
Shawn Yancy Biography: Award-Winning NBC News Anchor and Journalist
Shawn Yancy is a seasoned journalist and news anchor currently working for NBC4 Washington (WRC-TV).
She anchors News4 at 5 and News4 at 11. Yancy joined NBC4 in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her previous role at WTTG-TV (FOX 5 Washington, D.C.), where she worked for 19 years.
Early Life and Education:
Shawn Yancy grew up in Indiana and attended Ball State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Radio/TV. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Career Highlights and Awards:
- Early Career: Yancy’s journalism career began with stops at WKJG-TV in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- WTTG-TV FOX 5 News (2001-2020): She moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 2001 and joined WTTG-TV (FOX 5 News). Her second day on the job was September 11, 2001, when she covered the terrorist attacks from the Pentagon, marking a significant start to her D.C. career. For most of her 19 years at WTTG, she anchored evening and late-night newscasts.
- NBC4 Washington (2021-Present): In January 2021, Yancy joined NBC4 Washington, where she anchors News4 at 5 and News4 at 11.
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Award-Winning Journalism:
Throughout her career, Shawn Yancy has received numerous accolades for her work, including:
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- Several Emmy Awards (including one for Outstanding News Anchor in D.C. in 2006).
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- An Edward R. Murrow Award for an investigative story about asbestos problems at the National Institutes of Health.
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- Associated Press and Golden Quill awards for breaking news coverage.
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Community Involvement and Philanthropy:
Beyond her journalism career, Yancy is a strong advocate for giving back to the community.
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- In 2010, she founded Girls Night Out by Shawn Yancy Inc. (now The Giving Foundation for Women and Children), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering economically disadvantaged women and children.
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- She has served on the boards of organizations such as A Wider Circle, Dress for Success DC, and The St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth & Families.
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- She also co-spearheads an annual fundraiser with other D.C. newswomen for local charities assisting underserved breast cancer patients.
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- In recognition of her commitment to the community, she was named a 2023 Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian magazine and received the 2024 Hope Award from Calvary Women’s Services.
Other Ventures:
In addition to her broadcasting and philanthropic work, Shawn Yancy is a professional artist specializing in contemporary mixed media art and owns Shawn Yancy Art & Design.
She previously owned an online jewelry and accessories boutique called The Bangle.
Age
Parents and Siblings
Shawn Yancy was born to Dr. Eric A. Yancy and Pamela Yancy. Her father, Dr. Eric A.Yancy, is a pediatrician, and her mother, Pamela Yancy, is known for her motivational support.
Shawn has two siblings: a brother named Damion Yancy and a sister named Erika Yancy.
Shawn grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and later moved to Indiana, where she attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.
She then went on to Ball State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in telecommunications.
Husband
Shawn Yancy is married to Marcus Wiseman, a former football player who played for Ball State University. They have been together since 1987 and got married in 1993.
The couple renewed their vows in 2019 to celebrate their 26th anniversary. They have three sons: Anthony Young-Wiseman, Tyson Wiseman, and Jackson Wiseman.
Height
Shawn Yancy is reported to stand approximately 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall (around 1.70–1.72 meters). Her weight is estimated to be around 60 kilograms (132 pounds).
Career and Background
Shawn began her career in broadcast journalism with a passion for reporting and anchoring. Over the years, she has worked with various media outlets, gaining significant experience.
She previously worked at Fox 5 DC, where she spent nearly two decades, before joining NBC’s WRC-TV.
Early Career
- General Assignment Reporter: Shawn began her career as a general assignment reporter at WAND-TV in Illinois in 1998.
- Florida Reporter and Anchor: She later moved to Florida, where she worked as a reporter and anchor at stations like WESH and WFTV.
Career at WTTG-TV (FOX 5 Washington, D.C.)
- Joining WTTG-TV: Shawn moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 2001 and joined WTTG-TV. Her second day of work was September 11, 2001, the day of the tragic terrorist attacks.
- Evening and Late-Night Anchor: For most of her 19 years at WTTG, she anchored evening and late-night newscasts.
