Shayla Reaves Biography: Age, Husband, Height, WCCO, Salary, and Net Worth

Who Is Shayla Reaves?

Shayla Reaves is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist, television news anchor, reporter, and children’s book author best known for her work at WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota) in Minneapolis. Since joining the station in December 2020, she has become one of Minnesota’s most respected broadcast journalists, anchoring the station’s noon newscast, contributing to its weekday morning coverage, and reporting on stories that impact communities throughout the Twin Cities and the Upper Midwest. Her reporting ranges from breaking news and severe weather to education, public safety, social justice, and inspiring human-interest stories, making her one of the station’s most versatile and trusted journalists.

Over nearly two decades in television news, Reaves has built a reputation for thoughtful storytelling, professionalism, and authenticity. Unlike reporters who focus solely on headlines, she often highlights the people behind the news, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the issues affecting their communities. Whether covering natural disasters, crime, politics, or neighborhood initiatives, she approaches every assignment with compassion and careful attention to detail.

In addition to her journalism career, Reaves is also an accomplished author. In 2023, she published her first children’s book, Echo in the Distance, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech and based on a spoken-word poem she originally wrote while attending college. The book further demonstrated her passion for education, literacy, and encouraging young people to use their voices to make a positive difference in the world.

Shayla Reaves Early Life

Shayla Michelle Reaves was born in 1984 and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, where she spent most of her childhood surrounded by a supportive family that encouraged education, creativity, and personal growth. Her parents, Mike Reaves Jr. and Linda Reaves, were high school sweethearts who worked hard to provide opportunities for their family. Reaves has often spoken warmly about her upbringing, describing herself as a curious child who loved reading, writing, and asking questions about the world around her.

As a young student, she developed a passion for storytelling long before considering journalism as a career. Rather than spending much of her free time outdoors, Reaves often immersed herself in books and creative writing. She has recalled that an English teacher recognized her talent at an early age and encouraged her to continue developing her writing abilities. That encouragement would ultimately lay the foundation for both her journalism career and her future as an author.

One of the most influential figures in her life was her father, Mike Reaves Jr. She has frequently described herself as “a daddy’s girl” and credited him with supporting her ambitions from childhood through adulthood. Her father worked overnight shifts at the post office while remaining deeply involved in her upbringing, ensuring she had breakfast before school and encouraging her educational pursuits. Before his passing in 2022, he was among the first people to see early illustrations for Echo in the Distance, a moment Reaves has described as especially meaningful.

Growing up in West Tennessee also exposed Reaves to diverse communities and experiences that later shaped her reporting style. Her ability to connect with people from different backgrounds has become one of her defining strengths as a journalist, allowing her to tell stories with empathy while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Shayla Reaves Education Background

After graduating from the University School of Jackson, Reaves enrolled at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, one of the most respected journalism programs in the United States. She began her studies in 2002 and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. During her time at Medill, she quickly distinguished herself through both academic excellence and leadership.

Upon graduation, Reaves was named the Top Broadcast Student in her graduating class, an honor that reflected her exceptional reporting and broadcasting abilities. She also received Northwestern University’s prestigious Gary Cummings Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in undergraduate broadcast journalism. In addition, she was selected as the Outstanding Woman Journalism Student by the Association of Women Journalists-Chicago. She earned recognition from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association for excellence in television reporting.

Beyond academics, Reaves demonstrated strong leadership by serving as president of Northwestern’s chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Under her leadership, the chapter earned its first-ever Student Chapter of the Year recognition, highlighting both her organizational abilities and commitment to mentoring fellow journalism students. These experiences helped prepare her for a successful career in television news while reinforcing her dedication to ethical journalism and community engagement.

Her time at Northwestern also produced one of the most meaningful moments of her creative life. As a freshman, she wrote a spoken-word poem inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and entered it into the university’s Written Expression Competition honoring King. The performance won the competition, and renowned scholar Dr. Cornel West was so impressed that he asked permission to use one of her lines in future speeches. That same poem would eventually become the foundation for her award-winning children’s book nearly two decades later.

Shayla Reaves Journalism Career

Following graduation, Shayla Reaves began building her broadcasting career by accepting reporting positions in smaller television markets, where she gained valuable experience covering virtually every aspect of local news. Like many successful journalists, she learned the profession by reporting on breaking news, crime, severe weather, politics, education, and community events while continuously refining her storytelling abilities.

