Meet Erika Odell
Hometown: Tuscumbia, AL
Birthday: November 26
Year hired at WAAY: September 2009
Family, kids and siblings: Husband-Jacob and Mom, Dad, and 3 sisters
Family Pets: Yorkie named Jack and a Goldendoodle named Kobe
Hobbies: Acting, singing, being outdoors, spending time with my amazing husband, friends and family. I also love playing fetch for hours with my dogs!
Alma Mater: University of North Alabama—May 2009
Most memorable interview or story: I've had so many memorable interviews and stories that it's hard to pick just one. I will never forget covering the April tornadoes in Phil Campbell and Hackleburg. Going to Cape Canaveral to cover the final shuttle launch was an amazing experience, and flying to Washington D.C. with more than 100 Korean War veterans to visit their national memorial makes the list too! I am so blessed to work with and have met so many remarkable people.
Role model: Mother—She is an incredible woman. I don't think there's anything she can't do! She's shown me what it means to be a godly mother and wife and has taught me to truly delight myself in the Lord. She is smart, funny, loving, and honest. I hope to be just like her when I grow up.
Favorite food: Either bread or candy. I LOVE CANDY (and anything sweet actually)!
Favorite sports team and why: My favorite team is the UNA Lions! Not only did I graduate from UNA, I grew up cheering on the Lions. My heart also holds a little spot for the Auburn Tigers...WAR EAGLE!
Favorite musician: Norah Jones
Favorite vacation spot: Santa Rosa Beach
First TV appearance: I appeared on the Steve Trash TV Show when I was little. Steve Trash did magic tricks and talked about recycling…it was there I learned my love for performance (haha). Years later, I made my national television debut on The Colbert Report where I played the role of "Anne Sullivan". My first TV appearance at WAAY was doing Today in the Valley on the morning show!
Your dream job: I love reporting. I enjoy getting to know people and telling their stories.
Favorite TV show – movie: Lost and The Office are my 2 favorite TV shows. My favorite movie is a tough one (I have so many), but I'm going to have to go with Singin' in the Rain. It doesn't get much better than Debbie Reynolds and Gene Kelly.
Why you like working in the Tennessee Valley and WAAY: I love the Tennessee Valley! There's so much history in the area and so many beautiful places to see. The people are wonderful too! I've lived in the Tennessee Valley all my life, and I'm happy to continue to call it home!
Community involvement – boards: I'm involved in church activities and love my former high school (Go Covenant EAGLES!). I still try to stay up to date with UNA activities and events. I love kids and have a heart for special needs children. And…I recently joined a Kickball League! Woohoo!
Contact Erika: Email / Facebook
Hairstyle provided by: Blue Med Spa
http://www.bluemedspa.com/
