Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor of WSVN 7 News Miami, Belkys Nerey, is ready for prime time. For that and more, she joins our list of Miami "Women of Influence."
Watching you deliver the news is such a joy. Where does that energy and positivity come from? BELKYS NEREY: Caffeine LOL. Seriously, I think it’s because I live my life in a perpetual state of gratitude. As corny as it sounds, I do feel so blessed every day. But really, how do you stay positive when the news is often so… crazy? I obviously like to stay informed, but I try not to be too obsessive about it. I just turn off the TV, put on some music and try a new recipe. I imagine it’s impossible to be a news anchor today without the sense that your work carries extra weight. And social media makes everything even more challenging. People read something on the internet and think it’s gospel when it’s either opinion-based and/or hasn’t been fact-checked, and then they repost it and off it goes.
What attracted you to journalism? BN: I’m an inquisitive person by nature, so I’m always interested in hearing good stories.
Do you believe a woman can ‘have it all’ (whatever that even means…)? BN: I think as women ‘having it all’ can mean different things during different times in our lives. So lean in or lean back. Do whatever works for you in that moment.
Best piece of advice you have ever received? BN: My very first live shot at WTNH-8 in New Haven, Conn., was absolutely horrible! Couldn’t-get-the-words-out-of-my-mouth bad. The next morning my news director, Liz Crane, asked to see me in her office. I thought she would chew me out. She did the opposite. She reminded me she hired me because she thought I had talent. Then she said, ‘Yesterday was yesterday and today is today. Now get back out there and be the reporter I know you can be.’ It was formidable. I always try to lift people up and encourage them.
Do you have a mantra for 2019? BN: ‘Everything happens as it should.’ The universe has proven it to me time and time again.
Click here to see our full list of "Women of Influence."