#MediaMonday – Kamilah Williams

This #MediaMonday comes to us from Kamilah Williams, a Glendale reporter for ABC15 Arizona, who is back in the Valley after earning her master’s from the Cronkite School.

We always love welcoming a fellow Cronkite grad back to the Valley!

Kamilah, take it away…

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio (West side, best side)

How did you get your start in working in media/broadcasting? Tell us your story and experience.

I thought I would be a family lawyer but quickly realized that was not the route for me. I remember taking a video editing class my freshman year of high school, and I loved it. It was during the height of YouTube, and I wanted to know how they edited their videos. After my first semester, I switched to journalism and chose broadcast over print. I’ve been in the news industry realm ever since.

Tell us about your role at ABC15. What types of stories are you interested in or would like to be pitched?

I’m the Glendale reporter at ABC15. I cover all things Glendale, whether it’s community, development, education, etc. I am really interested in covering development stories. Usually the big building that could impact people’s lives. I also love stories where children are making a difference.

Any memorable or favorite coverage moments, past or recent?

When I was working at a station in Georgia, I did a continued coverage story about a woman who fell out the back of a deputy’s car after she was having a mental health crisis. Her name was Brianna Grier.

I covered that story from beginning to end and I received an Edward Murrow award for it. My coverage led to additional changes in the state’s law enforcement training when it comes to dealing with people are having a mental health crisis. I was proud of myself because I could see how my stories made a difference.

Best advice for PR people pitching you?

I would say know who you’re pitching to. I’m the Glendale reporter, a story out of Chandler won’t do me much good. Having someone who is impacted will help in the long run when it comes to getting a story picked up. For example, my recent story featuring One Step Beyond and Nikki’s Next Step.

That story wouldn’t have been possible if participant Katie wasn’t part of it. Yes, having the CEO is great, but having a character-driven story is what makes news managers and reporters take interest in a story.  (full disclosure: One Step Beyond is an HMA client).

What are some of your hobbies?

I love to travel. I’ve been to Bali, Indonesia, Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, a week-long trip backpacking through Spain. I just love being on the go.

Do you have any favorite local spots?

Right now, I love matcha and there is this cafe called Cafe Mollie that has a really good strawberry matcha and banana pudding matcha. And my go-to food spot is Taco Sahuaro. The best carne asada tacos in Phoenix!

What is the best way to reach you?

Email is always best. It comes straight to me and I respond pretty quickly. Reach me at kamilah.williams@abc15.com.