If you had to pick between paper-mache and making your own video… which would you choose? I bet you can guess Jenna’s choice.
"In middle school we had to create a project for class. Instead of drawing or picking up scissors and glue, I armed myself with a video camera and hit the streets of Dallas. Using two VHS tape decks, I edited the final project— way before I knew that’s what people in the television industry were doing,” Jenna said.
Fast forward to present day— and you see where those early ambitions landed Jenna.
You can see her weekday mornings at the anchor desk on WSLS 10 Today from 5-7 a.m. Jenna also leads our monthly Solutionaries series, where we highlight the creative thinkers and doers working to make the world a better place.
She is very proud of '30 Days of Hope' and the awareness it brings to the successes and challenges of foster care and adoption. Since 2017, every November Jenna has featured children who can be adopted across Virginia. She also tells stories about those children and families touched by the foster care system.
“Over half of the adoptions in Virginia last year [2021] for our foster children came from this viewing area,” said VDSS, who adds WSLS 10 News highlighting the need for foster care and adoption over the years is making a difference.
Jenna is also an Emmy award-winning journalist and has been honored for her work in the community. She was honored by the Junior League of Roanoke Valley with the Shining Star Award for her in-depth reporting on human trafficking, raising awareness across Virginia about the need for stronger laws and dedication to the JLRV mission. Her in-depth reporting on human trafficking led to changes in Virginia law.
“Nobody seemed to understand what the problem was until you brought it [human trafficking] to our attention and studies were done that looked into it very carefully and realized yes there is a problem, there is a gap in the law and I’m glad to see we filled the gap,” said Senator John Edwards.
Jenna’s investigations into the Salem VA Medical Center found $1.7 million worth of equipment reported missing in the last five years and a $200,000 security oversight. These stories launched an OIG investigation and lead to changes in policies at the medical center.
She has also been part of the news team at WSLS 10 recognized with regional Edward R. Murrow awards and Associated Press awards for outstanding news coverage.
Jenna has also been named the Young Professional of the Year during the DePaul Community Resources Women of Achievement Awards.
When not at work, you can find Jenna training for a marathon, volunteering across the community with the Junior League of Roanoke Valley, hiking, and traveling to new places with her husband and daughter.
Jenna has previously anchored and reported in Louisiana, Alabama and Texas and is a proud graduate of Sam Houston State University (Go Bearkats!).