Summer Knowles Biography: Award-Winning Journalist at WESH-TV Orlando
Summer Knowles is an award-winning journalist currently working as a co-anchor for WESH 2 News in Orlando, Florida. She joined WESH in January 2015 and has since held various roles, including co-anchoring the 4, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts.
Education and Early Career:
- Summer graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Spanish.
- She began her career as a news writer and overnight producer for NBC News Channel in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Career Highlights:
- Before joining WESH, she worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at CBS 4 News in Miami, covering significant national stories such as the George Zimmerman trial and the normalization of US/Cuba relations.
- At WESH, she has conducted high-profile interviews with figures like Vice President Mike Pence and presidential candidate Joe Biden.
- Her work on the “Project Community: Crusade for Change” documentary, following George Floyd’s death, earned her an Edward R. Murrow award in 2021.
Personal Life and Interests:
- Summer is actively involved in community service, including working with public school literacy programs and serving on the YMCA Achievers Board of Directors.
- She enjoys weight training and spending quality time with her husband and their two young daughters.
Age
Summer Knowles was born on January 24, 1982, making her 42 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Aquarius. She holds American nationality and belongs to the Black-American ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings
Summer Knowles was born to parents who were both Army officers. Due to their military careers, her family moved frequently across the United States. This upbringing likely instilled a sense of discipline and adaptability in her from a young age.
While Summer has shared some details about her parents, she has not disclosed much information about her siblings, if she has any. She often visited her grandparents in Miami, Florida, during the summers, which suggests a close-knit extended family.
Husband
Summer Knowles is married to LaVar, a U.S. Army officer. While there isn’t a lot of public information about his professional background, it’s clear that he plays a significant role in their family life. The couple shares three daughters: Sadé, Sasha, and Sanaia, and they often share glimpses of their family moments on social media.
LaVar and Summer seem to have a strong and loving relationship, often celebrating their milestones and special occasions together. They got married on August 26, 2017, and have been building a beautiful family since then.
Height
Summer Knowles stands at an average height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) and maintains a body weight of approximately 130 lbs (59 kg).
Career and Background
Summer Knowles began her career in journalism as a news writer and overnight producer for NBC News Channel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before joining WESH, she worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at CBS 4 News in Miami, covering significant national stories such as the George Zimmerman trial and the normalization of US/Cuba relations.
Summer also worked at WPXI in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before making her way to WESH-TV in Orlando. Summer Knowles is currently serving as a co-anchor for WESH 2 News in Orlando, Florida. She joined WESH in January 2015 and has held various roles, including co-anchoring the 4, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts.
At WESH, she has conducted high-profile interviews with figures like Vice President Mike Pence and presidential candidate Joe Biden.
Throughout her career, she has covered major events such as the Boston Marathon bombing and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her work on the “Project Community: Crusade for Change” documentary, following George Floyd’s death, earned her an Edward R. Murrow award in 2021.
Summer Knowles has covered a wide range of impactful stories throughout her career. Here are some of her most notable works:
Project Community: Crusade for Change
One of her most significant projects is the “Project Community: Crusade for Change” documentary. This series focused on the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death and explored how race impacts perceptions of police. This work earned her an Edward R. Murrow award in 2021.
COVID-19’s Impact on Prisons
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Summer reported on the profound impact of the virus on local prisons, prisoners, and their families. This story highlighted the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and their loved ones during the pandemic.
Embracing Natural Beauty
In a more personal and inspiring story, Summer shared her journey of ditching wigs and hair extensions to embrace her natural hair on air. This story aimed to inspire and affirm her young daughters and resonated with many women across the country, garnering nearly 100,000 views on her Facebook page.
High-Profile Interviews
Summer has conducted interviews with prominent figures, including Vice President Mike Pence and presidential candidate Joe Biden. These interviews have provided valuable insights into national politics and policy.
Coverage of National Stories
Before joining WESH, Summer covered significant national stories such as the George Zimmerman trial and the normalization of US/Cuba relations while working at CBS 4 News in Miami.
Summer Knowles has received multiple awards throughout her journalism career. Here are some of the notable ones:
- Edward R. Murrow Awards: Summer has won five Edward R. Murrow awards. One of these was for her work on the “Project Community: Crusade for Change” documentary following George Floyd’s death.
- Other Recognitions: She has also been recognized for her impactful storytelling, particularly her coverage of COVID-19’s impact on local prisons and their families.
Her commitment to credible, reliable, and authentic journalism has earned her these prestigious accolades, highlighting her dedication to shedding light on critical issues and giving a voice to marginalized communities.
WESH 2 News has a talented team of anchors and reporters. Here are some notable members:
- Nancy Alvarez – Anchor
- Sanika Dange – Anchor/Reporter
- Sheldon Dutes – Anchor
- Jason Guy – Anchor
- Michelle Imperato – Anchor
- Eric Burris (Meteorologist)
- Kellianne Klass (Meteorologist)
- Cam Tran (Meteorologist)
Summer Knowles Track and Field
Summer Knowles was a standout track and field athlete during her college years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She competed in sprints, specifically the 200m and 400m events. She was also a high school track star, holding records in the 100-meter, 100-meter hurdles, and 200-meter events. Her athletic background continues to influence her fitness journey today.
Net Worth and Salary
Summer Knowles has an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Her salary as a journalist at WESH-TV is estimated to be between $75,000 and $120,000 annually.
Is Summer Knowles Married?
Yes, Summer Knowles is married. She tied the knot with LaVar Smith on August 26, 2017. The couple has three daughters: Sadé, born on February 16, 2018, Sasha, born on August 30, 2019, and Sanaia, born in February 2022.
Is Summer Knowles Related to Beyoncé?
No, Summer Knowles is not related to Beyoncé. Despite sharing the same last name, there is no familial connection between them.
How Old Is Summer Knowles?
Summer Knowles is currently 42 years old, having been born on January 24, 1982.
Where Is Summer Knowles, or Is She Still Working at WESH-TV?
Summer Knowles is still with WESH 2. She has been with the station since January 2015 and currently co-anchors WESH 2 News at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. She continues to deliver news and stories to the Orlando community with the same dedication and professionalism that has marked her career.
You can follow Summer Knowles on several social media platforms:
- Twitter: @WESH2SummerK where she shares updates and insights related to her work and personal interests.
- Facebook: @SummerKnowlesNews where she has a significant following and often posts about her fitness journey, family, and professional life.
- Instagram. You can follow her at @summerknowles where she shares updates about her professional work, fitness journey, and personal life.
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