Voice of OC names Lauren Contreras its next Tracy Wood Fellow

Voice of OC announced Wednesday that Chapman University student Lauren Contreras is its next Tracy Wood Fellow after a summer internship with the newsroom.

The fellowship supports local reporting in Orange County, where Contreras has covered housing, homelessness, parking and coastal issues. It honors the late Tracy Wood, a journalist who served as Voice of OC’s civic editor.

According to Voice of OC, Contreras moved into the fellowship after working as an intern over the summer. Her reporting has focused on cities and civic issues.

Contreras has worked with Civic Editor Spencer Custodio on coverage ranging from parking and coastal matters to homelessness and housing, the publication reported.

Custodio said Contreras brings a strong work ethic, works well with colleagues and is eager to learn, according to Voice of OC.

Contreras said Wood’s persistence in pursuing stories and resilience throughout her career inspire her. She hopes to carry forward that commitment in her own journalism, the publication reported.

Contreras also said she values the newsroom’s supportive environment and wants to learn from experienced colleagues by asking questions, according to Voice of OC.