The Chicago Defender’s 2026 Women of Excellence list has officially been released, highlighting phenomenal women who are making a meaningful difference in their personal, professional, and philanthropic endeavors.
Among those honored is Tyra Whitney, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer at ABC 7 Chicago. Whitney has witnessed firsthand what it takes to succeed — the triumphs and the trials. Yet her perspective on both remains grounded. She views every step in her journey as movement in the right direction — not just toward professional success, but toward becoming her best self for the benefit of others.
A native of Virginia who grew up in the Washington, D.C area, Whitney understands grit. She has mastered it while developing the skills that positioned her as an Emmy Award winner and now, a Chicago Defender Women of Excellence honoree.
We sat down with Whitney to learn how she has accomplished so much at a young age. For her, it has never been about age — it has been about mission, faith, and a sincere desire to uplift her community.
How does it feel to be honored as a 2026 Chicago Defender Women of Excellence recipient?
“It feels amazing. I’m very humbled to be honored. Women of Excellence is such an elite class of women who are making an impact in their own right. It’s truly an honor to be among these women and to show little girls who look like us what they can accomplish if they put their minds to it.”
Your work has created measurable change in your community. What compelled you to lead, and how did you decide your approach would be different?
“As a young Black journalist, I saw the need to create more community among women in media. It can be difficult connecting with women of color in journalism — often, I was the only one in the room.
As I’ve advanced in my career, I’ve been fortunate to connect with mentors. It became important to me that as I rise, I reach back — to inspire, hold space, and support other journalists or women who look like me.
Being a D.C. native, I know what it means to come from one place and grow into another. It’s important that I stay connected — not just to Chicago, but back home too — to show young women that nothing is out of reach. It takes belief in yourself, belief in God, and stepping out on faith.
As I continue to rise, staying connected to my community reminds me where I come from. That grounding matters.”
There’s no limit to what you’ve accomplished. How does one become an Emmy Award-winning journalist?
“Hard work, patience, and sacrifice. There are long nights and grueling shifts. A lot of what we do isn’t seen. Especially in morning news — much of the work happens while everyone is asleep before they turn on the TV.
It’s about studying the business, listening to your team, trusting your gut, and seeking critique. You have to ask yourself, ‘What can I improve? What worked? What didn’t?’ and constantly refine your craft.
I trusted God and believed my time would come. When it finally happens, it hits differently.”
What sacrifices have people not seen behind your success?
“I’ve sacrificed a lot of family time. Moving to Chicago opened so many doors professionally and personally, but I’ve missed holidays and important family moments. News doesn’t stop for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
I moved here during the pandemic. I didn’t know anyone in Illinois. Then I experienced loss — losing family members while navigating a demanding career. I had to learn how strong I really was.
Grief taught me to lean deeper into my faith. It taught me to prioritize therapy and self-care. News is a 24-hour cycle, and you have to be intentional about protecting your mental health.”
How do you measure impact?
“I measure impact through the community. When someone stops me in a grocery store or at an event and shares how a story helped them — that’s success. Awards are amazing, but I do this for the community. Giving a voice to those who feel unheard — that’s what matters most.”
What work still feels unfinished?
Whitney shared her aspirations for leadership in news management — becoming an Executive Producer, News Director, and eventually holding senior leadership roles.
“It’s important for the next generation of journalists to see leaders who look like them — leaders who can empathize and say, ‘I’ve made that mistake too. Learn from it.’ This honor reminds me that leadership looks different for everyone. It’s allowed me to pause and say, ‘You’re doing it.’ Life is a marathon — it’s okay to slow down and sit with your blessings.”
What moment shaped the woman you are today?
Applying for my first Chicago job. “I was scared. I didn’t know anyone here. I prayed and trusted that if it was meant for me, it would happen. I packed up during the pandemic and drove from Virginia to Chicago.
Six years later, I’m here. When I got hired at ABC 7 and later won my regional Emmy — having my family there, watching my nieces and nephews celebrate — that was pivotal. It reminded me that the sacrifices meant something.”
How do you recharge?
“I unplug. I go on long walks. I travel when I can. I spend time with family and friends. I treat myself — whether it’s dinner or a small gift.
I’m a strong advocate for mental health, so I attend therapy. I watch 90s Black films and early 2000s comedies — they bring me joy. I listen to music, journal, and check in with myself. That’s how I reset.”
The Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Awards and Induction Ceremony celebrate local African American women who inspire through visionary leadership, exceptional achievement, and meaningful community service. These honorees exemplify stature, poise, grace — and impact.
Tyra Whitney embodies all three.
