Stacy-Marie Ishmael's natural curiosity and ability to quickly shift focus were key motivators in her decision to pursue a career in journalism. "I love learning new things, and I have a short attention span," says Ishmael, who is currently the Executive Editor for Digital Assets, Digital Payments, and Cross Asset at Bloomberg. "These traits are essential for a journalist."
In this article, adapted from an interview on TheMuse.com, Ishmael discusses what attracted her to journalism, the importance of diverse newsrooms, and why she enjoys working at Bloomberg.
What Drew Her to Journalism — and Why She Stays
Ishmael’s journey into journalism began in college, where she became involved with campus media, managing the university radio station and contributing to the TV station, newspaper, and magazine. These experiences sparked her passion and led to her first job in the field.
“The magazine was what truly set me on the path to journalism. I often interviewed high-profile individuals,” she explains. “One of those interviews was with a talent head at a publishing company, who encouraged me to apply for a graduate training program. That advice marked the start of my long career in media.”
After holding senior roles at the Financial Times, Apple, and the Texas Tribune, Ishmael joined Bloomberg in 2021 as the Managing Editor for Crypto, overseeing a team of reporters and editors covering cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and decentralized finance. She transitioned to her current role as Executive Editor in March 2024.
Every day brings something new and exciting, she notes. “I start each day wondering what will happen next. Markets are constantly reacting to global events, and there’s a lot of upheaval in various ways.”
Advocating for Diverse Newsrooms
Ishmael has been vocal about her experiences as a woman of color in a predominantly male industry. “When I was younger, I was often the only person who looked like me in the room, covering stories or events. Sometimes, I used that to my advantage—if someone underestimated me, I could turn it into a better story. It was important to approach those moments with humility, but it also fueled my drive to change the narrative about who belongs in these spaces.”
However, she emphasizes that you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. “It’s crucial to have a supportive group of people you can trust. You need people who will be honest with you, support you, and hold you accountable. One common mistake is being over-mentored but under-sponsored—meaning you get a lot of advice but not enough actionable support from people in positions of power. I was fortunate to have mentors who took concrete steps to help advance my career.”
Today, Ishmael gives back by serving on the board of Catchlight, an organization focused on visual storytelling, and the board of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism CUNY Foundation. “I stay involved because of the students [Newmark] attracts—recent immigrants, first-generation college students, multilingual students, and those from lower-income backgrounds. These are the people often missing in your average newsroom.”
Connecting the Dots on a Global Scale
One of Ishmael's favorite aspects of working at Bloomberg is the access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. "I’m surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable people, and I learn from them every day. In any Bloomberg newsroom, you can find one of the leading experts on almost any topic just a desk or two away."
This expertise allows Bloomberg to tell more comprehensive stories, she adds. “For instance, we can help our audiences see how events in Ukraine are contributing to rising gas prices. Connecting these dots across different areas is something we’re uniquely equipped to do.”
She also appreciates Bloomberg’s philanthropic efforts. “It’s rewarding to see how this giving back impacts the world, and it feels good to know that, in my own small way, I’m contributing to that work.”
Accommodations
Bloomberg is committed to being an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and in the workplace. If you need any adjustments to assist you in applying for a position, please let us know. Examples of accommodations may include modifying the application process or work procedures, providing documents in alternative formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter, or offering specialized equipment. To request an accommodation for your job application, please email the appropriate regional contact: AMER_recruit@bloomberg.net (Americas), EMEA_recruit@bloomberg.net (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), or APAC_recruit@bloomberg.net (Asia-Pacific).
Equal Opportunity
Bloomberg is dedicated to maintaining a non-discriminatory employment policy. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and access to all individuals, ensuring that we attract, retain, develop, and promote the most qualified candidates. This commitment applies regardless of age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, parental or caregiving responsibilities, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other category protected by law. Bloomberg strictly prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees based on any of these protected characteristics in all aspects of employment.
In this article, adapted from an interview on TheMuse.com, Ishmael discusses what attracted her to journalism, the importance of diverse newsrooms, and why she enjoys working at Bloomberg.
What Drew Her to Journalism — and Why She Stays
Ishmael’s journey into journalism began in college, where she became involved with campus media, managing the university radio station and contributing to the TV station, newspaper, and magazine. These experiences sparked her passion and led to her first job in the field.
“The magazine was what truly set me on the path to journalism. I often interviewed high-profile individuals,” she explains. “One of those interviews was with a talent head at a publishing company, who encouraged me to apply for a graduate training program. That advice marked the start of my long career in media.”
After holding senior roles at the Financial Times, Apple, and the Texas Tribune, Ishmael joined Bloomberg in 2021 as the Managing Editor for Crypto, overseeing a team of reporters and editors covering cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and decentralized finance. She transitioned to her current role as Executive Editor in March 2024.
Every day brings something new and exciting, she notes. “I start each day wondering what will happen next. Markets are constantly reacting to global events, and there’s a lot of upheaval in various ways.”
Advocating for Diverse Newsrooms
Ishmael has been vocal about her experiences as a woman of color in a predominantly male industry. “When I was younger, I was often the only person who looked like me in the room, covering stories or events. Sometimes, I used that to my advantage—if someone underestimated me, I could turn it into a better story. It was important to approach those moments with humility, but it also fueled my drive to change the narrative about who belongs in these spaces.”
However, she emphasizes that you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. “It’s crucial to have a supportive group of people you can trust. You need people who will be honest with you, support you, and hold you accountable. One common mistake is being over-mentored but under-sponsored—meaning you get a lot of advice but not enough actionable support from people in positions of power. I was fortunate to have mentors who took concrete steps to help advance my career.”
Today, Ishmael gives back by serving on the board of Catchlight, an organization focused on visual storytelling, and the board of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism CUNY Foundation. “I stay involved because of the students [Newmark] attracts—recent immigrants, first-generation college students, multilingual students, and those from lower-income backgrounds. These are the people often missing in your average newsroom.”
Connecting the Dots on a Global Scale
One of Ishmael's favorite aspects of working at Bloomberg is the access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. "I’m surrounded by incredibly knowledgeable people, and I learn from them every day. In any Bloomberg newsroom, you can find one of the leading experts on almost any topic just a desk or two away."
This expertise allows Bloomberg to tell more comprehensive stories, she adds. “For instance, we can help our audiences see how events in Ukraine are contributing to rising gas prices. Connecting these dots across different areas is something we’re uniquely equipped to do.”
She also appreciates Bloomberg’s philanthropic efforts. “It’s rewarding to see how this giving back impacts the world, and it feels good to know that, in my own small way, I’m contributing to that work.”
Accommodations
Bloomberg is committed to being an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and in the workplace. If you need any adjustments to assist you in applying for a position, please let us know. Examples of accommodations may include modifying the application process or work procedures, providing documents in alternative formats, arranging for a sign language interpreter, or offering specialized equipment. To request an accommodation for your job application, please email the appropriate regional contact: AMER_recruit@bloomberg.net (Americas), EMEA_recruit@bloomberg.net (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), or APAC_recruit@bloomberg.net (Asia-Pacific).
Equal Opportunity
Bloomberg is dedicated to maintaining a non-discriminatory employment policy. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and access to all individuals, ensuring that we attract, retain, develop, and promote the most qualified candidates. This commitment applies regardless of age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, parental or caregiving responsibilities, disability, pregnancy, protected veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other category protected by law. Bloomberg strictly prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees based on any of these protected characteristics in all aspects of employment.