Tammy Reese: A Rising Star’s Journey to Media Mastery and Success

How or why did you decide to become a media personality/ reporter?

In 6th grade, I reported the school news and was one of the leads in a school play. After that, I expressed to my parents how I enjoyed these experiences and wanted to pursue this path. By the time I entered the 8th grade, I was a seasoned theater member with The Media Unit’s TV and stage production company. We would perform in 60 live stage shows yearly and produce a live weekly TV program called “Rough Times Live” from our public access cable station. My love for media and entertainment amplified through the eight years I was a contracted member of The Media Unit. I eventually went to Empire State College to obtain my degree in media, and the rest is history. I decided to enter this field because I was born to be a storyteller through media and entertainment.

Tell us the highs and lows of your career journey.

Lows are part of the business, just like the highs. Some low moments during my career journey are losing friends; my mother’s passing, and behind-the-scenes unnecessary unprofessionalism. Throughout it all, I keep going. Some of my high moments, without a doubt, all happened this year, which included interviewing Angela Bassett, Ryan Coogler, Vivica A Fox, Sharon Stone, Morris Chestnut, Amerie, Jennifer Connelly, Billy Porter, Brandon Quintin Adam, Lauren Cohen, La La Anthony, Phylicia Rashad, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, also, meeting Cody Fern, Dan Rather, Anne Hathaway, Erika Alexander, Lena Waithe, Danielle Brooks, Eric Roberts, Chris Sarandon, Kelly Jo Minter, Joseph Sikora and Omari Hardwick, Keith Robinson, Lisa Cortés, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Gloria Gaynor, Cassandra Freeman, Jimmy Akingbola, VinRock, Sidra Smith, Karl Kani to name a few plus getting a Tammy Reese Media shoutout from Juvenile.

At what moment did you feel like you “made it” or began gaining notoriety that made everything worthwhile? Describe that feeling.

I have been in entertainment and media for almost 25 years, and I have done a lot independently [plus] in the industry. However, in 2018, I truly started to get recognized for my work when I was honored with the 40 Under Forty Award, [and] in 2019 [when] I was honored with the WCNY/PBS Makers: Women Who Make America Award. [Also], I looked at my media resume [earlier this year] and saw names like Geena Davis, Morris Chestnut, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Angela Bassett, Omar Epps, Leon, Mona Scott Young, Courtney Kemp, Laurence Fishburne, Sigourney Weaver, and Sharon Stone, and knew I truly was doing the damn thang! It is a mind-blowing yet humble feeling. I feel like so many of my dreams have come true, especially after covering both Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals, interviewing Janet Lang, the President of The Oscars, and covering The Walking Dead: Dead City red carpet-- I felt I had arrived.

What is your dream interview/ collaboration?

Andrew Lincoln, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington.

Where do you see your career going within the next few years?

I will continue to help up-and-coming creators and business owners build their press coverage portfolio through my business brand, Visionary Minds Public Relations and Media. Also, continuing my media and entertainment endeavors, plus whatever God allows. I want what God wants for me, more than what I want for myself.

As an award-winning media personality, how does it feel to be recognized by your group of peers and supporters?

This is a great question that I never thought about. I want to support others to the best of my ability; whoever helps me, cool! Whoever does not, that is cool too! I learned a long time ago to keep going with or without support, and my resume has a proven record of accomplishment that I will continue to do just that. I appreciate those who have wholeheartedly supported me. There is enough for everyone to win on their own and together.

What advice would you give aspiring journalists and media personalities?

Be yourself, love what you do, and do what you love! Also, no one should have control of your mind, voice, or words. (c) 2023-- M. Brown

visionarymindsny@gmail.com

linktr.ee/visionarymindsnys

About Maggie Brown: Maggie Brown is a Baltimore, Md born journalist who is a dedicated media professional with a wide range of experiences in digital media creation, article writing, and content writing. She is an experienced media specialist with a passion for creating innovative and captivating content. Maggie has advance training in Mass Media Journalism, as well as experience in corporate communications and digital correspondence.