Today we’d like to introduce you to Valencia Harris.
Hi Valencia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a transplant originally from New Haven, Connecticut who migrated to the Charm City to pursue a degree in Multiplatform Production with a concentration in On-Air Performance at the illustrious Morgan State University.
My aspirations to become entertainment journalist began at the ripe age of 16 when I had my first interview with Ted Talk speaker, New York Times best-selling author Shaka Senghor, as seen on Oprah Winfrey’s Emmy award-winning Super Soul Sunday. Interviewing him made me realize my calling.
During my matriculation at Morgan, I have been part of the BearTV team, Morgan State University’s student-run TV station. I have had the opportunity to serve as “Miss” Morgan State University Association of Black Journalists, as well as president of the organization.
I have reported at the largest National Association of Black Journalists convention in 2019, done live-streamed coverage of the late congressman Elijah Cummings celebration of life service, and has also conducted a host of celebrity interviews.
During the pandemic I started interning at WEAA Public Radio 88.9FM from there, my journey in Journalism continued. I co-hosted Mornings with Mykel but quickly shifted into my own time slot, For The Love of The 99s & the 2000s 7 pm-9 pm Monday-Friday. I host, produce, program music, and curate original content for the show.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Although I have made great progress in my career one of the biggest challenges I have faced was/is with my mental health. Throughout my 5 years in Baltimore, I have suffered with depression and anxiety. The death my Uncle Thomas during the pandemic impacted my mental health in ways I couldn’t imagine. His death was sudden and unexpected.
He was one who considered me to be his “little star” and was very proud of the progress in my steady moving career. In many ways, I leaned on him for support. The loss of my uncle was something I felt deeply and impacted my work ethic tremendously as I was grieving and still trying to achieve greatness.
With this in mind, I was in school full-time, working full-time, and freelancing. All while navigating personal relationships, a new city, and imposter syndrome.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Radio Host, Producer, and Journalist. I have a passion for storytelling. When it comes to Radio and Journalism, I love interviews. I love being able to take a deep dive into people’s story. Effective interviewing is something that takes skill and is a craft I am still mastering. However, some would say I am a Pro because of the way I craft questions, make my subject feel comfortable enough to open up, and really tap into the spark that gets them talking.
In a way, I have coined the phrase “Your Favorite Radio Personality” because it’s something I refer to myself as throughout the show. I am proud of how the listening audience is receptive to my personality and are able to recognize my voice in any setting. My voice gets people to really listen.
I find that in today’s society it’s hard to captivate an audience for 2 hours in our busy world but I am proud that I am able to do it. I feel that my compassion and empathy for the world sets me apart as a storyteller/journalist because I am looking at the world from a lens that is uncommon for most from my observation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck perse. I believe that faith, networking, and perseverance has contributed to my success immensely. I believe nothing happens by chance so with proper preparation I have been well-equipped with all of the highs and the lows of life and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weaa.org/show/for-the-love-of-the-99s-the-2000s
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialvalenciacharmaine?igshid=Nzg3NjI1NGI=
