I love being a journalist!
People allow me to have a glimpse into their lives and share that tender spot in their hearts.
I did not imagine that sort of access when I first began my journey as a journalist. It’s a privilege that continues to enrich my life and cultivate a deeper appreciation for humankind.
I consider myself a journalist with a flair for all things international. I like to follow global events and find a local connection. My passion for journalism is driven by world affairs and the human condition in my community, around the country, and abroad.
As a multimedia journalist at KSL, I have covered national stories on same-sex marriage, the measles outbreak, congressional battles over immigration, controversies over police use of force, Utahns struggling to sign up for the Affordable Care Act, the legal battles of a Utah mom who admitted to killing 7 of her newborns infants, the missing Utah mom Susan Cox Powell, and Utahns impacted by the Boston Marathon bombings, and many others.
My job is not just about getting the "big" stories. I find it rewarding to tell the everyday stories of regular folks, especially issues affecting women, children, and minorities. As I write stories for radio broadcast, I strive to shape a story that allows those listening to feel as if they’re in the middle of the action. As I write for television newscasts, I enjoy using visual elements to convey the emotion of what’s taking place so that viewers can more profoundly connect with the stranger who has shared private and sometimes sacred parts of their lives with the world. As the talk show host of a public affairs show, Cultural Connections, I witness selfless activities and sacrifices people in my community make to create a better world by doing humanitarian work locally and abroad.
I began my broadcast career while in college in Minneapolis at WCCO Radio and KMSP-TV as well as KSL-TV in Salt Lake City. After an internship on Capitol Hill in the U.S. Senate Radio-TV Galley, I worked at WTOP Radio in Washington, DC, and did freelance work for CBS News in New York. I also worked in public radio for NPR member stations KBYU in Provo and KUER in Salt Lake.
I have received awards from The Rocky Mountain Emmys, RTNDA Edward R. Murrow, The Utah Society of Professional Journalists, and Utah Broadcasters Association on topics including Alzheimer's, autism, labor and sex trafficking, maintaining healthy vocal cords, and refugees who are thriving in America, particularly Utah.
My life is not all work. I learn a lot from the girls and young women in my community that I mentor, especially aspiring journalists. I also made time for extracurricular activities such as singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I follow my love for fashion as I pour hours into my budding clothing company, where I design bridal and formal gowns, as well as women’s business attire.
I am a leader. My friends and colleagues say I am committed to excellence in the work I do in various areas of my life. I am a team player and work well with others. And I like to have fun in my professional life as well as in my extracurricular community activities.