Kiya Edwards is a news reporter at KARE 11. She grew up in Minneapolis and is proud to be back in the Twin Cities.
Her TV career began in 2011 with a leap of faith and a one-way ticket to Nairobi, Kenya.
There wasn’t a job waiting for her when she landed but Kiya quickly became a lead reporter and host of "Africa Journal," an internationally aired show. Over the course of two years, she covered stories in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco, and Italy.
Once back in the U.S., Kiya worked for KWQC TV 6-News in Davenport, Iowa, where she shot, wrote, and edited stories in one day often by herself. She also filled in on the anchor desk.
Kiya then jumped 80 TV markets, working at KSDK News in St. Louis. In addition to covering daily crime, the station sent her to Houston and New Orleans, where she provided live breaking news coverage of Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Cindy respectively.
Kiya graduated from South High School in 2007 but spent sophomore year as an exchange student in Germany. She later double majored in journalism and theater at the University of Minnesota, where she also joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Today, Kiya is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and is a “Big Sister” through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
You can catch Kiya Monday through Friday on KARE 11 News at 5 and 6 p.m. or Breaking the News at 6:30 p.m. She also posts videos and news updates on social media.
Feel free to e-mail her at kedwards@kare11.com.
When I was young, I wanted to be: An actress.
First job: Gloria Jean’s Coffees at Mall of America.
Favorite travel spot: Ethiopia and Morocco are tied.
Favorite local spot: Lake Nokomis.
Pets: I have a cat named Arthur.
Not-so-secret dream: To be a houseguest on Big Brother.
Why do you like your job: Every day is an adventure. I have the opportunity to meet someone new and to improve my craft every single day.
Like Kiya on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiyakare11/
