Lesli Foster Biography: Age, Husband, Career & More | WUSA 9

Lesli Foster Biography: Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor at WUSA9

Lesli Foster is an award-winning journalist and anchor at WUSA9 in Washington, D.C. She serves as a weeknight news anchor and is part of WUSA9’s Special Assignment Unit.

Before joining WUSA9, she reported for WBAL-TV in Baltimore, where she was named Best TV News Personality by Baltimore’s City Paper.

Lesli Foster received an Emmy Award for Best News Anchor in the Washington, D.C. market in 2012 and has been nominated for Best Anchor for three consecutive years since 2010.

Early Life and Education:

Lesli Foster was born in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Detroit. She is an alumna of Howard University, where she earned her degree. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Career Path:

Foster’s journalism career began in her native Michigan, where she worked as a weekend anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV, an NBC affiliate outside of Flint.

She then moved to Baltimore, reporting for WBAL-TV, where she was recognized as “Best TV News Personality” by Baltimore’s City Paper.

In 2001, Lesli Foster joined WUSA9 in Washington, D.C. She quickly became a mainstay, taking on roles as a weeknight anchor for the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. broadcasts.

She also plays a key role in WUSA9’s “Impact” series, a special assignment unit that focuses on tackling community issues and connecting journalists with the community to solve problems.

Her work often involves shining a light on issues and people that contribute to the vast space of humanity.

Throughout her career, Foster has covered numerous major events in the D.C. area and has interviewed a wide range of local, national, and international figures.

She is particularly passionate about sharing stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Awards and Recognition:

Lesli Foster’s dedication and talent have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Four Emmys for Best Anchor (including an Emmy for Best News Anchor in the Washington, D.C. market in 2012)

• Numerous other Emmy nominations (totaling nine nominations)

• Edward R. Murrow Awards for stories such as the “car jacking” case of Dr. Pamela Basu and “Stray Voltage: A Silent Danger.”

• Gracies Awards

• NABJ Salute To Excellence Awards

• Associated Press Awards for series on topics like Jeep Gas Tank Fires, HIV/AIDS and the “Down Low,” and the social impact of Olympic Gymnast Gabby Douglas.

• TEGNA Make A Difference Awards

Beyond her on-air work, Lesli Foster is also a featured journalist in the book “Women Journalists at Ground Zero,” which chronicles the personal experiences of women journalists who covered the September 11th events.

Community Involvement:

Foster is deeply committed to giving back to the community. In 2012, she founded “Girlfriends Give Back,” an event designed to introduce women to everyday philanthropy by raising funds for small but impactful local charities.

She is also an active member of organizations such as the National Association of Black Journalists, International Women’s Forum DC, and the Potomac Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

Lesli Foster continues to be a vital and influential voice in Washington, D.C., known for her authenticity, warmth, and dedication to impactful journalism. She resides in Maryland with her husband and daughter.

Hobbies

Lesli Foster enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, John Mathewson, and their daughter, Jordan.

She is also passionate about philanthropy and founded the “Girlfriends Give Back” event to introduce women to everyday philanthropy through small donations to impactful organizations.

Age:

Lesli Foster is currently 50 years old, born on December 22, 1975, making her a Capricorn. Lesli is of African-American descent and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Lesli Foster was born in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Detroit with her parents.

Her mother, Gail Foster-Dorsey, was a teacher and one of the first African-American students to integrate John Glenn High School in Westland, Michigan.

Unfortunately, there is no public information available about her father. Lesli Foster has a stepfather, Michael L. Dorsey, who passed away in October 2018.

Husband:

Lesli Foster is happily married to John Mathewson. John serves as the Executive Vice President for The HSC Foundation, a non-profit hospital system dedicated to helping individuals facing social and health care problems.

Lesli Foster is married to John Mathewson, a respected nonprofit executive. He serves as the Executive Vice President of The HSC Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with complex health and social needs.

The couple reportedly met through a mutual friend and built their relationship on a strong foundation of friendship and shared values.

Together, they have a daughter named Jordan Mathewson. Lesli occasionally shares glimpses of her family life, and it’s clear that motherhood is a cherished part of her identity.

Height:

Lesli Foster stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters). She weighs around 125 lbs (55 kg).

