Be Where Your Feet Are:

Zora graduated from Elon University and landed a job in Greenville, NC, where she worked alone. She was responsible for reporting on the weather, politics, and high school football. Zora even anchored the show. Although she had to drive 2 hours for a single story, she loved her job. Zora advises anyone wanting to work in sports to stay focused on the task while considering the bigger picture. The sports industry is fast-paced, and staying present and focused is essential. LaChina Robinson, founder of Rising Media Stars, saw potential in Zora and provided her with experience and exposure to the media side of sports. Zora believes that it's essential for someone to recognize your potential and take a chance on you. Sometimes, others can see things in us that we may not even be aware of, and it's up to them to advocate on our behalf. With their help, we can reach places we never thought possible.

A Lot of Reading and Research:

Zora worked hard in North Carolina and landed a new job in Denver, Colorado, where a better opportunity awaited her in journalism. She produced one story daily instead of three, continuing to function as a one-woman show. Along the way, she discovered the importance of reading and research. She learned to research and read extensively to stay up-to-date on the latest news and headlines. This lesson has helped her throughout her career, as she continues to be a well-informed and knowledgeable reporter and play-by-play broadcaster.

Keep a-goin:

She holds onto a saying passed down by a poem her Grandmother recited, "Keep a-Goin’." Despite receiving numerous rejections, she continued to send emails and persistently pursue her dream. "My family taught me the value of hard work; we persevere and keep pushing forward, showing up and putting in the effort, knowing that hard work will eventually pay off." If it does, it becomes a part of who you are and your character. It only takes one "yes" to turn things around. All it takes is one person, one organization, or one job.

Build Relationships and Connections:

"Our dreams and aspirations change and develop with us as we go through life's journey." What we once thought was impossible, we may now see as achievable. Zora, for instance, initially dreamt of being a network news correspondent, then that shifted to hopes of becoming an NBA reporter. Now, she’s living her current dream as on-air talent at national sports network. As important as it is to have goals, it is equally important to reflect on our progress and have gratitude for where we are. This helps us improve our current position and prepares us for the next challenge. Zora learned early in her career the value of networking and building relationships. She never applied for a job online but instead relied on her connections in the industry. This has opened doors for her, including her current role with NBC Sports. She believes that having people who helped open her eyes to opportunities has significantly affected her success. Zora now humbly acknowledges that the play-by-play role is one of the most significant and challenging positions to be in. She always saw herself as a reporter, but people like Jim Paschke and LaChina Robinson saw her potential. By being open to new possibilities and developing solid relationships with people in the industry, Zora has achieved her goals and continued to set new goals for her career.

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