New Hire Orientation
Introduce digital tools on day one so new employees can navigate the newsroom’s core systems from their first week.
Introduction
Hi. I’m Crystal Arroyo, an editor and trainer at The New York Times.
I began my career at The Times in 2004 as a news clerk and have since worked across most of the major news desks.
I currently serve on the Newsroom Development and Support team, where I focus on training journalists on newsroom technologies and initiatives.
Current Role
Editor, Digital Storytelling and Training
Newsroom Embeds
Co-lead a program that guides colleagues through three-month embeds in new roles and or new desks—helping them build skills, gain fresh experience, and make connections across the newsroom.
AI Training
Teach journalists to use AI as a research tool responsibly—building skills without replacing editorial judgment.
Workflow Automation
Build Apps Scripts that create and distributes project files at scale, reducing manual setup so teams can focus on the work itself.
AppSheet Development
Build custom applications using Google AppSheet to track training attendance and impact.
Reader Conversations
Equipped journalists with the skills to have thoughtful exchanges with readers and respond to comments on our digital platforms.
Alt Text
Trained editors to write alt text that is clear, accurate, and useful—so every image is accessible to all readers.
Newsroom Roadshows
Organized sessions for department leaders to present their work to the rest of the newsroom in order to foster collaboration and communication.
Professional History
The New York Times
News Technology Senior Staff Editor
2017–2022
Supported 60+ tools, workflows, and platforms—including nytimes.com and CCI CUE Print—while training staff, documenting bespoke systems, and bridging user issues to developers. Problem-solved on deadline to keep print pages releasing on time and created article shapes for the print product.
News Technology Specialist
2016–2017
Provided technical support for newsroom employees.
Senior News Assistant
2011–2016
Paginated and designed pages for the Business and Metro sections, including weekly features sections.
News Assistant
2004–2011
Acted as backup across daily and features sections—paginating Sports, Sunday Business, and Editorial pages while rotating through desks on a variety of tasks.
News Clerk
2004
Created charts related to stocks and economic indicators.
Please visit LinkedIn for information on previous employment and education.