Her body measurements are 37-28-39 inches (breast, waist, and hip size, respectively). She wears a dress size 12 (US) and a shoe size 5 (US).

Career and Background:

Lesli Foster began her career in journalism with a strong passion for telling stories that matter and contributing positively to her community.

Over the years, she has reported on major news events, including pivotal moments in national politics and community issues.

Her work has been recognized with awards such as the Murrow, Associated Press, and multiple Emmy Awards, testifying to her skill and dedication.

Lesli’s evening anchor role at WUSA 9 allows her to connect deeply with audiences in Washington, D.C., bringing them news that impacts their lives.

Lesli Foster has had a distinguished career in journalism, marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the field:

• Early Career: Lesli Foster began her career at WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan, where she worked as a weekend anchor and reporter.

• WBAL-TV (Baltimore): She then moved to WBAL-TV in Baltimore, where she was named Best TV News Personality by Baltimore’s City Paper.

• Joining WUSA9: Lesli Foster joined WUSA9 in 2001, where she has spent over two decades as a weeknight anchor.

Foster has had a remarkable career in journalism, marked by several notable achievements:

• Emmy Awards: Lesli Foster has won four Emmy Awards for Best Anchor, recognizing her outstanding journalism and reporting.

• Impact Series: She leads WUSA9’s “Impact” series, which links journalists with the community to solve problems and shine a light on important issues.

• Girlfriends Give Back: Foster founded the “Girlfriends Give Back” event in 2012, which introduces women to everyday philanthropy through small donations to impactful organizations.

• Community Engagement: She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Edward R. Murrow, Gracies, NABJ Salute to Excellence, Associated Press, and TEGNA Make a Difference awards.

• Career Milestones: Foster has covered major events across the D.C. area and has interviewed many local, national, and international luminaries.

Lesli Foster works closely with several talented colleagues at WUSA9, including:

• Lorenzo Hall – Reporter: Lorenzo Hall covers breaking news and special reports, bringing important stories to the viewers.

• Topper Shutt – Chief Meteorologist: Topper Shutt provides weather forecasts and updates, helping viewers stay informed about weather conditions.

• Larry Miller – Anchor and Reporter: Larry Miller anchors newscasts and reports on various topics, including investigative stories.

• Darren M. Haynes – Sports Director: Darren M. Haynes covers sports news, events, and interviews, providing comprehensive sports coverage.

• Reese Waters – Host of “Get Up DC!”: Reese Waters hosts the morning show “Get Up DC!,” adding his unique perspective and humor to the program.

• Ellen Bryan – Host: Ellen Bryan co-hosts the morning show “Great Day Washington,” focusing on lifestyle and entertainment segments.

• Sharla McBride – Sports Anchor: Sharla McBride delivers sports news and highlights, keeping viewers updated on local and national sports events.

These colleagues play essential roles in delivering quality news and entertainment to WUSA9’s audience.

Net Worth and Salary:

Lesli Foster’s financial profile reflects her long-standing success in broadcast journalism:

• Net Worth: Estimates place her net worth between $1 million and $5 million, with some sources suggesting it may be closer to $5 million. This includes her earnings from journalism, investments, and other ventures.
• Salary: Her annual salary is reported to range from $45,000 to $110,500, depending on the source and year. This aligns with compensation for veteran anchors in major U.S. media markets.

Is Lesli Foster Married?

Yes, Foster is married. She is happily married to John Mathewson, who is the Executive Vice President for The HSC Foundation, a non-profit hospital system. They have been married since 2004 and have a daughter named Jordan.

How Old Is Lesli Foster?

Lesli Foster is 49 years old as of 2025. She was born on December 22, 1975.

Where Is Lesli Foster?

Lesli Foster continues to be a prominent figure in Washington, D.C. journalism.

She currently serves as the weeknight anchor at WUSA9, delivering the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts.

In addition to anchoring, she plays a leading role in the station’s “Impact” series, which connects journalists with the community to spotlight and address pressing local issues.

Beyond the anchor desk, Lesli is also part of WUSA9’s Special Assignment Unit, where she focuses on in-depth reporting that drives awareness and change.

Her work often highlights social justice themes, such as her coverage of the CROWN Act, where she used her platform to advocate for authenticity and representation in the newsroom.

Lesli Foster is active on social media. She shares updates about her career, personal life, and community involvement on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.