LORI WILSON: 10 things to know about Channel 2's newest anchor/reporter

1. Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Columbus, Indiana (the mecca of midwestern architecture) and raised in Indianapolis -- home of the Indy 500 and the best children's museum in the country.

2. Take us through your journey to WSB.

It has been a long road to WSB, but I'm thrilled to be here. I went to Indiana University's Ernie Pyle School of Journalism in Bloomington, Indiana. I have worked in Champaign, Ill., Shreveport, La., Atlanta, Philadelphia and now back again to Atlanta.

3. What are some of your favorite things to do/places to go or restaurants in Atlanta? 

There are so many of my favorites still here in Atlanta (and yes, most of them involve food!) I LOVE Mr. Everything's, Nancy's Pizza, Foxx Jamaican, Thumbs Up Cafe, R.Thomas, EATS and Golden Crust.

Also -- Piedmont Park, Stone Mountain, and Centennial Olympic Park.

I love the Auburn Ave. area. And I can't wait to get to a show at the Fox Theater.

I am really looking forward to checking out all of the new and wonderful businesses and developments here in the Atlanta area -- I'm open to suggestions!

4. What made you want to be a journalist? 

I'm not sure that there was a specific moment that I knew I wanted to be a journalist, but I have always had an insatiable desire to know the why behind the why -- My. Entire. Life. Just ask mom!

Also, I remember being very young and watching Jimmy Carter address the country from the Oval Office. I have no idea what he said, but I remember what it felt like in the room, in my apartment, in my neighborhood. We watched in silence, and at that point I felt the power of television, and the importance of reporters and anchors who gave context and clarity to major stories.

5. What has been the most memorable story that you’ve covered? Why?

I would have to say it was one of the first stories I covered as a new reporter in Champaign, Illinois. I interviewed a woman whose 6-year-old son had just died after being hit by a driver speeding through her neighborhood. I’m not sure which one of us cried more during the interview, but the story was an opportunity to make a difference. The fact that a mother was willing to share her pain, in hopes of inspiring change or helping someone else who was going through a tough time, was impactful. I would interview many more mothers who lost their children in unnatural ways, but her story, and her son’s smiling face, stuck with me.

6. What do you like to do for fun?

I love baking and binge-watching Netflix. I mean, working out.

I also love encouraging young people to pursue their highest passion.

[READ: Lori Wilson to join Channel 2 Action News]

7. What is your favorite movie?

Gladiator!

8. Do you have any hidden talents?

I make a mean homemade chocolate chip cookie.

9. Do you have a favorite place to travel or is there somewhere you have always wanted to go?

My favorite place to travel is anywhere I can do morning yoga outdoors (in the mountains or on the beach) and then get a massage later that afternoon!

10. What is something we would be surprised to know about you?

I have a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, I am a children’s book author, and I got my start in television introducing “call-waiting” to the world.

Cox Media Group