Ryan Howzell is a researcher, writer, and audio journalist with a strong focus on free expression, equity, and First Amendment applications to press, labor, identity, and technology.
Most recently, she served as Research Manager at PEN America, where she managed long-form research reports from the organization’s free expression and literary departments, and developed the organization’s research methodology and standards protocols. There, she co-authored several reports exploring media and journalism ethics, including The California Effect, The Florida Effect, and Hate in the Headlines, in partnership with the Ida B. Wells Center for Investigative Reporting. She also spearheaded the organization’s work on digital repression of cultural activity, and edited reports on free expression threats from school and prison book bans to targeted disinformation and online harassment.
Ryan’s expert commentary and research have been featured in events by the Online News Association and National Press Club, and in outlets including the New York Times, Miami Herald, Sacramento Bee, and The Atlantic.
Prior to PEN America, she worked as an audio producer and researcher. Her reporting has appeared on KQED, Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting, and KALW, where she was a 2022 Audio Academy fellow. She has also conducted research on race and labor policy for the City of San Francisco and Yale Law School. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Ryan holds a B.A. in History from Yale University.