Mekialaya White
Mekialaya White is a weekday 4 p.m. news anchor and award-winning journalist for CBS News Colorado.
She is a proud Coloradan and couldn't ask for a better place to call home. She's thrilled and honored to share your stories daily in the gorgeous state she grew up in; it has always been her dream.
Mekialaya worked her way up the ranks to her current role at CBS News Colorado. After several months as a part-time overnight writer and producer, she began reporting on-air at CBS News Colorado in January of 2019. In July 2021, she was promoted to weekend morning anchor. Then, in September of 2022, she took on her most recent role, anchoring First at 4 Monday-Friday.
She got her start in TV at the University of Northern Colorado's student-run station, Bear News. She double majored in journalism and communications, minored in English.
Mekialaya is grateful that her news career has immersed her in a variety of cultures. She has produced, reported, and anchored news in Wichita, Kansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; and her hometown of Colorado Springs. Along the way, she's earned a variety of storytelling awards, including from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for feature and weather coverage.
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She's extensively covered major breaking events like the Marshall Fire, and Boulder and Planned Parenthood shootings; been in the thick of Kansas tornado coverage; and waited in anticipation for results of several Presidential elections. The most important stories she gets to tell are those that share inspiration and empower action. Weekly, she works closely with Colorado nonprofit Raise the Future to highlight Wednesday's Child youths in stories and help them find family permanency. (In addition, she serves on Raise the Future's board of directors.) She also features hyper-local Colorado restaurants in Your Local Dish to help them gain visibility and is dedicated to saving you money as Your Making Ends Meet Reporter.
Mekialaya actively volunteers and emcees events, as she has a big heart to serve.
During Black History Month in 2022, Mekialaya was selected by the publication Denver Urban Spectrum as one of the city's "African Americans Who Make a Difference." In 2023, Mekialaya was presented with the University of Northern Colorado Alumni Award presented annually to five UNC graduates in recognition for career achievements and a commitment of service to the university.
When she's not busy working or being in the community, she LOVES to adventure (Ouray and Telluride are her absolute favorite parts of our state), enjoy time with her husband, pup, family, and friends. She also won't hesitate to throw down in the kitchen. All recipes welcomed! Pass 'em along, along with your story ideas.
RELATED: See The Whole CBS News Colorado Team
You can catch her anchoring every weekday, 4-5 p.m. She also often reports for evening shows.
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Just The Facts
Position: News Anchor and Reporter
Year hired: 2019
Alma Mater: University of Northern Colorado
Why I am journalist: To empower and serve others; it's a true honor.
Dream interview: Oprah! Undoubtedly.
Role model: My mama and dad; they're the most selfless, incredible people and I don't know what I would do without them. (Fun fact: They're also 20+ year Air Force veterans)
Dream job: My current one!
Job you would never attempt: Mathematician, too right-brained.
Favorite musician: So many, but my go-to's are R&B, hip hop, and alternative rock.
Hidden talent: I speak conversational French.
Hometown: Colorado Springs
Hobbies: Experiencing new things. Hiking, photography, learning, reading, COOKING.
Favorite food: I'm always trying something new with Your Local Dish! I have an adventurous palate, I've learned. I'll never turn down sushi or Mexican food.
Number of siblings: One younger brother
Number of pets: One pup. My husband and I have a chocolate Goldendoodle named Gia! She is a joy, and we are 100% THOSE dog parents. She has her own Instagram page.
Favorite sports team: Nuggets!
Favorite author: Gillian Flynn
Favorite vacation spot: Thus far, definitely Tulum, Mexico
What one word best describes CBS News Colorado: Teamwork
Least favorite household chore: Honestly, I know it's strange, but I love cleaning. Tidiness is huge for me.
Favorite noise: The people I love laughing together. It's the best!
Favorite word: Saunter
Least favorite words: I don't have one!
What keeps you in Colorado? Everyone I love. My family and friends.
What's the biggest risk you've taken? Moving across the country to the Midwest solo and not knowing a soul for previous journalism jobs.
Who would play you in a movie? I've always wanted to make a movie cameo as a journalist. A girl can dream, right?
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