Shelly Slater
Shelly Slater
Shelly Slater joined WFAA in September 2006. She reports during the day and anchors the 5pm newscasts. Shelly grew up in Plano and is thrilled to be back home in Wildcat country.
She graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia Summa Cum Laude. Before coming home, she anchored weekend newscasts in Kansas City, Missouri; Charleston/Huntington, WV; and Columbia, Missouri. Shelly also spent time with the British Broadcasting Company in London.
Shelly's brother, sister, and parents all live in North Texas. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, dancing, and catching up on sleep!
She, her husband and her son live in Dallas.
WFAA SPEAKERS BUREAU REQUEST FORM
If you would like to request Shelly Slater as a speaker at your next community event please click here.
When did you decide you wanted to be a journalist?
I came to visit Gloria Campos in the newsroom years ago. I wanted to know what the job entailed, without any sugar coating. She told me, it's not glamorous, it's hard work, but it's very rewarding. (She's right about all three.) That day I decided I'd go for it. If I hated it after a year, I would get out. Instead, I wanted more...and thus, here I am!
Tell us about a story that you are particularly proud to have brought to the public's attention.
A Celina soldier named Peter Burks died fighting overseas. But right before that, Peter sent a list home to his dad. It was a Christmas list of items he wanted for his soldiers, not for himself. We did the story about his 'Christmas List," and North Texas responded immediately. Schools, families, even people out of state emailed to see how they could help. I remember asking Peter's fiance, Missy, how she makes it day to day? She told me she has to "make the most of life for her angel." I remember it word for word. Meeting people who inspire, teach, and challenge you, like Missy, is why I feel honored to do what I do.
Tell us one reason why you love what you do.
In laughter and smiles...if you are happy, you are successful!
