Today we’d like to introduce you to Kami Simmons.
Hi Kami, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born on the Southside of Chicago and raised in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., where I started working for the Obama White House on former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Policy Team. Since the tender age of three, I have had an endless imagination. I would tape shows with my twin sister on our camcorder and “air” the VHS recordings to our family and friends at my Grandma’s house. This seed later grew into her career in the broadcast media, entertainment, and news industry. The first opportunity to cover a story that let me know I was right and this is where I needed to be was back in 2014 at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC when I interviewed a dynamic women’s singing group called Main Girl. From there, I interviewed reality stars from shows like ‘Bring It.’
Since then, I have interviewed and produced media and entertainment content with many high-profile celebrities, influencers, and thought leaders: Melody Shari, Kendall Kyndall, Ari Fletcher, Grip, Rapsody, and the list goes on. Due to me doing a lot of self-discovery in graduate school, I realized my purpose and why for being in this industry. Being on television allows me to inform and inspire others while expressing myself. Since then, I have worked with media and entertainment outlets such as xoNecole,iHeart Media, Hits 92.3, NBC and FOX News, BET Digital, ViacomCBS, TMZ, and FOX Soul, just to name a few.
I am now an award-winning multi-talented content creator, on-camera entertainment and lifestyle TV and radio host, and media personality who travels around the world. Currently working as a TV and radio personality, influencer, and producer with brands like First Class TV streaming TV network, Yahoo! Finance, xoNecole, Hits 92.3, 21 Ninety, and NoireTV (which has 2 TV channels, billions of viewership, and millions of social media impressions). Her bylines include BET, FOX, NBC, and iHeart Media to name a few.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. However, all of the hardships I have gone through have definitely been pivotal to creating the person I am today. I grew up in a family where no one attended college and having children at a young age was the norm. My mother raised my twin sister and me in Washington, D.C. as a single parent working two jobs. She taught us to never limit ourselves, follow our dreams, work hard, and to make it happen. She raised us to get involved in everything that we could while growing up in DC so that we could break the family cycle, be well-rounded individuals, and start to think about our futures. I volunteered at events such as the White House Easter Egg Roll as a Girl Scout. Seeing broadcasters covering the event and various entertainers at a young age helped me start to visualize my own future and learn the value of giving back. I soon became a recipient of the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award for City Year Young Heroes in Washington, DC. I continued volunteering at organizations such as Best Buddies and the Washington, DC Boys and Girls Club S.M.A.R.T. Girls program.
I also eventually continued my interests in public service at the White House as the Office of the First Lady Let Girls Learn Intern. In this position, I helped plan events around First Lady Michelle Obama’s Leadership and Mentoring program and I also worked on public policy work relating to women and girls’ education. My family upbringing, education, and challenges have contributed to who I am today. I am not afraid to speak up, even when taking a stand might not be popular, and I make no excuses for pursuing my dreams and do so with passion and intensity. I have gained strength from the challenges of being a first-generation college student and balancing my social, academic life, and now professional life. My family upbringing, challenges, and education have not limited me, rather they have propelled me to achieve many of my accomplishments, which continue to inspire me as I reach towards my future as I continue to be a passionate, resilient, and fearless leader.
Like many entering the business, I was told getting a job with a local news affiliate news station in a small town was the only way. For years veteran journalists have been telling young graduates not to go straight into a larger market too soon as it can backfire. After realizing the network, I gained over the years and the endless jobs that continue to come across my DMS and emails, I quickly saw a need. That’s why I officially launched the First Class Crew. With the mission to give my members direct access. When I started my professional career, it was not too welcoming. I was expected to do it all. From operating the camera, driving the news station car, editing, and shooting the footage while only earning $23,000 per year (let’s just say since then, yesterday’s prices are not today’s prices!).
During my 10-hour shift days, I was expected to shoot, write, edit, get a web article in, and repost my article online. No lunch breaks and unpaid overtime. A schedule typical of reporters at local TV stations.” In most cases, I was one of the only Black women in the newsrooms I worked in. My job took a toll on my mental health. I was called to human resources almost every other week over “petty” wrongdoings. “I was getting written up and put on a PIP review with no action plan every 30 days.” I butted heads with the station manager and other company heads, who threatened to fire me. As a result, the toxic work environment led to depression and anxiety. I entered therapy and ultimately took a break from the industry.
Despite the challenges, I carved and blazed my own lane by creating digital content, which led to job opportunities with major media networks like xoNecole, iHeart Media, and more—covering stories from fashion, tech, and entertainment. When I was hired as ViacomCBS’ BET digital producer, I increased BET digital’s viewers by about 10,000 viewers over one month throughout their social media platforms.
Ultimately what helped and continues to help me overcome my challenges is staying the course and helping others along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an award-winning TV/radio host, content creator, and producer. Covering all things music, business, beauty, lifestyle, tech, and what she calls infotainment (a mixture of current news and entertainment). I am currently an on-air host with brands like xoNecole, First Class TV on Roku, Yahoo, iHeart Media, and Hits 92.3. My bylines include BET, FOX, NBC, and iHeart Media. I am the host and producer of a talk show titled “Trensetta Lounge” that highlights up-and-coming hustlers making it shake amongst many industries. When I am not covering a red carpet, on the television screens, or writing articles, you can find me trying new recipes, dancing and working out, vlogging, and searching for the cutest clothing boutique spots in town.
Charismatic, fabulous, and relatable are some words people use to describe me. I demand the room and also aim to inform and inspire my audience on entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle. My presence makes everyone stop and listen. I empower others to do the same through fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and inspiration. My light and star power shine from within and monumentally engage people on social media and in real life. I serve a positive personality packed with authenticity, positive energy, flair, and insight across all media platforms. My overall goal is to inspire people to be their whole selves no matter what other people tell them. I am most proud of doing me and choosing to live out loud no matter what others say.
I am also a proud Lion, securing my Masters of Science in journalism from Columbia University in New York City. I also earned my Bachelor of Arts degree at Kalamazoo College, where I studied Theatre, Media Studies, and Economics. While in Kalamazoo, Michigan, I interned for a local CBS station and hosted and produced a college radio show. Additionally, I am a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people who know my work and brand may not know that I did not learn how to cook until 2020. Some of my top meals that I have made to date include chilli, pot roast, and a nice refreshing mango avocado salsa salmon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kamisimmons.com/reel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kami_simmons/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kamisimmonstv/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/_kami_simmons
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmqkS5QLCe80k1W0b5CVDg
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_kami_simmons
Image Credits
Credit: @_kami_simmons
