My love affair with New Orleans began when I was about 12 years old. My
parents attended a convention and brought me along. I found the texture
of the place mesmerizing. . Smells of seasonings and history around
every corner. As we left, I remember looking back longingly at this
wonderfully exciting and curious place. I didn't know then that this
city would become my home.
As a native of Opelika, Alabama, the southern charm of New Orleans was
not far from my roots. For instance I love to make grits covered with
smothered pork chops and gravy. Here they call it grits and grillades!
My curiosity about life and events made news my automatic calling. I
started my broadcast career as a high school senior. I landed a job
doing evening drive news at WJHO, a local AM radio station. I juggled
school events while covering news in the evenings with a little tape
recorder and a dream.
In 1988, I graduated with a major in Journalism from the University of
Alabama in Tuscaloosa where I have served on the School of Journalism's
Alumni Advisory Board and several journalism honors with the most recent
being recognized as a Distinguished Journalism Professional. My
broadcast aspirations began to unfold. First as a reporter/photographer
at WTVM in Columbus, Ga., then to WSFA TV in Montgomery. Next, I spent
six years working at WAFB in Baton Rouge. I was there when Hurricane
Andrew decided to pay Louisiana a visit.
In 1996 I signed on to WVUE in New Orleans. The same little girl who was
sad to leave New Orleans almost 20 years earlier, put down roots here.
The more than decade I've spent here has given me experiences beyond
my wildest dreams.
I was honored to cover Pope John Paul the II's St. Louis visit in 1999.
Traveling to Rome for the canonization of St. Katherine Drexel was also
a highlight. In 2006 I was one of only 4 gulf coast reporters invited to
the White House for a one-on-one interview with President George W. Bush
on the Katrina Recovery.
The stories I love most are the ones packed with emotion, stories that
can change lives. When my colleague Bob Breck's wife Paula died, I was
given the privilege of telling their story.and increasing awareness
about the dangers of blood clots. A documentary on the subject would
later win an Edward R. Murrow Award. That was quite a thrill.
A story of descendents of slaves buying the plantation that their
ancestors built in St. John Parish was also an amazing account of lives
coming full circle. That report won an Emmy Award.
From AP awards to Press Club honors, to another Emmy nomination, I've
been blessed. But, my proudest accomplishments are my three children
Parker 8, and the twins Piper and Pierce, 4. They are the joys of my
life. Viewers shared the excitement with my husband Glynn Boyd and me as
they were born. Our newest addition to the family is Pickle..our dog. A
cocker spaniel, Irish Shepherd mix.
I enjoy being active in this community. I served three years on the
board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, I've worked with the organzation
Dress for Success, that gives women suits to restart their lives in new
employment. I love working with the Beautiful Foundation, that gives
self esteem to young girls, and I do school talks every opportunity I
can. Also, I am committed to the fight against Breast Cancer, and do
whatever the local American Cancer Society asks. My mom Patsy Parker is
a 14 year survivor.
The hurricanes that devastated the area taught me to appreciate New
Orleans even more. The perseverance of so many who lost so much proves
how special this area is. I continue to feel the thrill of what makes
this city great. I am here to stay.
