Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb is a broadcast journalist recognized for her work as a former co-anchor of NBC News' "TODAY" and co-host of "TODAY with Hoda & Jenna." After earning a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism from Virginia Tech, Kotb began her career at local stations across the South and Midwest, including serving as anchor and reporter for WWL-TV in New Orleans. She later joined NBC News as a correspondent for "Dateline NBC," where she reported on major stories such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq, the conflict in the West Bank and Gaza, and the Southeast Asian tsunami.

Kotb's journalism has been recognized with several industry awards. She received a Peabody Award for her "Dateline NBC" report "The Education of Ms. Groves," as well as the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award and a Headliner Award. Her work has also been honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award, multiple Gracie Awards, and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host for "TODAY with Kathie Lee and Hoda." During her tenure, the "TODAY" show received Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program. Kotb has been inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and recognized by New York Women in Communications with the Matrix Award for excellence in broadcast journalism. Time Magazine named her among its 100 Most Influential People.

In addition to her broadcasting career, Kotb has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness, sharing her experience with a mastectomy and recovery on national television. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir "Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee," as well as "Ten Years Later: Six People Who Faced Adversity and Transformed Their Lives," "Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made," and the collection "I Really Needed This Today." Kotb has also written children's books, including "I've Loved You Since Forever" and "You Are My Happy."

Kotb made history as co-anchor of "TODAY" alongside Savannah Guthrie, forming the program's first female anchor duo. She has contributed to the wellness community through the platform "Joy 101" and hosts the podcast "Making Space with Hoda Kotb." Her book "Jump and Find Joy" adds to her body of work in personal development and wellness. Kotb continues to engage audiences through journalism, public speaking, and advocacy, maintaining a significant presence in American media.