Portfolio

Selected Work

Features, investigations, and essays in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, HISTORY, Newsweek, and more

The New York Times·◆ NAREE Gold Award, Best International Real Estate Article

Blaxit: Tired of Racism, Black Americans Try Life in Africa

The growing movement of Black Americans relocating to nations across Africa, building homes and finding communities free from discrimination.

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The New York Times

The Case for Paying All Teachers Six Figures

Entry-level Facebook engineers earn over $100,000. Teachers start at under $40,000. A former educator makes the case for change.

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Wall Street Journal

Want to Live Like a Local While Traveling

Tips and insights on immersive travel experiences that go beyond the tourist trail.

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The New York Times

Female Real Estate Developers Face Discrimination at Every Turn

An investigation into the blatant discrimination that many women developers must overcome in the real estate industry.

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The New York Times

Latino Families Make Home-Buying a Multigenerational Collaboration

How Latino families are pooling resources across generations to navigate the housing market and achieve homeownership.

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The New York Times

A Cannabis Farm, an Antiques Dealer, and the Charm of Upstate

Exploring unusual properties and lifestyles in upstate New York's real estate market.

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The New York Times

Selling Houses While Black

Black agents make up only 6% of real estate agents. An investigation into the discrimination they face from other agents, buyers, and sellers.

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HISTORY

How Literacy Became a Powerful Weapon in the Fight to End Slavery

Following Nat Turner’s rebellion of 1831, legislation to limit Black education intensified. But enslaved people found ways to learn.

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The New York Times

‘Excuse After Excuse’: Black and Latino Developers Face Barriers to Success

Of 383 top-tier developers generating more than $50 million annually, one is Latino; none is Black.

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HISTORY

The 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike That Drew MLK to Memphis

With the slogan “I am a man,” workers in Memphis sought financial justice in a strike that became MLK’s final cause.

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The New York Times

What Is a ‘Barndominium’? Anything You Want It to Be.

From a 1980s concept for horse owners to one of the fastest-growing housing trends in America.

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The New York Times

Racial Bias in the Hamptons Real Estate Market

An investigation into racial discrimination in the luxury Hamptons real estate market.

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The New York Times

From the Bronx to Dobbs Ferry to Connecticut: One Family’s Journey

An interactive feature following a family’s path through the housing market across New York and Connecticut.

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The New York Times

Buying a Home in the Bronx

An interactive guide to buying homes and apartments in the Bronx.

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Newsweek

There’s More to Black History Than Slavery

Black history is American history — our understanding must extend far beyond the narrative of slavery.

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The New York Times

In the Hudson Valley, a New Wave of Creative Homeowners

An interactive look at homes in Woodstock, High Falls, and Accord that reflect the creative spirit of the Hudson Valley.

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The New York Times

A Catskills Artists’ Retreat, for Sale

A look at a unique artists’ retreat property in the Catskills region hitting the real estate market.

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The Hechinger Report

Older Students Aren’t Getting the Reading Help They Need

About 17 million middle and high school students haven’t reached reading proficiency. We can change this by giving upper-grade teachers the training they need.

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As Seen On

Featured in the Media

CBS News

Renewed Call to Raise Teacher Salaries in the U.S.

Colette joins CBSN to discuss her New York Times op-ed making the case for six-figure teacher pay.

The Brian Lehrer Show · WNYC

Challenges Faced by Black Real Estate Agents

Colette discusses her NYT investigation into discrimination against Black real estate agents.

Also Featured In

The New York TimesWall Street JournalThe Washington Post

Recognition

Awards & Honors

President's Award

Best Freelance Collection

National Association of Real Estate Editors

Gold Award

Best International Real Estate Article

National Association of Real Estate Editors

NYC Curriculum

Work for HISTORY included in New York City's inaugural Black Studies curriculum

Also Published In

The New York TimesWall Street JournalForbesHISTORYNewsweekBusiness InsiderHealthlineThe Hechinger ReportThe Crisis