Tisha Powell is a well known American news anchor and journalist who has worked for major television stations across the South for over two decades.
She built a reputation for clear, reliable news coverage and strong community connections. Tisha is recognized for her work on both local and national stages, interviews with notable figures, and her deep involvement in community service.
She balances her demanding career with being a mother and a military spouse.
Tisha is active in groups that support women, young girls, and Black journalists, and her story inspires many aspiring journalists. Move below to read this biography of Tisha Powell.
Who is Tisha Powell?
Tisha Powell is a television news anchor and reporter with a long career in broadcast journalism. She gained prominence at ABC11 Eyewitness News (WTVD) in Raleigh Durham, North Carolina, where she spent 17 years as a trusted evening anchor.
She now works at WAFB in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, anchoring newscasts and co hosting a national magazine show, Investigate TV+.
Tisha has won several awards, including the Edward R Murrow Award, for her reporting. She is known for her honest discussion about the challenges working mothers face in TV news.
Despite trying to leave journalism twice, she always returned because she loves telling stories that matter to local communities.
Early Life of Tisha Powell
Tisha Powell was born on Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux, Louisiana. She grew up in a close knit family and spent much of her childhood on her grandparents’ farm.
Here, she learned the value of hard work and the importance of family connections. The bayou shaped her early years, giving her a strong sense of place and community.
She attended local schools and showed an early interest in storytelling and current events.
Tisha Powell Education
Tisha Powell studied broadcast news and political science at Loyola University New Orleans. Her college years gave her the skills and confidence to pursue a career in journalism.
While in college, Tisha interned and gained hands on experience in newsrooms. She also earned a Master of Science in communication and leadership from Purdue University.
These academic experiences prepared her for the challenges of television news and helped her become a respected journalist.
Tisha Powell Age
Tisha Powell is around 49 years old as of 2026, based on public career timelines and available information.
Her age reflects a career that spans more than two decades in broadcast journalism.
She started her professional journey soon after college and has seen many industry changes, including the rise of digital news and 24 hour news cycles.
Tisha Powell Ethnicity
Tisha Powell is African American when it comes to her ethnicity. She has identified herself as a young dark skinned girl from Louisiana.
She is actively involved with the National Association of Black Journalists, which highlights her deep connection to African American culture.
Her background and public statements clearly reflect her Black heritage and strong roots in the African American community.
Early Career in the South
Tisha Powell began her journalism career as a reporter and producer at WCBI TV in Columbus, Mississippi.
She quickly moved to WDSU TV in New Orleans, where she covered major news events, including the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in Honduras.
This role took her outside the country and showed her ability to handle large scale disaster coverage.
Moves for Family and Growth
When her husband, an Army doctor, was stationed in San Antonio, Tisha joined KABB TV as a health reporter and anchor.
She covered local news, high profile sports events, and breaking stories such as the Texas Seven prison escape and the Spurs NBA championship.
Her clear, direct reporting style made her a favorite among viewers.
Anchor Role in North Carolina
In 2004, Tisha joined WTVD ABC11 in Raleigh Durham, North Carolina. She anchored the evening news and became a familiar face in the community.
During her 17 years at the station, she covered major stories such as Hurricane Katrina, the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia, and the Carolina Panthers’ journey to Super Bowl 50.
Tisha interviewed many well known people, including Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Jill Biden, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Her adventurous spirit led her to jump with the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.
Decision to Move and Return to Louisiana
After years of working nights and missing family time, Tisha decided to leave news in 2021. She spoke openly about the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The pandemic made her realize how much she valued time with her family and how far she was from her Louisiana roots.
She moved back to Louisiana with her husband and youngest daughter, wanting to give her child the same strong family ties she had growing up.
New Chapter at WAFB
Tisha Powell joined WAFB in Baton Rouge as an anchor for the 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. newscasts. She also co hosts Investigate TV+, a daily magazine show that reaches a national audience.
Her return to Louisiana felt like a homecoming, allowing her to reconnect with family and community while continuing her journalism career.
Tisha Powell Husband
Tisha Powell married Dr. James Wayne, an Army physician, in 1998. James came from humble beginnings and later became a pediatrician and Army reservist.
As a military spouse, Tisha moved for her husband’s assignments and managed the household during his deployments.
The family plans to return to Louisiana to be close to extended relatives. Tisha is open about the challenges of being a working mother and the importance of family support.
She is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and belongs to the National Association of Black Journalists, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Inc.
Tisha Powell Kids
Tisha and her husband, Dr. James Wayne, have two daughters. Their daughters are unique in that they were born on the same calendar date – but 12 years apart.
The older daughter, Nina, is now a freshman at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
The younger daughter, Eva, is around 7 years old and the family has made major life decisions to focus more time and attention on her.
Tisha Powell Net Worth
Tisha Powell has an estimated net worth of $600,000 USD as of 2026. As a longtime anchor and reporter in major television markets, she likely earned a good salary over her career.
She would be making around $150,000 USD yearly, which is a general salary for journalists.
Tisha held anchor roles, reported on national stories, and appeared on national TV. Her background in journalism, awards, and education suggest strong professional standing.
However, Tisha has not shared specific financial information, and public records do not disclose her earnings.
Her focus remains on her work, family, and community rather than personal wealth.
Tisha Powell Height and Weight
Tisha Powell is expected to be 5 feet 6 inches taller which is 1.70 meters. As a television anchor, she maintains a professional appearance.
Moreover, she weighs somewhere around 60 kg which is equivalent to 132 pounds.
Tisha talks about the pressures women in TV news face to look a certain way, but she says her career choices are about family and passion, not appearance.
Her story is about resilience, adaptability, and commitment to her craft and community.
Conclusion
Tisha Powell stands out as a dedicated journalist, anchor, mother, and community leader. Her career shows her ability to cover big news, adapt to change, and connect with audiences.
She is honest about the challenges of balancing work and family, especially for women in television news.
Her move back to Louisiana reflects her values of family, community, and giving her children a strong foundation. Her story inspires many young women interested in a media career and working mothers striving to make a difference.
Tisha Powell proves that success is about more than a job – it is about making an impact on the lives of others.
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