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
Man arrested for allegedly raping minor after breaking into Rockville apartment
Authorities have arrested a man they say raped a minor after breaking into an apartment in Montgomery County.
Arlington Street Smart campaign aims to save lives
A pedestrian and bicyclist safety campaign continues in Arlington County as police hold enforcement activities Monday.
Crystal City Underground mall to close later this year
After nearly 50 years, the remaining restaurants and retail shops in the Crystal City Underground mall will soon close for good.
'Street Smart' campaign to add more speed cameras to Virginia school zones
Fairfax County Police are stepping up enforcement of traffic safety measures as more speed cameras go up near school and work zones.
Concerns grow over proposed MCPS budget cuts, including reductions to program for kids with autism
Some proposed budget cuts for Montgomery County Public Schools have parents concerned.
DC police release body cam footage, shows officer shoot man during chaotic foot chase
The D.C. police department has released officer body camera footage showing police firing and shooting a man during a chaotic foot chase in northeast Washington.
Driver flees after fatal hit-and-run in Wheaton: police
Police in Maryland say that one person was killed in a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle.
Montgomery Co. Public Schools hold town hall meetings as search for new superintendent continues
Montgomery County Public Schools is looking for a new superintendent, and they’re asking parents to weigh in on what they expect from a new leader.
How long do cherry blossoms last? Will peak bloom be affected by cooler temperatures?
D.C.’s iconic flowering trees are putting on a spectacle around the Tidal Basin now that they’ve reached peak bloom! But how long do cherry blossoms last and will they be affected by the cooler temperatures?
Montgomery County leaders hope to reduce impact of summer Metro red line closures
Montgomery County leaders are hoping to reduce the impact on commuters when scheduled repairs temporarily close five Metro red line stations.