ABOUT MATTHEW YOSHIMOTO
My name is Matthew Yoshimoto, and I’m an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, studying history, public policy, and journalism with a focus on business and economic policy. I’m passionate about telling stories that amplify marginalized voices, make complex issues accessible, and inspire meaningful change.
This summer, I’m reporting for the Silicon Valley Business Journal as a Dow Jones News Fund intern, contributing to both local and national business coverage—including a focus on minority-owned businesses. To me, business is more than numbers; it’s what makes things happen. It shapes policy, drives innovation, and touches every aspect of our lives.
As a freelance journalist for AsAmNews, I’ve worked closely with veteran editor Randall Yip, whose guidance deepened my understanding of community-driven reporting. My features spotlight AANHPI trailblazers across industries—from Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and journalist Mina Kimes to NASA astronauts Leroy Chiao and Suni Williams—highlighting how representation shapes public imagination.
My reporting has also received national recognition. In May 2024, my story on Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su was featured in a Department of Labor news brief. That same month, my coverage of Eumi Lee’s confirmation as a U.S. District Judge was recognized by Senator Alex Padilla’s communications team. Both stories reinforced my commitment to reporting that informs, empowers, and elevates.
At The Daily Californian, I serve as Lead Business & Economy Reporter, covering the intersection of business, policy, and economic development. I frequently analyze city planning documents and economic impact reports to inform coverage on real estate, workforce trends, and local business issues. As Special Issues Deputy Editor, I led the production of a themed issue, mentoring junior reporters and working across departments to deliver high-impact journalism.
Outside of journalism, I’m a research assistant to Professor Jerome Karabel through Berkeley’s Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program, contributing to a long-term project on elite consolidation and wealth inequality in the United States. I’ve also worked with Dr. Nela Mrchkovska at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, conducting sentiment analysis on sermons addressing inequality, racial justice, and political opposition—work that strengthened my appreciation for how discourse shapes policy.
Across all my work, I aim to connect lived experience to broader systems—whether through investigative reporting, archival research, or human-centered storytelling—to help build a more informed and equitable public sphere.
Pictured with fellow Dow Jones News Fund interns on the CBS Evening News set — an incredible behind-the-scenes look during our week of training in New York.
Stopping by The New Yorker offices was a surreal experience — a chance to step inside one of journalism’s most storied institutions.
A hallway lined with decades of New Yorker covers reminded us of the power of visual storytelling in shaping public imagination.
Covering the “Future of Fremont” event in June for the Silicon Valley Business Journal — one of many stories focused on local business trends.
Catching a breath of fresh air with fellow interns on a rooftop in Midtown Manhattan after a packed day of newsroom visits and training sessions.
Sitting behind the CBS anchor desk, where we got a firsthand look at the fast-paced coordination and storytelling behind a national news broadcast.
Inside the legendary Vogue closet at Condé Nast — a fun and unexpected glimpse into the editorial process of one of fashion’s biggest names.
Touring the New Yorker's podcast recording studio at Condé Nast gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how audio journalism is produced and distributed.
A Story About My Story
Note: While I didn’t write this feature myself, it offers an external look into my experience during the Dow Jones News Fund–American City Business Journals training program in New York City, led by the incredible Garry D. Howard. Full credit to my colleague Christian Thomas for the piece. I’m also thankful to Professor Jerome Karabel for sharing such a thoughtful perspective — and for the kind words.
One look at Matthew Yoshimoto’s work and its clear representation is at the center of his inspiration.
With dozens of articles following his journey from grade school to undergrad, a common theme rests at the forefront–diversity.
Whether it’s an article about the first Vietnamese American astronaut in space, a lesser-known South Asian American political candidate’s ascent to a congressional seat, to an Asian American, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver’s journey to the NFL, his work highlights those he feels are often left out of the mainstream media conversation.
“A lot of the media that we consume is one or a few narratives, and that doesn’t really capture the overall experience in America,” Yoshimoto said. “There are so many different needs of different people that aren’t represented. I really want to bring that to the mainstream.”
When Yoshimoto (21) was first bitten by the journalism bug during his junior year of high school, he quickly ascended the ranks from writer to managing editor at the Monta Vista High School’s award-winning student newspaper, El Estoque, at the start of his senior year by telling stories just like that.
He credits a passionate educators at the school for pushing him to further explore his passion in storytelling. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoshimoto learned how important the profession could be when he published one of his first articles for the publication where he documented students’ waning mental health.
“Hearing people’s stories, hearing other people’s reactions to the stories when they read the articles, it was really interesting and something that I didn’t know I could make an impact this young,” he said.
After matriculating to the University of California, Berkeley in 2022 to study history, public policy, and journalism, Yoshimoto covered topics ranging from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) visibility, local legislation, campus protests, to small local businesses as the lead business and economy reporter for The Daily Californian, UC, Berkeley’s student newspaper.
Despite his Japanese and Chinese background coupled with his efforts to highlight members of the AANHPI community, he admits that it wasn’t until he interned with Asian American News (AsAmNews) for him to fully understand his culture.
“I grew up in a traditionally western household, so I didn’t really know much about Asian American culture,” he said. “I’m learning about my culture through this publication, through the people I’m talking to.”
This summer, Yoshimoto will intern as a business reporter for the Silicon Valley Business Journal as a Dow Jones News Fund/American City Business Journals intern where he looks forward to gaining experience working in a professional newsroom, forming connections with colleagues and sources, and learning more about his interests.
Yoshimoto’s work ethic has left a lasting impression on his UC-Berkeley research apprenticeship professor, Jerome Karabel. Karabel believes Yoshimoto’s meticulous nature and strong work ethic will allow him to excel within any newsroom he enters.
“He has the desire to get things accurate. He’s very painstaking in gathering information and he has a real talent in explaining complex ideas in a lucid and accessible way,” Karabel said. “Journalism would be lucky to get him.”