Meet Moriah Heberer of Flagstaff, Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Moriah Heberer

Hi Moriah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I first became interested in media and video creation when I was about 12 years old. I started making videos for fun with my friends and my sister and really started to enjoy the process and creative outlet. I kept up with it as a hobby here and there throughout middle and high school, created a few videos for my dance studio, and eventually decided I wanted to pursue a degree and career that was media-related. I attended Boise State University, where I majored in media arts with a production emphasis and minored in dance. After graduating in 2021, I reconnected with my old dance coach. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as she needed a new instructor at the studio, and I needed a job. She also hired me as the social media and website manager, and the position evolved into administration, costume management, and any other holes that needed to be filled! This was a perfect job fresh out of college, as I needed to gain some experience, and my boss was super supportive and helped me learn a lot.
My fiance and I moved to Flagstaff in August of 2024. He got accepted into NAU to earn his master’s in mental health counseling, and I got a job at the Arizona Daily Sun! As the Niche Editor, I put out FlagLive! – the arts and entertainment publication – among working on various special sections and magazines throughout the year. This job was another instance where my new boss took a chance on me and supported me. He knew I didn’t have journalism experience but saw my potential to learn the ropes and eventually grow the publication’s media presence. FlagLive! is a long-running and well-loved piece of the Arizona Daily Sun and Flagstaff. It has been passed through many different editors throughout its 30 years, and I am honored to be the next. Being a lover of the arts, I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring Flagstaff’s rich culture and having the ability to meet new people and share their stories.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Looking back at the past few months in this position, it has honestly been a great experience. Of course, during the challenging times, it did NOT feel like that. I’ve had my fair share of tears, stress, sleepless nights, mistakes and wanting to run away and never come back… but at the end of the day, things always seem to work themselves out, and then it’s on to the next. After everything I’ve done, I always say, “That was definitely a learning experience.” I think the mistakes along the way are crucial because they not only teach me new things to pay extra attention to but also help me improve as a communicator, a manager, an editor and a person overall. Working in the news, people constantly have their eyes on you and their opinions in your ear (or your inbox), so it’s a lot of pressure. No one is going to get it perfect or right all the time; we are human. Learning to go easy on myself while simultaneously challenging myself to up my game has been the greatest lesson. So to make my long-winded answer short, no it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change the bumps along the way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
FlagLive! is a publication with the Arizona Daily Sun that covers all things art, culture and entertainment in Flagstaff, Arizona. It comes out on the first and third Thursday of every month. We often feature local artists, bands and inspiring stories. There are also some recurring segments, including opinion pieces, reflection columns, recommendations on all things beer, and more. As the editor, I am responsible for editing each article and arranging the page plans, making adjustments and edits so everything flows, as well as writing the event Hot Picks and the Pulse local event list. I also interview and write many of my own stories, which is the part I’m probably the most proud of because it’s something I never thought I would do, let alone enjoy. It’s a lot of fun to put FlagLive! together. I appreciate having a great team of freelance writers to share new ideas with and keep things fresh and exciting for our readers, and seeing each finished product and the community response is always worth the hustle.
Additionally, I manage the social media for FlagLive! and am working on expanding our reach digitally with more video-based content.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve been really blessed to have several great mentors in my life. My dad is the literal definition of an entrepreneur, he has had multiple successful businesses and is constantly striving for growth and finding his next thing. He never slows down. It’s bewildering but very admirable. I am grateful to have him to look up to, and to receive his constant wisdom and encouragement. As I mentioned before, my previous and current bosses have both been great supporters. It’s nice to have someone to push you as an employee and an individual to keep growing and dreaming up new ideas. For advice in finding mentors, I would just say look to the people who inspire you. It can be intimidating to reach out for guidance, but 99 percent of the time they are willing and happy to give it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://azdailysun.com/flaglive/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flaglive/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flaglive
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flagstafflive/videos