Daesha Gear: Shaping the Future of Journalism

She’s an up-and-comer, thanks to RCC.

Daesha Gear, a 2020 graduate of Etiwanda High in Rancho Cucamonga, entered RCC’s journalism program in the spring of 2021. Later that fall, she joined the Viewpoints staff and immediately assumed the leadership role of opinions editor. In the spring of ’22, she moved over to become the assistant news editor, and she didn’t shy away from hard news, tackling such topics as Title IX and RCC’s then-president Gregory Anderson’s removal.

After two years at RCC, Gear graduated with an Associate of Arts in Journalism for Transfer Degree in May of ’22 and headed south to San Diego State University, where she was accepted into the competitive journalism program. She joined The Daily Aztec, an independent SDSU student-run newspaper, and became a National Association of Black Journalists member, taking on the treasurer role.

With much talent and a bit of luck, she beat out hundreds of applicants to secure an internship this past summer with NBC 7 San Diego.

“It was a rewarding journey— from writing articles to shadowing various departments — in my first-hand experience in a professional newsroom,” Gear said. “This internship is something I will never take for granted as I was able to expand my knowledge of journalism and learn from professionals.”

That same summer, she had been informed that she would become the first African-American female to lead The Daily Aztec as the editor-in-chief for the 2023-24 academic year. In this role, Gear is responsible for the content nine sections produce daily, ranging from a live broadcast, news stories, and even social media posts.

Gear is featured in a recent profile by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

“I began my career in journalism two years ago, and all of the opportunities that came to me are unbelievable,” Gear says. “Just expressing my interest in Viewpoints has cultivated so much growth for me, and I am devoted to continuing to achieve greatness while also helping others along the way.”

She is expected to graduate in spring 2024 with a bachelor's degree in journalism-media studies.