Today we’d like to introduce you to Adeja Shivonne.
Hi Adeja, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Piscataway as a first generation Jamaican American and the eldest of three, advocacy was practically in my DNA. Pair that with a lifelong love for cameras and the stage, and law school felt like the obvious path, until one month before I was set to leave for college. My mom turned to me and said, ‘You know what I can really see you doing? The news.’
Everything clicked instantly. In a household where the TV was perpetually tuned into the news (when it wasn’t on soap operas!), it felt so obvious in hindsight. I immediately pivoted, enrolling at the University of Massachusetts Lowell to earn my degree in English, alongside minors in Digital Media and Political Science.
That shift launched an incredible journey. My early career was trial by fire: I interned in Washington, D.C., covering monumental political moments like the 2016 DNC and the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. That momentum landed me my first major role at CNN, where I spent nearly five years working across their Atlanta, D.C., and New York bureaus. I put in the work at every level, grinding my way up from a News Assistant to an Anchor Producer and Writer.
From there, I moved on to FOX 5 News in New York as a Writer and Producer, diving deep into crime, politics, and culture, and covering everything from high profile trials to major local political shifts.
Along the way, I started organically sharing the raw, behind the scenes reality of my daily life as a journalist on social media. What began as simple photo dumps and vlogs transformed into a vibrant community of nearly 100,000 like minded women looking to elevate their careers without losing their balance or individuality.
Seeing that impact made me realize the power of owning my own voice entirely. It opened doors I never could have imagined, ultimately giving me the leverage and confidence to step into full time content creation and media production.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving through high-pressure newsrooms at CNN and FOX 5 taught me how to perform under extreme deadlines, but some of the hardest battles were happening behind the scenes. Years ago, my dad suffered a stroke that left him impaired, and I stepped up to become his primary caretaker while simultaneously navigating a demanding career at CNN. Balancing that level of responsibility while trying to build a career in national news shifted my entire perspective. It required sacrifices, and there were freedoms and simple joys I had to put on hold during that season.
Passing through his loss a year ago brought a whole new weight of grief, but it also sparked a deep transformation. I found myself relearning the basics and reevaluating what I truly wanted out of life.
That shift in perspective ultimately led to the hardest psychological pivot of my career: choosing to bet on myself. Stepping away from the structure, security, and prestige of traditional broadcast news to build my own independent brand was terrifying. Navigating that shift while honoring my grief hasn’t been easy, but learning to honor my time, my voice, and my own journey has been the most empowering decision I’ve ever made.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
am known for bridging traditional newsroom reporting with authentic digital content. Having spent years as a producer and writer at CNN and FOX 5—covering everything from major political shifts to high-profile trials—I bring an editorial precision and media literacy to the creator space that really sets my work apart.
What sets me apart is the balance I strike: delivering sharp, informed commentary while documenting the real, day-to-day journey of career building and self-care.
What I am most proud of is building a community of nearly 100,000 like-minded women. Transitioning from traditional broadcast news to full-time independent media has allowed me to turn storytelling into a tool that directly empowers ambitious women to elevate their careers and own their voices.”
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
If you ask my mom and my aunts, they’ll tell you I was basically born 30 years old.
I was never shy and always had something to say. In fact, my teachers used to stop calling on me just to give the other kids a chance to raise their hands and answer!
Even early on, I had a natural pull toward leadership, advocacy, and community. Back in first grade, I took it upon myself to help a classmate who spoke Russian learn how to read English, and from then on, I was always designated as the default ‘classroom buddy’ for every new student who joined our school.
Personality-wise, I was articulate, curious, and deeply empathetic. Whether it was stepping up to guide a new friend or taking center stage in front of a room, I always had a passion for communicating, connecting with people, and making sure everyone around me felt heard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adejashivonne.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/uhdaysha
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@uhdaysha
