Weather or Not 2.0: Weather the Storm Panel Spoke to Local NYC Youth on Meteorology, Inclusivity and Representation

Five of the brightest personalities in New York local news visited Columbia University’s The Forum in Harlem for the Weather or Not 2.0: Weathering the Storm panel on March 31^st. Local New York City junior high and high school students were invited to engage with some of the most recognizable faces in the city’s news industry.

The panel was organized by the Community Initiatives of New York (TCIONY) and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environment. It focused on inspiring the next generation through community engagement, promoting women in STEM, and offering career advice for those interested in STEM-related fields.

This year’s all-star panel was moderated by Emmy-winning Good Day New York FOX 5 anchor Tashanea Whitlow and featured four guest speakers: Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Brittany Bell of ABC7 New York, four-time Emmy-winning FOX 5 Meteorologist Audrey Puente, Edward R. Murrow and Emmy-Winning Meteorologist, Hope Osemwenkhae of News 12 Bronx and Brooklyn, and Emmy Award-Winning Meteorologist Stacy-Ann Gooden from PIX11.

The panel, filled with inclusivity and strong female energy, took questions from local New York City students about their journeys into the news and weather fields, as well as how to build successful careers in STEM- related careers.

Many students asked what inspired the panelists to pursue meteorology. “It started at home when my mother told me I had a really good speaking voice,” said Gooden, who was born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn. “I remember growing up watching Brenda Blackmon, and fast forward, I’m getting a call from FOX 5 to anchor the weather—it was a full-circle moment.”

“I was inspired by my favorite movie, Twister,” said Bell. “My specialty in severe weather started in college at Mississippi State, where I got to chase tornadoes on campus! I really emphasized severe weather—tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms with hail—and that’s how I developed my specialty.”

“I love the rush!” said Osemwenkhae, who also has experience covering tornadoes. She spoke about her journey to becoming a meteorologist at News 12 Bronx and Brooklyn. “I started at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and was advised to visit the career center as a junior. I connected with alumni in the field and applied to several internships. I eventually landed one with WABC and was mentored by meteorologist Janice Huff.”

“After I graduated, I reached out to meteorologists and applied everywhere with a short two-minute weather reel. In 2019, a meteorologist at News 12 reached out to me about a freelance position. Weeks later, while I was on vacation in Miami, I got the call offering me the job. From there, I freelanced through COVID-19 and also worked as a temporary weather producer at Good Morning America. I was working two jobs for a year before News 12 hired me full-time as a weekend meteorologist. My hustle was on a 10!”

Moderator Whitlow also emphasized the wide range of opportunities in the news industry. “There are over 200 markets, and markets mean places where you can get employed,” she explained. “New York is the number one market, and many people work nationally just to get here!” she said.

The panelists also discussed overcoming challenges and adversity. “When I started out, it was a male-dominated field,” said Puente. “As a woman and a Latina, I felt like I was at the bottom of the totem pole. But I saw it as an opportunity—I was one of one, and I was going to be the first.” she said

“I was the first Latina reporter at Channel 9. I took opportunities where I didn’t initially see myself, and that’s what made me stand out,” she continued. “I made tapes and sent them to 153 TV stations. I studied weather through books from Barnes & Noble and took classes at Hunter College. Eventually, I was hired at WNBC-TV and mentored by Emmy-Winning Meteorologist, Al Roker.”

The panel also provided job interview advice, especially on answering the question, “Why should we hire you?” Each speaker emphasized confidence. “It’s not being cocky—it’s being real,” said Bell. “You’re selling yourself and your skill set.”

She added, “There were times when I was the only Black woman in my classes at Mississippi State University, and I was looked at as inexperienced. But I didn’t let that define me.”

This led to a discussion about mental health, insecurities, and balancing personal life with demanding work schedules. “To be on air in front of millions, you have to have a certain vulnerability,” said Gooden. “As a mom of two, I know perfection is what we aim to represent, but I do make mistakes. We have to learn to evolve and grow from them. I’ve learned that I’m not perfect, but I will keep working to get it right.”

As the panel concluded, each guest was asked about their biggest achievement. Osemwenkhae responded, “My biggest achievement is doing this for my family, my community, and for everyone who looks like me—because growing up, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in this field.”

The post Weather or Not 2.0: Weather the Storm Panel Spoke to Local NYC Youth on Meteorology, Inclusivity and Representation first appeared on SHEEN Magazine.