Maureen Umeh
I remember watching the news as a kid growing up in Chicago and seeing one of my favorite reporters taking on city hall and fighting for the little guy. He was something like a superhero, and I wanted to be just like him.
I'm proud to say that I've achieved the goal of becoming a reporter, and even more proud to know that some of my stories have helped make a difference.
Hello, everyone! My name is Maureen Umeh and I'm an anchor and reporter for FOX 5 Morning. It's a new shift for me after being here at FOX 5 since 2002 and anchoring and reporting on mostly the evening and weekend newscasts.
The early hours are taking some adjustment, but boy am I having fun. I mean, on what other show can you go from covering something serious at the White House to dancing with a celebrity, and laughing till you cry with a famous comedian? It's a whirlwind, and I'm so glad to hear from so many of you who tell me how much you enjoy our shows.
My career in TV started many moons ago in Champaign, Illinois. I was lucky to land a full-time reporting job at WCIA-TV right after I graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
I worked so hard to get that job. I had a radio talk show and also DJ’d. I wrote for the university newspaper, and then I worked at the TV station. I did anything I thought would give me the experience needed to be a better journalist. It wasn't always fun, but it proves that hard work does pay off.
My next stop was Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina where I served as one of the main anchors for the late evening newscasts at WSPA-TV. I had such an amazing experience there and treasure the memories.
I've been honored with several awards for my work. They include an Emmy for Best Investigative Series and Best Newscast. I've also been honored by many other organizations, including the South Carolina Television and Arts Association; the Illinois Broadcaster's Association and the NAACP.
I served as the Chairwoman for the Upstate Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society and also worked with nonprofit organizations including Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Mathew House, an agency for disadvantaged youth. With that said, my biggest accomplishment is my daughter.
She is a dream come true, and I am so grateful to be her Mom. In my free time, I love to travel. What Nigerian doesn't? Yes, I am full Nigerian. Born there, partially bred there. Ask me how I got rid of my accent or learned to pronounce the word, "fork." Now, how's that for a tease? Thank you for watching and allowing me the honor of bringing you the news.
The latest from Maureen Umeh
LIVE: Trump to host inauguration parade at Capital One Arena
Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Follow the coverage LIVE on FOX 5.
Two dogs allegedly electrocuted on sidewalk in DC
A tragic incident in Northwest D.C. is raising serious safety concerns, as two dogs have reportedly died after being electrocuted on a sidewalk.
2024 Updated Holiday Shipping Deadlines: USPS, FedEx, UPS important dates to remember
With the holidays quickly approaching, there's not much time left to get your packages in the mail to ensure they arrive on time.
Snow falls in parts of Maryland, Virginia; chilly rain for most of DMV Monday
Some parts of Maryland and Virginia saw snow as a storm swept across the region early Monday.
Heat restored to Gaithersburg apartment complex
Heat has been restored to an apartment complex in Gaithersburg.
Man killed in early morning crash in Prince George’s County
A man was killed in an early morning crash in Prince George’s County.
Montgomery County police face recruitment and retirement challenges
The Montgomery County Police Department is grappling with significant challenges, including the recruitment of new officers amid an impending wave of retirements.
PGCPS employee shot dead outside home
Violence marred the Thanksgiving season in a Prince George's County neighborhood after a shooting claimed a man's life.
Thanksgiving holiday travel: Nearly 80 million expected to journey 50 miles or more
Nearly 80 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home to their Thanksgiving holiday destinations this year.
Montgomery County leaders look to strengthen immigration protections
Montgomery County leaders are advocating for new legislation to protect victims of violent crime, regardless of their immigration status. A proposed bill aims to remove barriers that prevent victims from qualifying for legal protected status.