Gwen Tolbart

I’m a fourth generation born Canadian who loves the snow, but hates the cold! My broadcasting career began in my birthplace of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My early education years were in Nova Scotia where the three generations before me were born. 

I have a BA in Journalism from Montreal's Concordia University and am a Social Science graduate of Montreal’s Dawson College. I started in TV as a volunteer Host/Producer on a Community show under the Black Community Communications Media’s (BCCM) news magazine program "Black Is" and contributed to their radio show, "Black Speaks." 

I went on to become a trailblazer of Canada and the USA as the first Canadian and first meteorologist inducted into the USA National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) Hall of Fame (2023), first Canadian to receive the NABJ Community Service Award (given to only one of their 4000 members annually), first Black weather anchor on both Canada’s, "The Weather Network" (English division) and on Montreal’s CTV CFCF-12 and the only Black host of their internationally syndicated travel show, "Travel, Travel." 

My 2023 Hall of Fame Induction has me joining past inductees of pioneers and icons such as Carol Simpson (first Black female Network anchor — ABC), Ed Bradley (former CBS Network anchor), Les Payne (Pulitzer Prize journalist, Newsday), Gwen Ifill (PBS), John H. Johnson (Publisher of Ebony & Jet magazines), the iconic Gordan Parks (Photographer, filmmaker, musician, and author), to name a few. I received the distinguished recognition of President Obama’s "Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service" for my many community contributions and impact. 

In 2024, I was the recipient of the prestigious International Excellence Award from my alma mater, Concordia University for a lifetime contribution of exceptional leadership and outstanding volunteer service that has enhanced the reputation and prestige of the alumni association and university.  

I left Canada in 1997 for KTVT CBS-11 in Dallas, TX as a Weather Anchor, Feature Reporter and hosted the station's Live audience talk show, "Positively Texas." I earned a Weather Team Emmy, five National Association of Black Journalists Broadcasting Awards and "2000 Media Person Of the Year" award. In 2002, I came to WTTG-FOX 5 in Washington, DC as a Weather Anchor and Reporter and have since earned five Emmy nominations and three Associated Press awards. I also have my own franchise at FOX 5 called "Because Of You", highlighting life-changing stories of individuals. 

With strong community commitment, interest in youth, women’s causes and reinforcing positive direction I’ve always been active in community service in both Canada and the USA. In Montreal, one of my projects was "Positive Images," a mentoring program I established for adolescent inner city girls. One highlight - I arranged for the girls to meet Coretta Scott King when she paid a visit to Montreal. 

While at CBS in Dallas, I tutored elementary school children, helped set up mentor programs and workshops for at-risk girls and single teen moms. I was honored with many community and broadcast awards, was featured in Jet Magazine and in 2002, received a "Woman of Distinction Award" with official commendations from the Governor of Texas, Texas State Representative and the United States Congress. While there, my alma mater, Concordia University, used me in a billboard campaign to promote education "Look Where They Are Now." 

In 2002 I was officially recognized on the floor by the Nova Scotia House of Assembly - Government of Canada for my career achievements and community service. In the Washington, D.C., I served on the Board of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and for fourteen years, on the Board of "Our House," (a residential program for at-risk adolescent males) in Olney Md. where I coordinated programs, led mentorship and raised major funds for a new dorm. Since being in D.C., some of my accolades include "2004 Voices Against Violence Award" from The Empower Program (serving teen girls), D.C.’s Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "2005 Woman Of The Year" (non-member), the "2009 New Endeavors By Women Volunteer Award" (serving home-less women), was named one of the "2014 Top 100 Women In the State of Maryland" by The Daily Record and in 2018 honored by Comfort Cases (serving foster children) with the "Champion Of the Year Award. I was named a "Leader and Honorary Member" of the All-Canada University Association, Washington DC Metro Area. 

As an entrepreneur, I have my own professional speaking business "Tolbart Talks" and work as a Motivational and Keynote Speaker, Emcee, Seminar leader and Speaking Coach. In November 2023 I was invited to do a TedX Talk. I am a member of the National Speaker’s Association (NSA), as well as a former Board Member of the Washington, D.C. NSA Chapter. I was First Runner-Up in the "NSA USA National Keynote Speaking Competition." I have a love of life and positivity with a special place in my heart for community service and animals - especially dogs, elephants and pandas. You can see me doing feature reporting and community stories on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays on our evening shows (3pm, 4pm, 5pm 6pm) and giving weather forecasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 7am.