Shirley Washington is one of the most trusted, credible, and respected television news anchors in the country. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Shirley’s illustrious career in broadcast journalism has spanned decades, earning her a reputation as a trailblazer in the television news industry.

Shirley graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis before beginning her college career at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. She later transferred to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC), where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism. Shirley credits her mentors at SIUC, Dr. Ed Brown and Richard Hildreth, for recognizing her potential and encouraging her to pursue her dream of becoming a television news reporter.

Shirley began her journalism career at WAND-TV in Decatur, Illinois, as a news photographer and editor. She advanced to a “one-man-band”, a role that required shooting, editing, and reporting stories within her first year. Shirley’s career path took her to notable television stations across the country, including WQAD-TV in Moline, Illinois; WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa; WTVF-TV in Nashville, Tennessee; WAGA-TV in Atlanta, Georgia; and KDFW-TV in Dallas, Texas. Eventually, she returned to her hometown as an anchor and reporter at KTVI-TV FOX 2 in St. Louis. She also co-created and hosted the Emmy nominated Pulse of St. Louis, a weekly talk show that focused on important issues that impact the Gateway City region.

Throughout her career, Shirley has interviewed prominent newsmakers on the national and international stages, including politicians, business leaders, celebrities, and athletes. She has also covered some of the most historic events in recent history, such as the election of President Barack Obama, the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and the 2016 presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Shirley has also served as a moderator for key political debates, including the Missouri Governor’s debate, the St. Louis County Executive debate, and the Missouri U.S. Senate debate.

Shirley’s work has been featured on major network news outlets, including FOX, CNN, and ABC. She has also made guest appearances on CNN and the Rachael Ray Show. Shirley’s exceptional storytelling and dedication to journalism have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including Emmy Awards, Edward R. Murrow Awards, Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Awards, and many others. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to television news Shirley was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for over 25 years of journalism excellence and outstanding community service.

In addition to her broadcasting accomplishments, Shirley is a published author. Her book, The Motherhood Club: Help, Hope, and Inspiration for New Mothers from New Mothers, was selected by legendary television talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael to be included in her Red Eyeglass Series.

Shirley Washington remains a proud native of St. Louis, Missouri, where she resides with her family. Her extraordinary career, community service, and personal achievements reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and her enduring impact on the world of broadcast journalism.