Thirty years ago I moved from Minneapolis to Chicago. I felt like I’d finally grown up. I’d just turned 30, I had landed my dream job and I was working in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was a really exciting time in my life, and overwhelming too. All of those voices of doubt can creep up on you, and for me, it was usually minutes before I’d walk into the control room and the ten o’clock news would begin.

But, almost immediately after joining the NBC5 Chicago team, I realized I was surrounded by… not only the BEST journalists in the business… but amazing people. Coworkers who’d have each other’s backs, see the best in one another and work tirelessly every single day to put newscasts we were proud of on the air. Talent who didn’t just sit and read the teleprompter, but work the stories, get the exclusives and make fair and truthful reporting a must. Leading the way, Carol Marin. A journalism legend, earning a multitude of accolades including national Emmys and Peabody Awards.

Carol’s latest honor is recipient of the 2025 “Order of the Lincoln Honor”. This is a BIG DEAL! It is the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. Carol’s career is simply unmatched and incredibly inspiring for young journalists. Carol and Don Moseley co-founded the Center for Journalism and Integrity at DePaul University, where students get hands-on experience in investigative and ethical reporting. She is currently a Center Faculty Fellow and it was so fitting that we met on the beautiful campus of DePaul University for our photoshoot.

Carol, Don… my husband!… so many wonderful people came into my life when I walked into the WMAQ newsroom all of those years ago. And I am so blessed that so many are still my friends all of these years later.