About Kiya Edwards

Kiya Edwards has worked in television production and communications for nearly 15 years. For over six years within that timeframe, she was a news reporter for KARE 11 in the Twin Cities, her hometown market.

Her career began in Nairobi, Kenya, at Africa 24 Media. Initially onboarded as an unpaid intern, Kiya was quickly promoted to field reporter and co-host of “Africa Journal,” the company's internationally aired show produced in partnership with Thomson Reuters.

For two years, she remained based in Nairobi but traveled to cover stories in countries including Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco, and Italy.

After moving back to the U.S. in 2013, Kiya worked as a video journalist (reporter) for KWQC-TV6 News in the Quad Cities, where she independently shot, wrote, edited, and presented daily news stories under tight deadlines. She also filled in on the anchor desk.

Kiya then jumped 80 TV markets for a multi-skilled journalist (reporter) position at KSDK News Channel 5 in St. Louis. In addition to covering daily crime, the station sent her to Houston and New Orleans, where she provided live breaking news coverage of Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Cindy respectively.

She also participated in the National Association of Black Journalists conventions in Detroit and Miami.

At KARE 11, Kiya covered many complex and sensitive topics. She was ultimately selected as a regular fill-in for the station's lead court reporter, covering high-profile cases such as George Floyd, Kim Potter, Nick Firkus, and more.

She also executive produced and hosted "The Show with Kiya," a platform for music artists to share updates and perform. Episodes aired on KARE 11+ and remain viewable online.

Growing up, Kiya went to South High School in Minneapolis and spent sophomore year as an exchange student in Germany. She later double majored in journalism and theater at the University of Minnesota, where she also made a lifetime commitment to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She received a full-ride university scholarship through the Annexstad Family Foundation and Federated Insurance, and additional scholarships through Wallin Education Partners and the Village Scholars Fund.

Today, Kiya mentors a high school student through Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities and was named a Game Changer for the nonprofit after emceeing its annual fundraising gala for five consecutive years. She continues to emcee various events and conduct interviews throughout the metro.

Experience

PetSuites Eagan (National Veterinary Associates) | Customer Service Representative | Twin Cities | Aug 2025 – Present

Adhere to brand guidelines, inform guests of daily promotions, distribute marketing materials, upsell services
Give resort tours, schedule reservations, promptly answer calls, texts, emails
Obtain and verify pet vaccination records
Bring pets to their rooms, grooming services, play areas; fill food and water bowls, thoughtfully lay out personal belongings
Count medications and share administration instructions with staff
Conduct cash and credit card transactions, reunite pets with their families

Jupiter Entertainment, TV One | Reporter | Twin Cities | June 2026

Narrate and provide commentary on a Minnesota murder investigation for true-crime series “Fatal Attraction”

KARE 11 News | Multi-Skilled Journalist | Twin Cities | June 2018 – Dec 2024

Met tight deadlines by pitching, shooting, writing, voice tracking, video editing, and presenting daily TV and web stories, often working independently on all tasks
Covered breaking news, high-profile court cases, elections and politics, education, severe weather, housing and urban development, employment trends, environmental issues, public health, science and technology, sports features, the arts
Selected to mentor newly hired reporters; coached photojournalists in the field and during video editing when paired
Selected as regular fill-in for station’s main court reporter
Created, hosted, and executive produced “The Show with Kiya,” a platform for music artists to share updates and perform
Broke a story on a business deal between Broadus Foods and Post, securing an exclusive interview with rap legend and serial entrepreneur Master P
Emceed community events, including the inaugural “Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant,” St. Paul Area Chamber’s "Powerful Political Women” panel, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ “Big Night” fundraiser gala for five consecutive years

Bay Laurel Co. and Bay Laurel Fund | Freelance Media Relations Specialist | Twin Cities | May 2020 – Dec 2022

Collaborated directly with CEO to develop strategic communications plans for social media and live events, including free arts and athletic camps for youth
Provided list of newsroom assignment desk contacts, drafted marketing emails, ghostwrote press releases

101.3 KDWB | Fill-in Host | Twin Cities | May 2019

Covered for Falen on “The Dave Ryan Show,” co-hosting alongside renowned broadcaster Dave Ryan

KSDK News Channel 5 | Multi-Skilled Journalist | St. Louis | May 2016 – May 2018

Co-created a pilot show that led the city to expedite an elder’s sidewalk repair request
Covered Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Cindy for sister stations KHOU in Houston and WWL-TV in New Orleans

KWQC-TV6 News | Video Journalist | Quad Cities | Feb 2014 – April 2016

Interviewed presidential hopefuls during Iowa caucuses and served as political debate moderator for U.S. House of Representatives candidates
Earned the opportunity to anchor newscasts when needed

Africa 24 Media | Host and Reporter | Nairobi | Oct 2011 – Oct 2013

Co-hosted company’s internationally aired “Africa Journal” show and frequently traveled across continent to cover stories
Led a team in producing 30 feature stories surrounding 2012 London Summer Olympics