Shennekia Grimshaw: The Voice Behind DC’s Morning Traffic
Shennekia Grimshaw is the familiar face and voice guiding Washington, D.C. commuters through their morning rush as a traffic anchor and reporter for DC News Now.
Born May 27, 1986, in Takoma Park, Maryland, the 40-year-old journalist has built a reputation for reliability, warmth, and community-focused storytelling over nearly two decades in broadcasting.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Full Name: Shennekia Grimshaw
- Birthday: May 27, 1986
- Age (2026): 40 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Birthplace: Takoma Park, Maryland, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: West Indian heritage (family from Trinidad & Tobago)
- Current Role: Traffic Anchor/Reporter, DC News Now (WDVM-TV)
- Education: University of Maryland, College Park (Journalism); Montgomery College (Mass Communications/TV Broadcasting)
- Social Media: Twitter/X @shennekia, Facebook Shennekia Grimshaw, YouTube @shennekiag
Early Life and Roots in the DMV
Shennekia didn’t just stumble into the D.C. media scene—she grew up in it. Raised in Takoma Park, a vibrant suburb just outside the nation’s capital, she was surrounded by the pulse of local politics, culture, and community life from an early age.
Her family traces its roots to Trinidad & Tobago, giving her a rich West Indian heritage that she’s spoken about proudly in interviews.
Education-wise, Shennekia took a deliberate path toward journalism. She studied mass communications and TV broadcasting at Montgomery College before transferring to the University of Maryland, College Park, where she sharpened her reporting and on-air skills.
That local grounding—knowing the neighborhoods, the traffic patterns, the stories that matter to DMV residents—has become one of her greatest assets on air.
Career Journey: From “Talking Too Much” to Traffic Anchor
In a 2023 podcast interview, Shennekia laughed about a childhood label that turned into a career superpower: “When she was younger, Shennekia Grimshaw was told she talks too much.
Today she is a Traffic Reporter for DC News Now.” That self-awareness and humor have carried her through the competitive world of local news.
She joined WDVM-TV (now DC News Now) in January 2017, stepping into the role of morning traffic anchor and multimedia journalist.
Her work goes beyond reading congestion maps—she produces traffic segments, reports on breaking incidents, and covers community stories across Prince George’s County and the broader D.C. metro area.
Before her anchor chair, Shennekia gained hands-on experience in sports media, working as pressbox personnel for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) starting in 2010—a role she’s maintained alongside her news duties.
That dual perspective—news and sports—has given her a versatile skill set in live broadcasting and deadline-driven storytelling.
Personal Life: Private, Focused, and Community-Minded
Shennekia keeps her personal life intentionally low-key. In a candid 2026 interview, when asked about a significant other, she quipped: “No, I am way too focused on my career at this time.”
She’s emphasized that her “personal doesn’t even exist” anymore, joking that her life revolves around work and community.
That focus hasn’t stopped her from building deep ties in the DMV. She’s a regular presence at local events, from the Rock Creek Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala to community health initiatives, often using her platform to highlight nonprofits and social programs.
Colleagues remember her warmth and mentorship—after the passing of veteran anchor Ross Simpson in 2025, Shennekia shared: “I gained so much knowledge from Ross, and I smile when I think of him because it’s filled with wonderful memories.”
Salary, Net Worth, and Public Records
Unlike national anchors whose salaries make headlines, local traffic reporters like Shennekia typically earn modest six-figure incomes tied to market size and experience.
Industry estimates for D.C.-area morning anchors range from $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on tenure and additional producing duties.
Shennekia has not publicly disclosed her exact salary or net worth, and no credible sources list specific figures.
Similarly, details like height, weight, or measurements are not part of her public profile—she’s chosen to keep the spotlight on her work, not her appearance.
Why Shennekia Matters in D.C. Media
In an era of fragmented news and impersonal algorithms, Shennekia represents something increasingly rare: a local journalist who knows her audience by name, neighborhood, and commute.
Her Gemini curiosity—quick, adaptable, and people-focused—shines through in segments that blend hard traffic news with human-interest angles.
She’s also a quiet trailblazer for women of color in D.C. broadcasting. As a Black woman with West Indian roots anchoring morning traffic in a major market, she’s normalized diverse voices in roles that shape how hundreds of thousands start their day.
Her work with organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) underscores her commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Looking Ahead
At 40, Shennekia Grimshaw is in the prime of her career—seasoned enough to mentor the next generation, yet still energized by the daily challenge of live television.
Whether she’s breaking down a I-95 backup or spotlighting a local nonprofit, her mission remains the same: keep the DMV informed, connected, and moving forward.
For commuters who’ve grown up hearing her voice on their morning drive, Shennekia isn’t just a traffic anchor—she’s part of the rhythm of their day.
Sources
- DC News Now. “DC News Now family remembers late morning anchor Ross Simpson.” March 7, 2025.
- DC News Now. “DC News Now names anchor line-up for expanded local news.”
- DC News Now. “Meet the DC News Now Team.”
- Muck Rack. “Shennekia Grimshaw profile.” May 21, 2025.
- Saint Augustine’s University Explore. “Shennekia Grimshaw WDVM Bio Wiki Age Husband Salary and Net Worth.” March 6, 2026.
- Facebook. “Shennekia M Grimshaw” profile.
- LinkedIn. “Shennekia Grimshaw” professional profile.
- YouTube. “Talking Too Much Pays Off! (Featuring Shennekia Grimshaw)” – Breaking Through Glass Ceilings podcast. February 3, 2023.
- WIZS Daily Dose. “Spotlight Edition: Shennekia Grimshaw ‘DC’s Finest’.” March 12, 2026.
- Instagram. “Shennekia Grimshaw” video clips.
- Rock Creek Foundation. “Press” category page.
- YouTube. “News/sports reporter reel (Shennekia Grimshaw).” August 25, 2015.
- Rock Creek Foundation. “Rock Creek 50th Anniversary Gala.” April 18, 2024.
- SignalHire. “Shennekia Grimshaw’s email & phone number.” May 31, 2026.
- Calculat.io. “How Old Am I If I Was Born in May 1986.”
- DC News Now. “Shennekia Grimshaw author page.”
- IMDb. “Shennekia Grimshaw” profile.
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