Meet Keitha Nelson-Williams | Anchor. Storyteller. Host
We had the good fortune of connecting with Keitha Nelson-Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Keitha, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Let me begin by plainly stating there is no such thing as balance when it comes your work and personal life. That’s a bold statement, I know. Hear me out. Often times we’re all forced to pour more of our time into either our work, family, or personal life. Each of these things at one point or another will require more of your attention and energy than the other. And that is perfectly fine. There are days when my family will take precedence over my work and vice versa. I became the mother of twins nearly five years ago following a public battle with infertility. I shared my journey to motherhood in a six part series online and on the morning show I anchor called Good Morning Jacksonville, the city’s NBC and ABC affiliate, First Coast News. I thought the In Vitro Fertilization process was taxing but motherhood exposed me to another level of exhaustion. I quickly came to the realization that I’ll never be able to “balance” it all. I simply take things day by day and focus my attention where its most needed at any particular time. My message to all mothers reading this article is to take lots of deep breaths, do the best you can and don’t overwhelm yourself.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I currently serve as a morning anchor and reporter in Jacksonville, Florida. I’ve been a journalist now for 20 years. My career has taken me to several states. I’ve worked in numerous news markets including Baton Rouge, LA, Biloxi, MS, South Bend, IN and now the First Coast. The business of broadcast journalism has drastically changed over the years and will no doubt continue to evolve. I started in a small market and worked my way up. Traditionally reporters start out as what’s referred to as one-man-bands or more recently MMJs (multi-skilled journalists). As an MMJ you shoot, write and edit your own stories. Anchors in smaller markets may in addition to being an MMJ also serve as their own producers for newscasts. That includes story selection, writing and presenting. And all of this must be done on what may feel like nearly impossible deadlines. The route I took isn’t necessarily what I’d recommend to college students today. There are so many media outlets now in existence and unconventional ways of getting your message across to the masses. The news business has had to make shifts to keep up and in some cases stay ahead of the game. After 20 years in any field you’d hope to feel fulfilled. I can sincerely say that I still love my profession. Sharing stories in a creative and thoughtful way drives me.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I actually have a friend visiting in a few weeks and I need to map out an itinerary. The appeal on the First Coast is definitely the beach. We have many scenic routes you can travel to check out the shoreline and tasty seafood restaurants. A go-to for people around the world is a not-so hidden gem called St Augustine.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most people when asked who they credit for their success would eagerly respond by giving thanks to their mother and God. I am no exception. My mother migrated from Jamaica, West Indies to New York City when I was just five years old. She made that trek with $200 in her pocket and her two daughters by her side. I’m close with my father now, as an adult, but I was raised in a single family home. Anyone with a bit of general knowledge about New York City can easily imagine the hardships my mother faced early on. But watching her determination, perseverance and sheer grit shaped me. I couldn’t be more proud of my upbringing, the sacrifice and knowledge gained from growing up underprivileged. God has always been at the helm of my life and I’m grateful to be able to grow closer to him daily through his word and fulfilled promises.
Website: https://www.keitha.tv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithasmilesontv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keithanelsonnews/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeithaNelsonWilliams/featured
Image Credits
Keitha Nelson-Williams
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