By Marissa Campo and Carol Gillis, AWC Detroit Marketing

Some professionals learn industry skills on the job while others, like award-winning reporter Vickie Thomas, are also naturally gifted in their field. Surprisingly, journalism wasn’t on Thomas’ radar when she started at Michigan State University (MSU) as a freshman majoring in nursing.

“My mom was a nurse and I admired her so much but I quickly realized that nursing wasn’t for me. Due to financial issues, I had to leave MSU during my first year. I came back to Detroit and worked for a doctor’s office and did live-in home health care for a while. When I had the opportunity to go back to college at Wayne State University (WSU) after paying off MSU, I really had to think long and hard about my future career choice,” she explained. “While in high school, I won a speaking competition through Health Occupation Students of American (HOSA) and an essay contest sponsored by Fox 2. I put the two together and landed on broadcast journalism, and the rest is history!”

The rest is history, indeed. Thomas began her career in 1988 at WDET 101.9FM while finishing her undergraduate degree. She then joined the WWJ 950 Newsradio team in 1991, continuing with the station for 30 years before announcing her retirement in April 2021.

Tough skin, big plans

Whether Thomas realizes it or not, she has become a major role model for young women pursuing a similar career path. When asked if she had any tips for the next generation of journalists, Thomas shared some pieces of advice:

  • Stay focused and determined
  • Be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities
  • Operate from a place of integrity at all times
  • Respect those around you — “Even when they don’t always deserve it!”
  • Fight to tell the stories you care about

“In this business as a woman in general and a Black woman in particular, I faced challenges initially from some of my own colleagues in the business and from those who try to marginalize you. But I developed a tough skin and always speak up for myself. Those two things helped me navigate well.”

Celebrating her successes

Even the most successful people need a strong support system, and Thomas nearly has a full squad of cheerleaders behind her. She took the time to reflect, appreciate and celebrate some of the people who helped her along the way.

“I’ll always sing the praises of Chuck Wilbur who hired me at WDET before I even graduated from Wayne State. He was my first news director and he really helped lay a solid foundation for my reporting career. Working for him and learning from the likes of Don Gonyea, the legendary Ed Love and Nkenge Zola, really was a true blessing. I also owe a lot to Ruth Seymore and Luther Keith who were my advisors during my time at Wayne State through the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity.”

Throughout her entire career, Thomas has remained a member and held leadership roles with the National Association of Black Journalists, including the local Detroit chapter of the organization. “It was my affiliation with the Detroit-NABJ that led to me getting hired at WWJ. So, I’ve learned that being a servant leader pays huge dividends and is so worthwhile.”

With such a long and successful career, Thomas has dozens of successes that are worthy of a celebration. Two specific things came to her mind, however, when asked what she is most proud of.

“My proudest moment was being the first Black radio broadcast journalist to be inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2019. In terms of my body of work, I’m super proud of being the voice for the voiceless,” she said. “I get my greatest reward from the stories I was able to bring to life that impacted everyday citizens in such a positive way.”

New adventures

Thomas will continue making a positive impact and connecting with others in her latest role as Detroit’s communications director. She also plans to record and release new episodes of her weekly “Black Business Minute” podcast with WWJ Radio.

“I’m so excited to play a role in changing lives in the City of Detroit by making sure that residents know about all the opportunities available to them,” said Thomas. “The thought of being able to lift people up and out of poverty is something that really motivates me each and every day!”

Congratulations to Vickie on her Media Room Spotlight recognition!