Vanessa Elise Baker is a highly-skilled television and radio co-host and lead correspondent, with more than 14 years of experience in public speaking, reporting, writing and editing. Receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in journalism, Vanessa has always loved “getting the story” and connecting with others.
As the first African American Miss New Jersey USA, Vanessa competed in the nationally televised Miss USA pageant. During that experience, she donated her time with over 20 different organizations and charities. Her main platform, blood donation, a cause near and dear to her heart allowed her to become the spokesperson for the New Jersey/Penn Region for The American Red Cross.
Well-traveled and with an extensive career in modeling, show production, and choreography/dance, Vanessa has had some amazing opportunities, from being a beauty model on QVC and representing brands like Bare Minerals and Laura Geller to choreographing for the Philadelphia Sixers and New Jersey Nets dance teams.
She is a proven self-starter with the ability to generate and produce stories. Trained in the Philadelphia/Tri- state market, Vanessa has worked at major TV networks and various online news and media outlets.
She is popular with viewers and accessible with a genuine interest in a variety of subjects. Vanessa has the ability to quickly gain the trust of sources and develop enterprise- exclusive story ideas. Her strong ability to stay calm and “think on her feet” coupled with her quick wit, make her a compelling storyteller, with a professional demeanor in the newsroom and the community.
Being a homeschooling mother of two children, one with special needs, is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to her. When she is not in “journalism mode”, Vanessa’s main focus is creating loving and long lasting memories with her family.