Melissa's sports reporting experience includes coverage of the Detroit Pistons for Fox Sports and an anchor role for 'Big 12 This Week' on ESPNU. She also served as a sideline reporter for the ESPN family of networks, offering in-depth coverage of college sports. With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University, Melissa's journalistic background is robust.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Melissa and her family currently call Atlanta their home. Beyond her broadcasting career, Melissa and her husband Scott are deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. Their dedication to non-profit educational initiatives aims to close the opportunity and achievement gap for economically disadvantaged youth, highlighting Melissa's passion for making a positive impact beyond the screen. A multi-talented professional, Melissa Knowles continues to captivate audiences with her charisma, versatility, and dedication to excellence.
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Remember, you get to create the time and space to live the life you want. You’re at the center of it all. I challenge you to make it all
about
melissa
Melissa Knowles boasts an exceptional two-decade career in entertainment and sports news, spanning live and scripted broadcasting. Melissa is a regular guest host on FOX's 'Dish Nation,' and soon, new audiences will see Melissa on the hit game show ‘25 Words or Less’ hosted by Meredith Vieira.
Melissa's longest tenure was as an entertainment news reporter for "Morning Express with Robin Meade". Her daily segment, 'What's Poppin', was a captivating dive into the latest breaking pop-culture news, showcasing her distinctive conversational style, quick wit, and polished storytelling. Melissa's versatility shined in her frequent anchoring on Headline News as well.
Renowned for her vibrant personality, Melissa creates genuine connections with her audience, stemming from her early days as a reporter for Channel One News. Prior to joining the HLN/CNN team, she hosted 'Trending Now' at Yahoo! News and covered major events like The Summer Olympic Games in London and Super Bowl XLVII for Yahoo! Sports. Melissa's versatility extends to news reporting, as seen in her role as a correspondent for BET News, covering significant events such as the presidential inauguration in 2013 and the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.
lifestyle.
philanthropy.
balance.
A demanding career + a toddler + a husband + fur baby means that I’m pulled in a lot of different directions all day, every day.
I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way, even in those moments when I’m beyond exhausted and begging for a break.
I’m intentional and deliberate about adding value to any space I occupy. I want to manifest the best for us all. Education is near and dear to my heart. I believe in equal opportunity and access for all students and regularly contribute financially, as well as with my time to organizations that are a driving force for good, equity, and opportunity.
I’ve become a pro at moderating both in-person and virtual events, but man do I love a good sit-down one-on-one interview.
I make my mental and physical fitness a priority every day. My alarm wakes me at 2:55, Monday through Friday, and it ain’t pretty. I hit the ground running or (more like riding/downward dogging). If I’m not in a virtual spin class, HIIT class, or yoga practice, I’m meditating.
This is my ME time every day, and I never miss, even if I can only squeeze in 20 minutes, I’m making it happen. I believe self-care isn’t selfish, it’s wellness and it’s necessary.
THE ESSENTIAL PILLARS THAT ARE THE CENTER OF WHAT I DO.
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My journey began as a young woman who felt the weight of societal expectations pressing down on my shoulders. I knew I had a voice, a story, and a vision, but for so long, I felt like I was drowning in the noise of what I was "supposed" to be. As I navigated my career, I started in spaces that didn’t always feel welcoming. Spaces where my voice, as a Black woman, was often overlooked or dismissed. But instead of letting that silence me, I took every challenge as an opportunity to find strength in my own narrative.
I began my professional journey in industries that were not built for me, and often, I was the only one in the room who looked like me. It wasn't easy, but every step taught me the power of perseverance, the importance of authenticity, and the necessity of owning my truth. As I climbed higher in my career, I realized that the barriers I faced were not unique to me – they were challenges that countless other women of color were confronting every single day. This realization ignited a fire within me to not just find my voice but to use it in a way that would uplift others.
Over time, I built my confidence, refined my skills, and learned how to navigate spaces that were never designed with me in mind. I began to understand that my journey wasn’t just about professional success; it was about empowering myself to become the person I needed when I was younger. I leaned into mentorship, community building, and storytelling, transforming my experiences into lessons that could guide and inspire others.
Now, I am committed to helping minority women step into their power, embrace their voices, and unapologetically own their narratives. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned – the triumphs, the setbacks, and all the lessons in between – and turned it into a mission to show other women that their stories, their voices, and their journeys are not only valid but powerful. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and one-on-one coaching, I help women uncover the strength that’s been within them all along.
My story is still being written, but it’s no longer just mine. It’s a shared journey, a collective experience that I am honored to lead, and every day, I am reminded that finding your voice is just the beginning – it’s about using it to create change, uplift others, and rewrite the narratives that have tried to keep us small.