- Awards: Shawn’s work at WTTG earned her several EMMY Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award for an investigative story about asbestos problems at the National Institutes of Health.
Career at NBC4 Washington (WRC-TV)
- Joining NBC4: Shawn joined NBC4 in 2021 and has been anchoring News4 at 5 and News4 at 11.
- Community Involvement: She has been actively involved in her community, serving on the boards of A Wider Circle, Dress for Success DC, and The St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth & Families.
- Fundraising Efforts: Shawn has spearheaded an annual fundraiser for local charities helping underserved breast cancer patients.
Shawn Yancy has reported on numerous significant stories throughout her career. Here are some of her notable reports:
- September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks: Shawn’s second day on the job at WTTG-TV was September 11, 2001, the day of the tragic terrorist attacks. She reported extensively on the events and their aftermath.
- Asbestos Problems at the National Institutes of Health: This investigative report earned Shawn an Edward R. Murrow Award and highlighted serious health hazards at the NIH.
- DC Schools Introduce Anti-Racist Social Studies Curriculum: Shawn reported on the changes in the DC Public Schools’ curriculum to address sensitive topics and prepare students for the future.
- Arlington Hospital Opens New Center for Female Patients: She covered the opening of a new center at VHC Health in Arlington designed specifically for female patients.
- Children’s National Hospital: Shawn reported on a touching story about a brother and sister diagnosed with the same rare disease but having different outcomes due to a simple test.
Shawn Yancy has worked with many talented colleagues throughout her career at both WTTG-TV (FOX 5 Washington, D.C.) and NBC4 Washington.
Here are a few of her close colleagues:
- Allison Seymour: A long-time anchor at FOX 5, Allison Seymour was a close colleague of Shawn Yancy. They both shared the news desk and collaborated on various news segments.
- Jeannette Reyes: Another prominent journalist at FOX 5, Jeannette Reyes worked alongside Shawn Yancy before her departure from the station.
- Wisdom Martin: Wisdom Martin was a co-anchor at FOX 5 and worked closely with Shawn Yancy on the morning news broadcasts.
- Robert Burton: Robert Burton was also a part of the FOX 5 news team and collaborated with Shawn Yancy on various news stories.
These colleagues, along with Shawn Yancy, contributed to the comprehensive and engaging news coverage at FOX 5 and NBC4 Washington.
Shawn Yancy Weight Loss
Shawn Yancy has been open about her weight loss journey. After struggling for years to lose baby weight through diets and exercise, she underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2013.
In the year following the procedure, she lost over 140 pounds. Her weight loss journey has been an inspiration to many, showcasing her determination and resilience.
Net Worth and Salary
As of recent estimates, Shawn Yancy’s net worth ranges between $3 million and $5 million, primarily accumulated through her long-standing career in broadcast journalism.
Her income stems from her roles at major networks like FOX 5 and NBC4 Washington, as well as her work as a professional artist and community advocate.
Her annual salary is estimated between $70,000 and $130,000, with a monthly income ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on her current contract and additional engagements.
Is Shawn Yancy Married?
Yes, Shawn Yancy is married to Marcus Wiseman. The couple renewed their vows in 2019 to celebrate their 26th anniversary.
They have three sons: Anthony Young-Wiseman, Tyson Wiseman, and Jackson Wiseman.
How Old Is Shawn Yancy?
As of 2025, Shawn Yancy is 37 years old. She was born on October 12, 1987, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Where Is Shawn Yancy?
Shawn Yancy is still working at NBC4 Washington (WRC-TV). She continues to anchor News4 at 5 and News4 at 11.
She anchors the evening newscasts, including News4 at 5 and News4 at 11, where she continues to deliver impactful journalism and special reports.
In addition to her anchor duties, she remains active in community engagement and advocacy through her initiative, Girls’ Night Out by Shawn Yancy, which supports underserved women and families.
Shawn Yancy is active on social media. She uses platforms like Facebook and Twitter to share updates about her work, engage with her audience, and provide insights into her reporting.
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