Meet Dawn-Maria France, an award-winning journalist, Broadcaster, and editor from Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to important causes such as advocating for mental health, marching against apartheid, and supporting marginalized youths and families as a former youth worker. Notably, she has made significant strides as an ambassador for a cancer charity, raising awareness about male breast cancer. Currently, as the editor of Yorkshire Women’s Life Magazine, she continues to shape the media landscape with her impactful work.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a Writer/Journalist?
A: I found inspiration in old black-and-white films featuring James Cagney. His character worked in a smoke-filled newspaper office, surrounded by journalists using typewriters and keeping press cards tucked in the ribbons of their trilby hats. Despite the all-white, all-male environment, I aspired to be like them and become a journalist. During a press event for my first job, I felt a sense of achievement as I placed my press card in my hat, thinking, “This is for you, Cagney! I’ve made it!”
Q: If you could change one thing in the media landscape, what would that be?
A: I would love to see more working-class men and women in front of and behind the camera. It’s vital that people feel part of the media and have their stories told. Of course, it has improved since I was younger, but the voices of working-class men and women are often not heard, and their voices need to be part of the narrative. They need to tell their own stories.
Q: What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
A: Don’t let other people’s stereotypes, sexism, and racism define you! You are a beauty queen – who can fix her crown. You have the power to create all the success and prosperity you desire.
Q: You were honoured and named the Yorkshire Inspirational Woman alongside notable figures like Baroness Betty Boothroyd and The Bronte Sisters. How did that make you feel?
A: Seeing my name alongside Baroness Betty Boothroyd, The Bronte Sisters, and Dame Judi Dench was surreal. It filled me with pride and a sense of achievement to be named among the women I deeply admire and respect. It’s a memory I will always cherish.
Q: As a one-woman campaigner, you have proactively raised awareness about male breast cancer. Can you explain how the campaign came about?
A: I served as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Haven Charity, advocating for male breast cancer awareness after losing a friend to the illness. Working with survivors, I garnered positive media coverage.
Q: You won the English Women’s Award for Journalism and Service to the Media; how did that make you feel?
A: Receiving such a prestigious award was a dream come true, and it was great to see that my hard work was recognized. It was also great that it was an award recognized by the media industry and supported by my peers, and it meant a lot to receive such an accolade.
Q: You were a judge at the GenM awards – how was that?
A: Being a judge at the GenM Awards was a great experience. Having an award for companies that support menopausal women at work is excellent. Menopausal women are the fastest growing number of employees in the workplace, and discussing and supporting menopausal women ensures that we keep female talent – and to be a judge and part of that conversation was incredible.
Q: You are part of the team celebrating women aging and proudly wearing their grey hair on the magazine front cover. Can you tell us more about the new front cover of Yorkshire Women’s Life Magazine?
A: Our latest cover celebrates the beauty of embracing grey hair and the wisdom that comes with aging. It’s a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and diversity, featuring unedited, real women of all ages, colours, and backgrounds. We’re proud to ensure every reader feels valued and represented