Journalist Author Media Founder
My story begins in South Central, L.A.
I’m Tina Sampay, known as Slauson Girl—a journalist, author and media founder from South Central Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts in Critical Race and Gender Studies.
My academic background informs how I examine race, gender and power, connecting the stories I cover to the history and systems behind them.
I’m the founder and CEO of Slauson Girl Media Group, a Black woman-owned news and media organization based in Los Angeles. Through reporting, books, podcasts and video interviews, I center community voices and tell the stories shaping Los Angeles.
Journalist
I cover local news, community affairs and political and social issues affecting Black and Brown communities.
Author
I share my journey in Slauson Girl: The Journey of a Black Journalist in South Central.
Media Founder
I founded Slauson Girl Media Group to deliver local news and insight rooted in South Central and South Los Angeles, with coverage across the broader Los Angeles area.
My journey
From the campus newsroom to community reporting.
A foundation in journalism
Finding my voice on campus
For two semesters, I worked as a writer, photographer and reporter for my university’s student-run weekly campus newspaper. That newsroom experience built my foundation in reporting and visual storytelling.
My weekly college newspaper column, Slauson Girl Speaks, earned accolades in a multi-state college journalism competition. I went on to serve as Opinion Editor.
Reporting beyond Los Angeles
Following the story
My work has appeared in The Grio, BET, Rolling Out, L.A. Focus and The Wave.
After George Floyd’s death in 2020, I traveled to Minneapolis to report on the aftermath and interview the owner of Cup Foods.
2023 · Community recognition
An Unsung Hero honor
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan recognized me as an Unsung Hero through the California Legislative Black Caucus’s Black History Month award.
I received a resolution and attended a reception at the state Capitol in Sacramento in recognition of my work serving the community.
The purpose behind my work
Community voices. Stories with context.
Born and raised in South Central, I cover my community and the broader Los Angeles area. I work to broaden how girls and women from inner-city communities are seen and heard. My journalism connects local experiences with wider conversations about race, culture and power.
Explore my work
Books, podcasts & video interviews.
My book
Slauson Girl
The Journey of a Black Journalist in South Central
Explore my journey as a Black journalist from South Central Los Angeles.
Visit Slauson Girl PublishingListen
Slauson Girl Podcast
Hear my conversations with the people behind the stories.
Listen to the podcastWatch
Video interviews
Explore my interviews and reporting on camera.
Watch the interviewsReporting, interviews & recognition
Notable work.
- Community recognitionLocal journalist Tina “Slauson Girl” Sampay honored as an Unsung Hero
- Video interviewCompton Mayor Aja Brown on her decision not to run for re-election and her endorsement
- The GrioJanelle Monáe brings Wondalunch to Watts with local organizations and Rep. Maxine Waters
- The GrioMom reacts to Ed Buck conviction in fatal overdoses of Black gay men
- Community reportingMorehouse graduates team up with local rappers for an East Oakland charity event
- Rolling OutCrenshaw community reacts to Louis Farrakhan’s speech at Nipsey Hussle’s store
- InterviewTina Sampay provides a media outlet for inner-city youth
- L.A. FocusFuture of the Crenshaw Mall in question despite community push to purchase the property
Bookings & collaborations
Let’s work together.
Contact me about speaking, hosting, panel moderation, interviews or editorial collaborations. Share your project, dates and the details you’d like me to know.