Lauren Whitney reflects on career in STEM, preps for Girls & Science
CBS News Colorado First Alert Meteorologist Lauren Whitney gave us a behind-the-scenes peek at her daily work routine and recounted how perseverance got her to where she is now.
Watch CBS News
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.
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.
You can catch her anchoring every weekday, 4-5 p.m. She also often reports for evening shows.
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 actually 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?
CBS News Colorado First Alert Meteorologist Lauren Whitney gave us a behind-the-scenes peek at her daily work routine and recounted how perseverance got her to where she is now.
All eyes will be on Boulder in just a couple of short weeks. The Boulder International Film Festival brings films and filmmakers from around the world to our state, and it all started 19 years ago with a bond between two sisters.
Calling all girls. It's that time of year again! CBS News Colorado is proud to partner with Girls Inc. of Metro Denver and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the 9th annual Girls and Science event, led by Chief Meteorologist Lauren Whitney.
Team Giannis, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, will represent the Colorado-based nonprofit Raise the Future at the big game in Salt Lake City
As the end of the month approaches, Coloradans are worried about the end of essential funds for their families through the statewide program, SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is unstoppable, and undoubtedly one of the best players in the NBA. Because of his power and finesse, he was named team captain in this year's All-Star Game. It's a celebration when all basketball fans can get together to cheer for many reasons.
Representatives from The Wendy's Company presented a $10,000 donation to Raise the Future, a Colorado-based organization dedicated to reducing the amount of time that youth in foster care live without a permanent family in the tri-state area.
Getting your hair done at a Black salon is an intricate process that is usually hours long and filled with conversation and laughter.
One of the sweetest seasons is upon us. Girl Scout cookies are now on sale here in Colorado. And with each box, Girl Scouts of Colorado says you help the girls feel empowered and explore new adventures with a community alongside them.
In the month of January, many of us are looking at our finances for the rest of the year. And with tax season upon us, it's important to know how to best use your refund.
With its undeniable drama and star-studded cast, Paramount Network's "Yellowstone" is one of the hottest TV series of the moment, giving viewers a depiction of ranch life.
For months, Wade been preparing for the Bill Pickett Martin Luther King Jr. Rodeo, as part of the National Western Stock Show
At a brand-new office inside the Colorado Blood Institute, staff members are providing life-saving services. But as of recently, donations have been scarce.
History Colorado plans to hit the road to explore Green Book sites, all thanks to a new grant of nearly $75,000. It was awarded by the National Park Service as part of a recent round of Underrepresented Community Grants.
After the holidays, you might be considering cutting back on alcohol, or participating in what's called "Dry January." Dr. Jody Ryan, chief medical officer for WellPower says the benefits are beyond health.