Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhondaja Denine Howard.
Hi Rhondaja, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your back story.
My journey has not been an easy one, I have been through a lot to get to where I am today, and I am thankful for that. I am from a small town on the east side of Buffalo, NY. I always knew I wanted to make it out, but I never imagined being where I am today. I didn’t let being a single mother to my eight-year-old daughter stop me from chasing my dreams. I always knew I wanted to be a journalist and be a voice for my people who are often voiceless…I am living proof that dreams do come true.
With dedication and patience trusting the process can be the hardest. I wanted to be a representation for every young mother who doesn’t have a support system. I am living proof that you can have the career and the life you want all while being a mother. I am now a multimedia journalist in Jonesboro, Arkansas…I always used to say I will be your next black female journalist…& now almost three years later I am your next black female journalist.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road…I’ve experienced many trials and tribulations… my faith got me through it all, there were times when all I had was God to talk to and I realized he was all that I needed. I was raised by my nana, Judy Davies.
She died while I was 6 months pregnant, I felt like I lost everything… She never got to meet my daughter. I feel like God gave me my daughter because he knew I would need her to get me through this life. I had somebody to live for and I needed her to see what chasing your dreams meant. Because if she sees me chasing my dreams, she will have no choice but to chase her dreams.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a multimedia journalist for Kait8 News in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I am most proud of landing this job because I am surrounded by many other amazing journalists who I enjoy learning from.
The best part of my job is hearing someone else’s story and being able to tell their story… it is such a rewarding feeling… this is a big deal for me because black women are often underrepresented in media… to be a black woman and to have a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the age of 27 is a dream come true.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
My advice on risk-taking…is simply to pray about it & just do it… pray about it first and go for it and don’t be scared to fail as long as you keep pushing forward and keep trying there is nothing in this life you can’t have!
Generational wealth starts with just one risk-taker!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Rhondaja Denine Journalist
- Facebook: Rhondaja Denine Journalist
Image Credits
KAIT8
