By Nikki Curry, photographed by NeizhaB

 

Wome in Media have a valuable way of sharing stories, reporting breaking news, and even keeping us informed on what’s hot and trending. These wonderful women in the media help to keep us connected to the world as they come into our homes, cars, and our lives on a daily basis. The four women featured in this issue are no exception, and they deserve to be in the spotlight because of all of their hard work, accomplishments, and passion they share with their communities. ACHI Magazine is proud to present the beautiful “Media Mavens” of Hampton Roads. Please meet Jamesetta Walker, Virginia Pilot, Brittany Williams, Spokes Model and Speaker, Vanessa Coria, WVEC Channel 13, and Ashley C. Smith, WVEC Channel 13.

 

 

Brittany Williams, Brittany Williams, a native of Clifton Forge, Virginia, currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada is a Speaker, Spokeswoman, Model, and TV Personality. Since the tender age of 8, Brittany has always known that she was destined for Miss America or something close to it.  Brittany set her eyes on achieving the crown but changed lives in the process. At age 21, Brittany competed in the Miss Virginia USA pageant.  Unfortunately, Brittany did not win, she wasn't even a runner up.  Admittedly, Brittany was very discourage and even dishearten with the let down; however, she decided to refocus her energy and faith into what she wanted to one day become.  She wanted to represent all women for their own beauty, brains, and power, so in 2008, she would finally achieve her “Queen B” status by

winning the Miss United States of America crown.

 

 

Ashley Smith, Ashley Smith, is a Traffic Reporter for WVEC, ABC13. You can catch her on 13News "Now at Daybreak," airing weekday mornings from 4:30am -7:00am. Before joining the Daybreak team, Ashley was an Anchorwoman and Reporter for WCTV­48, the local education and municipal television station for the City of Chesapeake. Ashley is an active member of her church and community. Ashley is the Musical Director at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA. She holds a M.A. in Journalism from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA and a B.S. in Communication from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Ashley is no stranger to beauty and fashion, as a matter of fact, she has created a very impressive platform in the pageant world for seven years. Most notably she was named Miss United States 2011. Ashley is very committed to increasing the awareness and education of Breast Cancer.

 

 

Jamesetta Walker, is a columnist who provides commentary on fashion, lifestyle and consumer affairs for the Virginia Pilot. Jamesetta is a true Deep South gal who hails from Mississippi's Delta and central regions. She is the mother of three beautiful children, Kassidy, Perrin, and Kylri. They are truly her life. Because of her love for fashion and writing she feels she has the best of both worlds. She considers herself to be a woman with many layers; equally simple and complex. Her passions include writing, landscaping design and of course fashion. When it comes to fashion, Jamesetta considers her personal style to be classic and modern with a touch of finesse. 

 

 

Vanessa Coria, Since the age of 7 years old, Vanessa Coria has always known she was going to be on TV or as a part of the media. It was almost media love at first sight, and she has not looked back. Vanessa Coria is now the News Anchor for WVEC’s Channel 13. Vanessa was born in Jacksonville, Fl into a military family, but eventually moved to West Virginia. Vanessa is the oldest of three sisters, and she is affectionately referred to as the “Boss Hog” of her siblings. She says being the oldest is a big responsibility, but it is a responsibility that she graciously accepts. Vanessa’s parents were of strong influence in her life, and they taught her discipline, leadership, and hard work. Vanessa says “These are the values my parents instilled in me, and without them, I would be lost”.