Professional Bio
Ilana Lowery, Arizona Director for Common Sense Media, is the former editor-in-chief of the Phoenix Business Journal. She left the Journal in 2018 after 23 years as a key leader at the daily business publication.
As the first director of Common Sense, Ilana is responsible for driving a strategic effort to build the organization’s presence, philanthropic base and strategic partnerships throughout the state. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
The Chicago native joined the Business Journal as a reporter in 1995. Prior to the Journal, she was an editor for Independent Newspapers Inc., a community newspaper chain based in Scottsdale.
Before moving to the Valley in 1989, she was a reporter and editor for Pulitzer Newspapers in Chicago. An award-winning journalist, she also worked as a scriptwriter and associate producer for the NBC-TV affiliate in Chicago.
A 1986 graduate of the University of Illinois, Ilana earned BA degrees in Mass Communications and English. Ilana has served as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and she recently earned a Digital Inclusion Leadership Certificate from ASU and the Marconi Society.
In addition, Ilana serves on the steering committee for the Homeless ID Project, is on the board of AZStrut (Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology), and is a member of the prestigious women’s professional associations Charter 100 and Central Phoenix Women.
Ilana has long advocated for causes involving social issues, education, and children’s well-being and serves on multiple committees for Valley organizations committed to these issues, including the Alliance of Arizona nonprofits, the Arizona Digital Inclusion Network, and the Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network.
As the first director of Common Sense, Ilana is responsible for driving a strategic effort to build the organization’s presence, philanthropic base and strategic partnerships throughout the state. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.
The Chicago native joined the Business Journal as a reporter in 1995. Prior to the Journal, she was an editor for Independent Newspapers Inc., a community newspaper chain based in Scottsdale.
Before moving to the Valley in 1989, she was a reporter and editor for Pulitzer Newspapers in Chicago. An award-winning journalist, she also worked as a scriptwriter and associate producer for the NBC-TV affiliate in Chicago.
A 1986 graduate of the University of Illinois, Ilana earned BA degrees in Mass Communications and English. Ilana has served as an adjunct professor at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and she recently earned a Digital Inclusion Leadership Certificate from ASU and the Marconi Society.
In addition, Ilana serves on the steering committee for the Homeless ID Project, is on the board of AZStrut (Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology), and is a member of the prestigious women’s professional associations Charter 100 and Central Phoenix Women.
Ilana has long advocated for causes involving social issues, education, and children’s well-being and serves on multiple committees for Valley organizations committed to these issues, including the Alliance of Arizona nonprofits, the Arizona Digital Inclusion Network, and the Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network.
Organization Name
Common Sense Media
San Francisco, CA 94103
United States https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Associations & Non-Profits
Statement of Interest for the Board of Directors
As an experienced media professional advocating for digital inclusion, I am deeply committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that underserved communities, particularly schools and libraries, can access reliable broadband and digital tools. I am particularly interested in serving on the SHLB Coalition’s board because of the critical work SHLB does to improve broadband access in our communities. My journalism experience and leadership roles in nonprofit organizations like the Arizona Digital Inclusion Network, AZStrut, and the Arizona Broadband Stakeholders Network have equipped me with a strategic understanding of how partnerships and advocacy can lead to impactful change, which I am eager to bring to SHLB. Additionally, my role at Common Sense has kept me closely connected to education, and I am deeply passionate about improving the technological infrastructure that is vital to the success of our schools and communities. My expertise and commitment to digital equity align closely with SHLB’s mission. I would be honored to contribute to the organization’s ongoing efforts to expand broadband access to underserved areas across the country.