Mekialaya White: Weekday News Anchor at CBS News Colorado
Mekialaya White is a prominent American journalist, currently serving as the Weekday 4 p.m. News Anchor at CBS News Colorado. She also hosts the segment “#YourLocalDish,” where she explores local culinary scenes.
Mekialaya began her journey in journalism at the University of Northern Colorado, where she double-majored in journalism and communications, and minored in English.
She started at CBS News Colorado in July 2018 as a part-time overnight writer and producer. By January 2019, she began reporting on-air.
She was promoted to weekend morning anchor in July 2021 and took on her current role as the 4 p.m. anchor in September 2022.
Mekialaya has reported and anchored in various locations, including Wichita, Kansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; and her hometown of Colorado Springs.
She has covered major events such as the Planned Parenthood and Boulder shootings, Colorado wildfires, and severe weather in Kansas.
She has received several storytelling awards, including recognition from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for feature and weather coverage.
In 2022, she was named one of Denver’s “African Americans Who Make a Difference” by Denver Urban Spectrum.
Mekialaya works closely with the nonprofit organization Raise the Future to highlight Wednesday’s Child youths in her stories and help them find family permanency. She is also passionate about volunteering and giving back to her community.
Outside of her work, White enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She is an adventurous spirit who loves exploring Colorado’s natural beauty, trying new foods, and volunteering in her community.
Early Life and Education:
Mekialaya White grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she developed a passion for storytelling and journalism from a young age.
She attended the University of Northern Colorado, where she pursued her passion by double-majoring in journalism and communications, and minoring in English.
Her education laid a strong foundation for her career, equipping her with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of journalism.
Parents and Siblings:
Mekialaya White was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, by her loving parents, who have been a significant influence on her life.
Her parents are described as selfless and incredible individuals, and Mekialaya often credits them as her role models.
While specific details about her siblings are not widely available, it’s clear that family plays a crucial role in her life.
Career:
Mekialaya’s career in journalism has been marked by dedication and versatility. At CBS News Colorado, she anchors the weekday 4 p.m. news and reports for evening shows.
Her work encompasses a range of topics, including social issues, community events, and human interest stories.
She has also been recognized for her contributions to the media industry, being honored as one of 14 ‘African Americans Who Make a Difference’ by the Denver Urban Spectrum.
University of Northern Colorado
Mekialaya White began her journalism journey at the University of Northern Colorado. She double-majored in journalism and communications, and also minored in English.
Her academic background provided her with a strong foundation in reporting, writing, and communication skills, which have been crucial in her professional career.
CBS News Colorado
- Part-Time Overnight Writer and Producer (July 2018): Mekialaya started at CBS News Colorado in a behind-the-scenes role, which allowed her to learn the ropes of newsroom operations and production.
- On-Air Reporter (January 2019): She transitioned to an on-air role, where she began reporting live on various news stories. Her ability to cover breaking news and deliver compelling stories quickly earned her recognition.
- Weekend Morning Anchor (July 2021): Mekialaya was promoted to weekend morning anchor, a role that allowed her to connect with viewers and deliver the weekend news.
- 4 p.m. Weekday News Anchor (September 2022 – Present): She currently anchors the 4 p.m. weekday news, where she continues to bring important stories to the community.
Other Stations
Before joining CBS News Colorado, Mekialaya worked at several other stations across the United States, gaining valuable experience and honing her journalistic skills:
- Wichita, Kansas: In Wichita, she covered severe weather events, including tornadoes, earning recognition from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for her feature and weather coverage.
- Cincinnati, Ohio: Mekialaya reported on a variety of stories and events, further expanding her experience in the field.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado: Her hometown, where she started her career and developed her passion for journalism.
Major Breaking Events
Throughout her career, Mekialaya has covered several significant events, showcasing her ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver accurate reporting:
- Planned Parenthood Shooting: Mekialaya covered the tragic shooting at a Planned Parenthood clinic, providing critical updates and information to the public.
- Boulder Shooting: She reported on the mass shooting in Boulder, covering the aftermath and the impact on the community.
- Colorado Wildfires: Mekialaya has covered numerous wildfires in Colorado, providing live updates and safety information to residents.
