fluid in this experience, but most importantly, as a Filipina and a daughter of the Northern Mariana Islands, I want to bring my Pacific culture to the table and speak up for who we are, what we are, and where we are,” she said.
In the next five years, Capalad said she sees herself increasing her knowledge and skills in writing and digital media content strategy.
“I’m hoping to decide if I’d like to focus more on editorial or media production, since I also love working on motion pictures and films. I’m starting to write a few film projects. I hope to produce them someday,” she said.
Capalad dedicates all of her success to all who have believed in her and supported her since day one.
“But most importantly, my family, who became a significant part of my career life; my friends and loved ones who keep me warm; and God for leading the way. This is a collective effort and I am fortunate to have this constant support and love from the people around me,” she said.
Riane Capalad
