Connie Sage

After nearly two decades of working in media, Connie Sage learned about JAWS from Rosemary Armao. She immediately felt attracted to the group of strong, accomplished women journalists. Connie said a lack of self-confidence had often gnawed at her, but talking with these ladies infused her with a boost of courage. This was exactly the type of fellowship she had searched for throughout her career. Inspired by the women of JAWS, she returned to the annual camps whenever her schedule allowed. The professional nourishment she obtained at camp allowed her to carry the torch of mentorship to younger women in her workplace.

A teenage Connie Sage became smitten by journalism when she watched a TV program on reporters. Although her career aspiration came randomly, her fervent passion was anything but. She dropped out of college to devote her life to newspaper work. Without a university degree in hand, she worked a decade at the Syracuse Herald-Journal and then 20-plus years at The Virginian-Pilot, while eventually graduating valedictorian from Old Dominion University and winning a fellowship to Oxford University. After 30 years in journalism, she transitioned into leadership and corporate communications until taking early retirement. Most recently, she published a biography on Frank Batten of the Weather Channel and has done some leisure traveling.

Connie Sage sat down for the oral history interview on October 27, 2013, right before leaving the JAWS weekend camp in Essex, Vermont. She laughed while reminiscing on her youthful adventures in journalism. With a warm, radiant smile, she frequently expressed her love of mentoring and encouraging up-and-coming journalists.

( This interview was conducted by Youn-Joo Park )