
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
Montgomery County businesses could face fines under proposed safety plan
Montgomery County residents are weighing in on a late night business safety plan that would put responsibility on businesses to keep people safe or face stiff fines and shutdowns.
Dressmaker reaches out to help DC bride-to-be whose wedding dress was stolen
A dressmaker has reached out to help a D.C. bride-to-be whose wedding dress was stolen over the weekend.
Montgomery County leaders meet to discuss rent stabilization
In Montgomery County, some councilmembers are taking on the rising cost of rent.
College Park mayor facing child pornography charges expected in court Monday
The now former mayor of College Park, 47-year-old Patrick Wojahn, is expected in court Monday.
Montgomery County bill limiting traffic stops to be introduced
A bill limiting traffic stops in Montgomery County will be introduced to the Council Tuesday. The Safety and Traffic Equity in Policing (STEP) Act would prevent a police officer from making a traffic stop for numerous offenses.
Mount Rainier city leaders vote to put a cap on rent increases
A victory for renters in one Prince George's County community after leaders of the city of Mount Rainier vote to put a cap on rent increases and to penalize landlords who raise rents over a certain amount.
Turkey Earthquake: Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team returns home to Fairfax Co.
Virginia Task Force 1, the urban search and rescue team from Fairfax County that was sent to Turkey in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake earlier this month, has returned home.
You may notice a difference in the taste and smell of your DC area drinking water. Here’s why.
You may notice a change in the taste and smell of your drinking water if you live in the D.C. area.
Controversial Prince William County data center vote deferred until March
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors has deferred the vote on a controversial plan to build massive data centers in Bristow to later this year.
Wakefield HS reopens after overdose death; increased police after 'concerning' online posts
New concerns at an Arlington high school that reopened Monday after a suspected student overdose death, and a number of other troubling incidents last week, forced classes to be canceled Friday.