One of her earliest television positions was in Quincy, Illinois, before she moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she spent approximately four years reporting for local television. During this period, she covered a wide range of important stories affecting Kentucky communities, including crime investigations, education, public policy, severe weather, and local government. The experience allowed her to become comfortable with live reporting and develop the calm, professional on-air presence that viewers recognize today.

Reaves later accepted a reporting position in Columbus, Ohio, where her career reached another important milestone. While working there, she earned an Emmy Award for her outstanding coverage of a devastating train derailment and explosion. The award recognized both the accuracy of her reporting and her ability to communicate complex, rapidly evolving situations under intense deadline pressure. That achievement significantly enhanced her reputation within the television news industry and demonstrated her ability to excel during major breaking news events.

She subsequently joined WTVT FOX 13 Tampa Bay, serving as a field reporter for the station’s highly rated morning program, Good Day Tampa Bay. During her four years in Florida, Reaves reported extensively on hurricanes, tropical storms, severe weather, overnight breaking news, and community events. Her reports were regularly shared nationally through Fox & Friends and other Fox network affiliates, expanding her visibility beyond the Tampa market. In addition to reporting, she occasionally filled in as an anchor, further broadening her experience in broadcast journalism.

Her next move took her to WNCT-TV (CBS) in Greenville, North Carolina, where she co-anchored evening newscasts while continuing to report on important regional stories. During her time there, she also created the popular digital series Let’s Craft, which combined creativity, community engagement, and entertainment. The project reflected her ability to connect with audiences beyond traditional news broadcasts while showcasing another side of her personality. She also produced several half-hour television specials that explored community issues in greater depth than standard daily newscasts allowed.

Shayla Reaves WCCO Career

Shayla Reaves joined WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota) in December 2020, bringing with her more than a decade of experience covering breaking news, major weather events, public affairs, and human-interest stories across several television markets. Her arrival at WCCO marked a significant milestone in her career, as she became part of one of the Midwest’s most respected news organizations. Since then, she has established herself as one of the station’s trusted journalists, contributing both as an anchor and reporter while covering stories that affect viewers throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and greater Minnesota.

At WCCO, Reaves anchors the station’s noon newscast and also contributes to weekday morning broadcasts. Her work extends beyond the anchor desk, as she frequently reports from the field on breaking news, severe weather recovery efforts, education, politics, public safety, healthcare, and community development. She has covered numerous high-profile events, including state legislative developments, public health initiatives, extreme winter weather, and stories highlighting Minnesotans making a positive impact in their communities.

One of the qualities that distinguishes Reaves is her ability to balance hard news with compassionate storytelling. Whether reporting on families recovering after natural disasters, educators making a difference in local schools, or organizations addressing social challenges, she approaches every story with empathy and professionalism. Her thoughtful interviewing style allows people to share their experiences naturally, helping viewers better understand the human side of the news.

Since joining WCCO, Reaves has also contributed to the station’s expanding digital journalism efforts. Through online articles, video features, and social media engagement, she provides additional context and updates beyond traditional television broadcasts. Her ability to adapt to both broadcast and digital platforms has made her an important member of WCCO’s modern newsroom.

Shayla Reaves Children’s Book and Community Work

Outside of journalism, Shayla Reaves is a passionate advocate for literacy, education, and youth empowerment. In 2023, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing her first children’s book, Echo in the Distance. The book was inspired by a spoken-word poem she wrote as a freshman at Northwestern University after reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

The poem originally won Northwestern’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Written Expression Competition and caught the attention of renowned scholar Dr. Cornel West, who praised her writing and requested permission to reference one of its lines in future speeches. Nearly two decades later, Reaves transformed that poem into a beautifully illustrated children’s book encouraging young readers to recognize the power of kindness, courage, and hope.

Reaves has described the publication of Echo in the Distance as one of the proudest accomplishments of her life. She frequently visits schools, libraries, literacy programs, and community organizations to read the book, meet students, and encourage children to develop confidence in their own voices. Through these appearances, she promotes reading while reminding young people that positive change often begins with ordinary individuals who choose to make a difference.

Her commitment to community service extends beyond literacy. Throughout her journalism career, Reaves has participated in mentorship programs, spoken at universities, moderated public discussions, and supported nonprofit organizations focused on education and diversity. These activities reflect her belief that journalists should not only report on communities but also contribute positively to them.

Shayla Reaves Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Shayla Reaves has received numerous honors recognizing her excellence in broadcast journalism. Among her most notable achievements is winning a Regional Emmy Award for her coverage of a catastrophic train derailment and explosion while working in Columbus, Ohio. The award highlighted her calm, accurate, and comprehensive reporting during one of the region’s most significant breaking news events.

