JENNA ZIBTON, 33 / Anchor/Reporter, WSLS10 News
Emmy award-winning morning news anchor Jenna Zibton has more than a decade of experience in the media. Her in-depth reporting on human trafficking exposed loopholes that led to changes in Virginia law and new outreach efforts to combat the problem, while her reporting into the Salem Medical Center launched an investigation that led to policy change and won an Emmy and Associated Press Award for Best Investigative Report in 2016. She is President-Elect of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley and often emcees or presents at local community events and fundraisers, actively participating in fundraising and raising awareness for various causes. Zibton is a foster/adoptive family advocate, having won an Associated Press award for her “30 days of Hope” series, highlighting the hundreds of children who can be adopted across Virginia. “As a journalist, I am fortunate to be able to draw attention to worthy causes or needs,” she says, “and then many times the community rallies and steps up to make a difference.”
- An Emmy award winning morning news anchor with more than 10 years of experience
- Serves as a Board Member and President-Elect of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley; served as Community Vice President and Membership Vice President
- Played a huge role in assisting with the Blue Ridge Veterans Celebration
- 2017 Young Professional of the Year at the DePaul Women’s Achievement Awards
- Won two Junior League awards for her contributions to the Roanoke Valley (2014, 2018)
- Won an Associated Press award for her 30 days of Hope series on WSLS
- 30 Days of Hope Series submitted as entry to National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Award
- Raised more than $2,800 for the Ronald McDonald House while training for the Chicago Marathon
From the Nomination: “Jenna Zibton is an Emmy award-winning morning news anchor with more than 10 years of experience who also turns investigative, in-depth, education and special project into stories. Education is also a specific focus of Jenna’s reporting. You often see her reporting on schools and fighting for much needed repairs or the unique things teachers are in doing in their classrooms to help their students learn. This year, Jenna highlighted the importance of gun safety across the region after multiple children were hurt or killed by guns over the past two years. She focused on what everyone in the community can do to keep our children safe and what different organizations like the police, school systems and parents are doing to make a difference. She has educated hundreds of JLRV members about the issues surrounding poverty, healthcare and lack of transportation in the Roanoke Valley and how women can work to fix it. She also loves emceeing and speaking at local events. She is always soaking up information about needs in our community and then putting a plan into action. Jenna knew that there were thousands of children in foster care across Virginia who need safe and loving homes. Roanoke City is one of the top 5 localities with the most children in foster care; she approached WSLS about a campaign to draw attention to the need and how people can become foster or adoptive parents. “30 Days of Hope” was started 3 years ago. Every fall, Jenna highlights at least 30 children who can be adopted locally and tells stories about the many families who are stepping up to the call.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Zibton: “Roanoke has all four seasons and is beautiful in each one! I grew up in Texas where it was hot a lot of the year, so I love being able to go outside with family and friends and enjoy all the hiking, running and outdoor activities we have! Eight years after moving here, I still find myself driving down familiar roads in love with the fall colors, beautiful blooming trees or snow-covered mountains!”
How does your passion impact our community?
Zibton: “We all have different talents that can change our local communities for the better. I’ve always been passionate about giving back. If I’m able to help someone in a small way every day, I call that success! For the past 3 years, I’ve highlighted the huge need for foster and adoptive families. There are hundreds of kids who need a loving, permanent home.”