- Severe Weather in Kansas: Her coverage of severe weather events, including tornadoes, has been recognized for its accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Awards and Recognition
Mekialaya White’s dedication to journalism and storytelling has earned her several awards and recognition:
- Kansas Association of Broadcasters: She received awards for feature and weather coverage.
- Denver Urban Spectrum (2022): Named one of Denver’s “African Americans Who Make a Difference.”
Community Involvement
Mekialaya is passionate about giving back to her community and works closely with nonprofit organizations:
- Raise the Future: She collaborates with the organization to highlight Wednesday’s Child youths in her stories, helping them find family permanency.
- Volunteering: Mekialaya is actively involved in volunteering and giving back to her community, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact.
Here are some of Mekialaya White’s colleagues at CBS News Colorado:
- Alex Lehnert: Alex is the First Alert Meteorologist who joined CBS News Colorado in 2023. She has a background in weather forecasting and has worked in various locations, including Casper, Wyoming, Fresno, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Lauren Whitney: Lauren is a First Alert Meteorologist who has been with CBS News Colorado since 2011. She has a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Geosciences and is known for her passion for tracking Colorado’s unique weather patterns.
- Dave Aguilera: Dave is the Chief Meteorologist who has spent his entire career forecasting weather in the Rocky Mountain Region. He celebrated 30 years at CBS Colorado and is known for his dedication to keeping viewers informed about weather events.
- Eric Christensen: Eric is an anchor who brings a wealth of experience to the newsroom. He has covered a wide range of stories and events throughout his career.
- Gabriela Vidal: Gabriela is an anchor who brings a fresh perspective to the newsroom. She is passionate about delivering news that matters to the community.
- Olivia Young: Olivia is an anchor who has quickly made a name for herself at CBS News Colorado. She is known for her dynamic reporting style and commitment to storytelling.
- Romi Bean: Romi is a reporter who has been with CBS News Colorado for several years. She is known for her engaging storytelling and commitment to journalism.
- Brian Flores: Brian is a meteorologist who provides accurate weather forecasts and updates. He is known for his engaging on-air presence and dedication to keeping viewers informed.
- Spencer Wilson: Spencer is a meteorologist who has quickly made a name for himself at CBS News Colorado. He is known for his engaging on-air presence and commitment to weather reporting.
These colleagues work together to bring accurate and timely news and weather updates to the community.
Financial Status:
While exact figures for Mekialaya White’s net worth and salary aren’t publicly available, we can provide some estimates based on industry standards.
Net Worth Estimate:
Mekialaya White’s estimated net worth could range between $500,000 and $1 million. This estimate is based on her role as an established anchor at CBS News Colorado and her career in journalism, along with her advocacy work.
Net worth estimates for news anchors can vary widely depending on factors like their career duration, other income streams (e.g., speaking engagements, endorsements), and investments.
Salary Estimate:
As a weekday news anchor at a major network like CBS, her salary is likely to fall within the $60,000 to $100,000 range annually.
For Denver-based news anchors, salaries typically range from $55,000 to $90,000, though higher salaries can be found for those with extensive experience or in larger markets.
Based on her role and experience, Mekialaya’s salary could be closer to the higher end of that spectrum.
Personal Life:
- Age: Mekialaya White was born on June 11.
- Zodiac Sign: She is a Gemini.
- Ethnicity: She is known to be of African American descent.
- Nationality: Mekialaya is American.
- Relationship Status: She is married.
Husband:
Mekialaya White is married to Josh Gallegos. They share a strong bond and often celebrate family traditions together, such as making homemade tamales during Christmas.
Additionally, they have a pet dog named Gia, who has her own Instagram account @gia_thedoodle.
Physical Description:
- Height: Mekialaya White might be around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall, which is an average height for women.
- Weight: Given her height, her weight could be around 130-140 pounds (59-64 kg), although this is a rough estimate and can vary widely.
- Distinguishing Features: Mekialaya White is known for her professional on-air appearance. She typically has dark hair and brown eyes. Her engaging presence and confident demeanor are distinguishing features.
Social Media Activity:
Mekialaya maintains an active presence on social media platforms:
- Instagram: @mekialaya
- X (formerly Twitter): @mekialaya
- Facebook: Mekialaya White
On these platforms, she shares insights into her professional work, personal life, and advocacy efforts, engaging with a broad audience and highlighting her multifaceted interests and commitments.