Current Location: Chicago

Current Position: Weekend Morning Anchor/Reporter at WGN-TV

What was your overall UIS experience like?

I enjoyed my experience at UIS. Before attending UIS I didn't have enough real-life, practical experience to get a job as a broadcast journalist. The PAR Program (which I thank God I received a Fellowship for) allowed me to gain valuable experience as an intern for nine months with a local television station. During my time at UIS I also learned how the legislative process works and how to digest complicated political news and share it with viewers in an understandable way.

Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?

Thanks to my time at UIS I met one of my closest friends named Tiara and I now have two Goddaughter's because of her.

Why did you choose UIS?

I choose UIS because I knew I needed more experience to fulfill my dream of becoming a broadcast journalism. I was also attracted to the Fellowship opportunity, which allowed me to earn my master's degree for free.

What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?

Looking back, my career path leading to where I am today has felt like a loooong journey. It has been filled with ups and downs. Television journalism is tough. Starting out you may have to shoot, edit and go live on your own, while writing multiple stories and looking presentable under a tight deadline. This is a rewarding field though because journalists have the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives. The adventures I've experienced as a reporter are endless. I could truly write a book about the day in the life of a TV broadcaster!

Shortly after graduating from UIS my father died and I took a break from journalism to work for the Comptroller's Office in Chicago. After about nine months I knew I needed to return to journalism and pursue my fifth-grade dream of becoming a television journalist. So, I sent out a bunch of VHS tapes and ultimately Kent Harrell, the News Director at WTVO in Rockford, IL saw potential in me and hired me as a reporter. My salary was half of what I was making at the Comptroller's Office, but I knew it was worth it because I didn't want to have any regrets for not going after my dream.

I spent just under two years in Rockford and then was hired by WLBT (NBC) in Jackson, MS where I worked as the Morning Live Shot Reporter and also anchored. After several years at WTVO I decided to try something new. I was hired by The Redeemer's School in Jackson, MS as a Development and Admission's Director. I took about a year off from television, but I knew I wanted to at some point get back in, so, while working full-time at the school, I took a job as a freelancer for WAPT, the ABC affiliate in Jackson.

In the winter of 2021, after tons of rejections, I was offered a job back in TV in Memphis. As much I wanted to accept the job, I was led by the Lord to wait. Several months later I decided to re-connect with Chicago journalists I interned with in the past. One of those journalists is WGN's Ben Bradley who I interned with at ABC 7 in college. Around the time I chatted with Ben a WGN part-time/freelance reporter opening was listed. I applied and got the job! I worked part-time for WGN for about nine months before becoming a full-time reporter. About three years after I was hired at WGN, I was promoted to Weekend Morning Anchor!

Without a doubt I have worked hard, but I give ALL glory to God for bringing me to where I am today! I still have to pinch myself sometimes to believe that I am home doing what I have always wanted to do with family and childhood friends cheering me on.

How did your UIS education prepare you for your career?

My UIS education allowed me to intern full-time as a reporter for several months, while learning about state politics. Without the hands-on internship experience, I may not be where I am today.

Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?

I love dancing ... Chicago style steppin' and Latin dance. I also enjoy working out, traveling, modeling and trying new things like taking my first trapeze class this summer!

What are some life lessons you'd like to share with current students?

I would tell current students to follow their dreams and not to limit themselves. Work persistently at your craft and easier said than done but be patient. If there is something you really want to do typically it is going to take time to achieve it. Don't give up just because things get tough. Going after your dream can be risky, but I think taking that risk is worth a shot, so you don't regret not doing what you're passionate about.