Episode 13: Danielle Wiggins on never giving up
Depression nearly derailed the dreams of Danielle Wiggins. She was a straight-A student at the University of Missouri when depression hit so hard, fear and fatigue kept her hiding in her dorm room. When her parents swept in and took her home, her new life began.
With professional help to treat her clinical depression, Danielle was able to graduate and pursue her dream job to be in the TV spotlight inspiring others. As morning traffic reporter for 3News at WKYC Studio, she’s the reason people in Cleveland arrive to work on time and in one piece.
Danielle grew up watching Channel 3 and now she’s a star on the station with her signature smile that lights up the morning.
Takeaways:
“My Mom taught me never to quit. If you quit now, you will continue to quit the rest of your life when things get hard. If you start quitting, it becomes a habit and you just quit.”
“You should live a life free of excuses. And that you gave everything that you had to the world so that when you pass away, you pass away on E.”
“You don’t take your dreams to the grave with you. Fulfill the purpose of your life so your purpose doesn’t die with you.”
“I look at my career as my calling…that’s what God placed me on this earth to do.”
Official Bio:
Born, raised and educated in Northeast Ohio, Danielle Wiggins is the morning traffic and trending news reporter on the Go! morning show at 3News in Cleveland. Danielle has also served as co-anchor of the 4 a.m. half hour of Go! and producer/anchor of the midday news.
In addition to her daily TV responsibilities, Danielle was the co-creator, host and producer of the station’s "Rising" initiative. "Rising" told the stories of people in Northeast Ohio who have overcome obstacles to achieve success and are inspiring others to do the same. In 2018, Danielle won a regional Emmy Award and a Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists for a "Rising" episode telling the story of a teen with cerebral palsy who pursued his dream of playing organized basketball.
Before joining WKYC, Danielle was the main producer and correspondent for The Regina Brett Show at WKSU, Northeast Ohio´s regional NPR affiliate. Under Danielle´s leadership, the show won an Ohio Excellence in Journalism award for best radio show.
Danielle is a graduate of Bedford High School and holds a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism and mass communication from Kent State University.
Danielle is married to Chris Wiggins, a passionate educator and coach. The two are the proud parents of Jeremiah and Christen Wiggins.
Website and links: