Q: While in high school, did you have any idea you wanted to go into broadcasting?
KM: I knew I wanted to make an impact and loved working with and on camera… so a general sense!

Q: How did your career start as a News Reporter?
KM: The perfect blend of experiences- while studying abroad, I worked with foreign cultures and communities. Learning about the different trials and triumphs of those areas influenced my desire to bring subjects of importance to light. 

Q: Can you share with our audience one of your most memorable events you’ve covered?
KM: I grow an interest for every piece that I do, but one of my most memorable moments as a reporter was when I helped shed light on a 19th century shipwreck exposed by the Mississippi. Through getting to know Louisiana’s archaeology department, I went with them to the site and watched them complete their studies and surveys. One other piece I truly enjoyed was getting to know the family of Leonard Julien, who invented the first mechanical sugar cane planter. Re-discovered in a corn field was the last remaining one, with the help of the sheriff’s department, they fully restored it. 

Q: How do you handle difficult or emotional stories?
KM: I allow myself to first feel the emotions around me. I always try to help others cope when I am on scene. I think that it’s important to allow yourself to feel the emotions of the situation, but to try your best not to take it home with you. 

Q: What is a typical day like for you? 
KM: The most amazing thing about this job is that every day is different. From gathering research online, to hitting the field to dive deeper into a situation. I learn something new about news reporting, and about the world we live in through experiencing a different subject and circumstance every day. 

Q: Have you ever had that the one embarrassing moment on TV you can share with us? 
KM: Oh yes, I have had quite a few. It’s important to remember everyone is human, and anything can happen on live television. One time while on live television I climbed a ‘tree wall’ similar to a rock wall. With no time to practice the climb beforehand, I ended up stuck in the tree on live television! 

Q: Do you have any advice you can share for those women who may want to pursue a career in Broadcasting?
KM: Be bold, be yourself, and do not let anyone tell you that you aren’t capable or worthy of the opportunities you are given. This industry can be competitive, coming in with a positive attitude and emulating that around you is the best thing you can do. 

Q: What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? 
KM: I am quite the chatter! I love to meet new people and hear of their experiences… I also am quite the jokester, which you wouldn’t know from watching my reports. 

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
KM: Diane Sawyer is one of the biggest influences I look to in my career. She was fearless in her approaches. From covering crises abroad to asking some of the most engaging, cutthroat questions, she knew her power and was confident in her approach. 

Q: Who was the biggest influence in your life growing up?
KM: My grandparents have been the biggest influence in my life growing up. As a child I spent a lot of time with them. They helped me to understand purpose and passion, and the importance of getting to know the world around me. Every day, I aim to work and live through the principals they’ve taught me. 

Six Things About Kalista Mitrisin

1. What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on?
My trip to Santorini, where I worked to complete a short documentary on the culture. It was so beautiful, and a way of life that differs from the states. Meeting locals and spending hours in little restaurants, to riding four wheelers and enjoying the view of the Mediterranean, it was an adventure I’ll never forget. 

2. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done?
I try to keep spontaneity alive, one of the most spontaneous decisions I’ve made ended up resulting in one of my favorite memories. While traveling back from Texas, I decided to spend the day in New Orleans. Meeting tons of amazing people and dancing around the streets of NOLA until the sun rose was an experience I’ll never forget. Left my hometown of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania and tracked it down south to Baton Rouge to report. I left everything behind to meet and explore a place across the country. 

3. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut?
It depends on the subject matter… If it’s something work related, I always read reviews to get a general census. When it comes to my personal life, I love to wing it! Some of the best outcomes are from going with your gut and being confident in your decision. 

4. What’s your big passion?
I try to put passion in the forefront of everything I do … my biggest drive is learning of people, places, and problems that I can help make an impact on.

5. What’s your signature drink?
This is a tough one … but also a no brainer! You will almost always see me with an American, black, in my hand. If we’re talking cocktails, it’s got to be a “Thai-dress,” the drink consists of lemon juice, Thai-basil mango syrup, and butterfly tea … I prefer mine with tequila! 

6. Would you rather cook or order in?
Absolutely cook … it helps me release my mind. I also enjoy cooking and baking for the people I love, in a way, it’s my love-language!