How long have you been in Greenville? I’ve been in Greenville for a little over four years. It’s grown tremendously! I’m always looking forward to seeing what new restaurant or shop will pop up… I like to call it a southern cosmopolitan city.
What is the most interesting fact about yourself? Honestly, my empathy is my best and worst trait. As a reporter, I hate when people say the media is cold. I try to break that stereotype every day and put myself in their shoes so I can tell a story people want to connect with. But that caring trait can also cause me to overthink stories. You have to care. If I lose that empathy, I’m not doing my job right.
What is your background? I was born and raised in Chicago, growing up as an only child of a single mom. I miss the deep dish pizza already!
God Bless my friends for putting up with me because if they came over…fasten your seatbelt: we were going to choreograph some sort of dance! I was a competitive dancer most of my life, on the road most weekends with my mom going to competitions or dancing with companies. Back then, my life revolved around performing. Now being on air, I try and take what I learned as a performer and translate it. I was hard giving up dance, but it will always be a part of me.
My mom is a huge news junkie, so naturally ABC World News with Peter Jennings would appear in my living room each evening. I was maybe about 5 years old when I looked over at her and asked “Does he (Jennings) get paid to do that?” Of course, my mom would laugh and say “Yeah, honey, that’s his job.”
My mom’s voice is always in the back of my head. She’s a true fighter and will stand up for people no matter the adversity ahead of her. She led a class-action lawsuit with more than forty women several years ago. I remember scooping up a copy of the Wall Street Journal off my driveway. When I flipped it over, I screamed because it’s not every day your mom’s face is on the cover! She’s been a huge example and has fought for what she believed was right.
I love how I now have the opportunity to provide the public with information so they can create their own stance and opinion. Giving people the facts and allowing them to be the judge of what they want to fight for, or what they are passionate about. That is important to me. It has been such a blessing to work with sources, community activists, county and city officials to get those words out.
I went to college at the University of Missouri aka Mizzou in Columbia. I didn't even really know it existed until I Googled, “Journalism Schools.” The journalism school has a partnership with an NBC affiliate, KOMU 8 News. When I walked into the news studio and saw students anchoring alongside professionals, it was a no brainer!
I was overly anxious to get my foot in the door and started doing cut-ins during the TODAY Show, etc my freshmen year. This led to reporting and then to anchoring.
The first time that I was on-air, the first time ever, I saw that little red dot click on, indicating that I am talking to a live camera, I felt such a release of adrenaline! I never felt that way before, I continued to love it. Gosh, it would be funny to take a look at those videos now! They’re somewhere [laughs]. Both of my parents, and even some friends from back home, watch FOX Carolina here in Greenville every night. I feel very lucky to have the support system I have in Greenville and it crosses state lines.
Intuitively, I’ve always wanted to come to the Carolina’s. I wasn’t sure exactly what, but I knew I was excited about a brand new chapter in a beautiful part of the country. People may not realize it but Greenville is the thirtieth-ish market in the United States. This [FOX Carolina] has been a big opportunity for me.
What are your hobbies? Sounds simple but I love being able to be with the people I love. You know who you are! In my down time, I love writing, sometimes children's stories. Definitely want to brush up on my cooking skills.
What are you reading and/or watching? I am currently reading, 'The Subtle Art of [explicit]' by Mark Manson, 'In a Dark, Dark Wood' by Ruth Ware. I am also watching, 'What If' which stars Renée Zelwegger.
I am a wide-open book when it comes to TV. Everything from Real Housewives to Crime documentaries.
Who do you work for and your title at work? FOX Carolina, WHNS with the title of, 'Reporter and Weekend Anchor.'
What is your day-to-day on the job? I work during the week as a Reporter during the Ten O'clock and Eleven o'clock news and on the weekend, I will split roles: I help lead the newsroom and work with our producers to put together content and then anchor the news that night. It is neat to be on both sides.
What is your favorite morning hangout spot? If I am not in a yoga class then I am at my apartment, likely writing.
What is your favorite evening hangout spot? Usually that’s right in the middle of my work “day” but if I’m off I love Pomegranate on Main or Foxcroft Wine Co.
What about Greenville makes you proud? I love Greenville, more than I honestly ever thought I would. The people really do look out for one another; even though it is growing, we are all still stay intertwined and look out for each other.