Meet Dispatch's Trending Business, Real Estate Reporter Emma Wozniak

Get to know the new Columbus Dispatch journalist and her journey into reporting.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:55am

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Emma Wozniak, a recent Ohio State graduate, has joined The Columbus Dispatch as a trending business and real estate reporter. Wozniak, who initially didn't see journalism as her calling, discovered her passion for storytelling and the power of words at a young age. After serving as Editor-in-Chief of The Lantern, Ohio State's student newspaper, Wozniak landed a summer reporting internship at The Dispatch that turned into a full-time position covering the evolving real estate and business landscape in Columbus.

Why it matters

Wozniak's story highlights the importance of mentorship and hands-on experience in shaping a young journalist's career. Her transition from a student editor to a professional reporter covering key issues in the community showcases the vital role local journalism plays in informing readers and driving change.

The details

After graduating from Ohio State in May 2025, Wozniak started a summer reporting internship at The Columbus Dispatch that was initially slated to last 10 weeks but ended up extending to 24 weeks. In October, she officially became the newspaper's trending business and real estate reporter, covering neighborhoods and suburbs like Clintonville, the Short North, Grandview, and Upper Arlington. Wozniak has been learning about zoning, area commissions, affordable housing, and residential market trends, gaining a deeper understanding of the coexisting cultures within Columbus and how the city is responding to change.

  • Wozniak graduated from Ohio State on May 5, 2025.
  • The next morning, she started a summer reporting internship at The Columbus Dispatch.
  • Wozniak's internship, which was initially supposed to last 10 weeks, ended up extending to 24 weeks.
  • In October, Wozniak officially became The Dispatch's trending business and real estate reporter.

The players

Emma Wozniak

A recent Ohio State graduate who has joined The Columbus Dispatch as a trending business and real estate reporter.

The Lantern

The student newspaper at Ohio State University, where Wozniak served as Editor-in-Chief during her senior year.

The Columbus Dispatch

A local newspaper in Columbus, Ohio, where Wozniak started as a summer reporting intern and now works as a full-time trending business and real estate reporter.

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What they’re saying

“Being Editor-in-Chief my senior year was without doubt the most challenging thing I've ever done, and I owe pretty much everything I've since accomplished in my professional life to that experience.”

— Emma Wozniak, Trending Business and Real Estate Reporter (The Columbus Dispatch)

The takeaway

Wozniak's journey from a student journalist to a professional reporter covering key issues in the Columbus community highlights the importance of hands-on experience, mentorship, and a passion for storytelling in shaping the next generation of journalists. Her transition showcases the vital role local journalism plays in informing readers and driving change within a city.