CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister Shares Career Insights with Moorpark High Students

 

(Moorpark, California) Feb. 21, 2025—Seated before nearly 20 Moorpark High School juniors, Elizabeth Wagmeister spoke with an easy confidence, drawing in the students with her expertise and warmth.

The award-winning journalist, an entertainment correspondent for the global news network CNN, took time out of her busy schedule to share valuable insights on the evolving media landscape, the power of resilience and the importance of preparation in building a successful career.

The students, members of the newly-formed Superintendent’s Student Leadership Forum, listened attentively as Wagmeister spoke during the Feb. 19 lunchtime meeting at Moorpark High.

A leading voice in entertainment journalism, Wagmeister has built an impressive career covering high-profile stories and interviewing some of the most notable figures in media and entertainment.

Before CNN, Wagmeister spent nearly a decade at “Variety,” where she served as chief correspondent.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including an Emmy nomination for co-hosting and producing PBS’s “Actors on Actors,” multiple honors from the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards, and recognition from the L.A. Press Club. In 2019, she was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.

Wagmeister has covered every major red carpet event, from the Oscars to Cannes, and co-hosted the official Golden Globes pre-show in 2023.

During her conversation with Moorpark High students, Wagmeister reflected on her journey—from studying communication and multimedia writing at UC Santa Barbara to launching a career that has taken her from “TV Guide Magazine” to some of the most prestigious newsrooms in the industry.

She credited her success to hard work, adaptability and mentorship, underscoring that there is no single path to a career in journalism.

“Building a career is about being adaptable and seeking opportunities and mentors,” she told students, encouraging them to embrace growth and to not be too hard on themselves as they navigate their futures.

The Student Leadership Forum provides a platform for students to engage with professionals, explore leadership principles and consider how they can positively impact their school community.

Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays emphasized the value of bringing accomplished leaders to the forum, which began in January.

“This is about bringing outstanding speakers, like Elizabeth Wagmeister, to speak to our students,” Dr. Hays said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for them to hear directly from industry leaders about their journeys through education and their professional careers.”

The students had the opportunity to ask Wagmeister questions about her experiences reporting to millions of people and the role of fact-based journalism in today’s media landscape.

Wagmeister emphasized that journalism is about research, cultivating relationships and a commitment to truth. She urged students to evaluate news sources, emphasizing the risks of relying on unverified information.

She also stressed the importance of trusting your team and working collaboratively, as strong teamwork is essential to delivering accurate and impactful news.

“The industry has shifted from competition to collaboration,” Wagmeister said. “Uplifting others and working together is critical to success.”

Garret Brosler, a junior, said he was inspired by Wagmeister. He found her message about being prepared to seize opportunities particularly impactful, along with her advice to work hard, treat others with respect and maintain a strong work ethic.

"I really liked her advice regarding relationships and achieving your goals," said Ravi Rachanaikar, a junior. "Rather than competing with the peers around you, and hyperfocusing on reaching your goal as fast as possible. It is far more important to create a healthy environment where you support the people around you."

Following the forum, Wagmeister visited Moorpark High School’s Media Production Career Technical Education (CTE) program, where she met with students in Kyle Ray’s class and answered questions about the field.

She praised the CTE program for providing students with a significant advantage in their career journeys by equipping them with essential real-world skills while still in high school.

“This program gives you a tremendous leg up in your careers,” she said. “It really helps put you way ahead of others who want to go into entertainment or journalism.”

Wagmeister said she was impressed by the students’ “thought-provoking and sophisticated questions.”

“I believe in the idea of paying it forward, which is why I wanted to speak to the students at Moorpark High School,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see these students thinking critically about their futures.”