During her time at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Reaves also received several prestigious academic awards. She graduated as the school’s Top Broadcast Student and earned the Gary Cummings Memorial Award, one of Medill’s highest honors for undergraduate broadcast journalism. She was additionally recognized as the Outstanding Woman Journalism Student by the Association of Women Journalists-Chicago and received an award from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association for excellence in student television journalism.

Her professional accomplishments extend beyond awards. Reaves is widely respected among colleagues for her ethical reporting, thoughtful storytelling, and commitment to giving voice to people whose experiences are often overlooked. Her work consistently demonstrates the highest standards of local journalism, earning the trust of viewers across every market where she has worked.

Shayla Reaves Age

Shayla is 42 years old as of 2026. She was born in 1984 in the United States. However, she has not revealed her exact date of birth.

Shayla Reaves Height

Shayla Reaves has never publicly confirmed her official height. Based on her on-air appearances alongside colleagues and public photographs, she is estimated to stand approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) tall.

Shayla Reaves Husband

Shayla Reaves maintains an exceptionally private personal life and has not publicly disclosed whether she is married. As of 2026, there are no verified public records or official statements identifying a husband or confirming her marital status.

Shayla Reaves Family

Family has always played an important role in Shayla Reaves’ life. She has publicly acknowledged the encouragement and support she received from her parents throughout her education and journalism career. Her father, Mike Reaves Jr., remained one of her greatest supporters until his passing in 2022, while her mother, Linda Reaves, has continued to be an important influence in her life.

Reaves has spoken affectionately about growing up in a close-knit household where education, faith, and hard work were strongly encouraged. She often credits her parents with teaching her the values that continue to guide both her journalism and personal life.

Shayla Reaves Salary

Shayla Reaves has not publicly disclosed the salary she earns at WCCO-TV. Like most CBS-owned television stations, WCCO does not release compensation details for its on-air personalities.

Based on industry standards for experienced anchors and reporters working in a major television market such as Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Reaves is estimated to earn between $90,000 and $160,000 annually. These figures are based on comparable salaries within the industry and should be regarded as estimates rather than officially confirmed amounts.

Her compensation reflects not only her years of broadcasting experience but also her responsibilities as both an anchor and reporter, as well as her contributions to special projects and community programming.

Shayla Reaves Net Worth

Over nearly two decades in broadcast journalism, Shayla Reaves has established a successful career working in several competitive television markets across the United States. Her primary source of income comes from her work as a television journalist, including reporting, anchoring, public appearances, and other professional engagements.

In addition to her broadcasting career, Reaves has expanded her professional portfolio through her work as a children’s book author. The publication of Echo in the Distance has added another dimension to her career while allowing her to promote literacy and educational outreach throughout the communities she serves.

Although Reaves has never publicly disclosed her financial information, several industry estimates place her net worth between $1 million and $2.5 million. These estimates are based on her years in television news and related professional activities and should not be interpreted as official financial disclosures.

Interesting Facts About Shayla Reaves

• She is an Emmy Award-winning television journalist.
• She graduated from Northwestern University’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism.
• She served as president of Northwestern’s National Association of Black Journalists chapter.
• She was named Medill’s Top Broadcast Student upon graduation.
• She worked in television markets including Quincy, Louisville, Columbus, Tampa Bay, Greenville, and Minneapolis.
• She joined WCCO-TV in December 2020.
• She published the children’s book Echo in the Distance in 2023.
• Her book was inspired by a poem she wrote about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while attending Northwestern University.
• Dr. Cornel West praised her award-winning poem during her college years.
• She is passionate about literacy, education, and mentoring aspiring journalists.

Shayla Reaves Legacy

Shayla Reaves has built a distinguished journalism career through integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving the public. Rather than pursuing sensationalism, she has consistently focused on producing meaningful stories that educate, inform, and inspire. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life has earned her the trust of viewers and the respect of colleagues throughout the broadcasting industry.

Beyond the newsroom, Reaves has demonstrated that journalism can extend into education and community service. Through her work as an author, public speaker, and mentor, she continues to encourage young people to believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of using their voices to create positive change.

As she continues her career with WCCO-TV, Shayla Reaves remains one of Minnesota’s most respected journalists. Her dedication to excellence, ethical reporting, and community engagement has positioned her as a role model for aspiring broadcasters and a trusted source of information for viewers across the region.