Lifer Spotlight: Salem Billings

Three months ago, Salem Billings was searching for a new job that aligned more closely with two of their passions — writing and editing. After discovering that GreatNews.Life was hiring for an editor position, Billings decided to apply.

They began working with GNL in April 2026 as a contributing editor. In this position, Billings does more than edit articles and provide constructive feedback. They write articles, cover events, take photos, and manage fellow journalists. Billings is in charge of the Northwest Indiana and La Porte Life in the Spotlight series, where they find nominees and assign stories to writers. They are also responsible for checking in on select student journalists from local high schools to ensure their monthly articles are progressing well and hitting deadlines.

“I like being able to do what I love and be involved in the creative process that entertains and informs the community while also being part of it,” Billings said. “I’m getting to know organizations and things that I never would have known existed.”

Previously, Billings worked as a marketing assistant at the Porter County Library System. As a marketing assistant, Billings loved the opportunity to be a part of the community, even if it was in a small way. Coming to GNL, Billings values still being able to connect with the community while also learning more about what it has to offer.

“There are so many interesting people and stories in the area that I’m getting to know. I really value that,” Billings said.

Billings has also seen some personal growth the last few months. Switching to a position that aligns more with their goals and interests has been eye-opening, and they have gotten the chance to understand where they want their future to go.

For their future with GNL, Billings is excited to continue taking on more responsibility and continue working with the team. They love everyone’s sense of humor, and they feel trusted and appreciated by the team.

Billings continues to use their writing and editing skills outside of GNL as well. They are an editor-in-chief of Voltage Live, an independent, nonprofit media organization dedicated to uplifting emerging creators of entertainment and media industries. Billings also freelances as an editor and creative consultant, helping people along the way during their creative process. They enjoy spending their free time working on their own creative projects, including writing short stories.

“I want to put my creative work out there and meet other people doing similar things to myself,” Billings said. “A collaborative project with other creatives would be incredible.”

When not in the office or covering an event, Billings also loves cosplaying and attending conventions. They make their own costumes for cosplay and find the experience gratifying, comparing it to the feeling of finally finishing a painting and getting to hang it up. Currently, they’re learning how to sew, and their father is teaching them how to make their own props. This is a full circle moment for Billings, as their father has been making their props since they were young.

Whether it’s writing an article about a local community member or creating a cosplay costume by hand, Billings loves all the creative outlets and opportunities they are involved in, and continues to learn about what the community surrounding them has to offer.