July 9, 2020 (Tampa, Florida) - Alumna Javanté Ingram '12 is an award-winning journalist who regularly interviews celebrities like Bill Bellamy, Monique, Bob Sagat, and Harry Connick Jr.
Currently working at WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida, Ingram is the host of the station's weekday lifestyle entertainment show, Great Day Live.
“Even though I started my career in news, I've really found my passion in lifestyle entertainment,” said Ingram. “I have never met a stranger, and I love hearing people's stories, so it's a joy to be able to do that every day as the host of Great Day Live.”
Her expert reporting has garnered the attention of the Associated Press, and she has earned awards for Best Anchor, Best Reporter, and Best Franchise Reporting. Two of her favorite interviews were with actor and comedian Bill Bellamy and a “remarkable, strong and positive cancer patient named Serra.”
One of Ingram's most significant shows on Great Day Live focused on creating positive change and equality after the murder of George Floyd. Ingram adds, “After the murder of George Floyd, I was so deeply grieved. The lifestyle shows I co-host, crafted a whole show about creating a better tomorrow. This show was the launch of my commitment to make meaningful change in this country and world!”
Originally from New Orleans, Ingram came to Belhaven as a dance major, but changed her major to communications during her junior year. She got her start in TV because of an event hosted by Belhaven's Communication Department. In the Fall of 2012, news directors and general managers from across the state were on campus for a one-day conference where students could get feedback on their work.
Ingram recalled, “My future general manger, Phil Sullivan, stood in front of a group of eager students and said, 'It only takes me 10 seconds to decide if I want to hire someone or not,' in a stern voice. I frantically switched the CDs and pulled up a story I felt showcased my strongest work. I showed him my work and a week later his news station asked that I visit Tupelo to interview in person. I became the first-person Phil Sullivan ever offered an anchor position fresh out of college. He is now a dear friend and mentor.”
After she graduated, she began her job at WTVA News, an ABC affiliate in Tupelo, Mississippi. She joined the team as a morning news anchor, multimedia reporter, and producer. Her career began to takeoff and was then offered a job at WBMA, an ABC Affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama. She served as host of a lifestyle entertainment show and traffic anchor, and she would occasionally fill-in at the anchor desk to report the news. From there, she transitioned into her current job with WTSP-TV.
When not working, Ingram is very passionate about giving back to the community. She has served as a board member for The Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, The Civic Ballet Company, The Doniphan Dance Project, and the Leadership Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She has also volunteered with a number of civic organizations.