Daija’s journalism career started well before obtaining her degree, as a local radio host for WFHT in her hometown of Avon Park, FL. She covered local happenings and events as the Community Host.
Her broadcast career started in West Texas, where she provided cutting edge journalism as the News Connection Reporter for CBS and NBC affiliates. Her field reporting earned her the Media Honor Award from Grape Creek ISD.
Her time reporting came to an abrupt halt, when her father’s liver cancer took an aggressive turn for the worse. Daija returned home to Florida to care for her father in his final days before his heavenly transition.
Daija returned to West Texas with a vibrant spirit & zest for all things life as the Morning & Noon Anchor, Reporter and Producer for KLST News in San Angelo, Texas.
While in Texas, Daija served as a board member of the Weekly Hands-On Independent Tutoring (WHIT) Program, a non-profit that provides free tutoring for foster care students across the state of Texas. Her community involvement also included volunteering with the United Way of the Concho Valley and an ambassador for Keep San Angelo Beautiful.
Daija Barrett is a Native Floridian from the Central Florida hamlet of Avon Park. Graduating from Avon Park High School (home of the Red Devils) where she was a tri-athlete, active in the Future Farmer’s of America (State winning Parliamentary Procedure team, Prepared Speaking and Food Science), South Florida State College Reach Out Program, and various other extracurricular activities.
She went on to attend the prestigious and historical Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee, FL earning her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. At Florida A&M she was titled Miss School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, earned Best Leadership award for The National Association of Black Journalist Short Course and Student Emmy Award winner.
In her spare time Daija enjoys exploring new spaces, listening to live music, playing volleyball and all things fitness. She is looking forward to exploring and learning “all-the-things" about Grand Rapids and West Michigan.
If you have any story ideas, suggestions on “Things to Do” or just want to say “Hey” you can email her at daijabarrett@13onyourside.com or follow her on social media.
