Celebrating Black History Month - Angel Idowu '12

In honor of Black History Month, our Black Student Union and Alumnae Office partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating distinguished Black alumnae. Next up is Angel Idowu '12!

Angel Idowu currently serves as the first JCS of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent for PBS Chicago. She is a 2012 graduate of Mother McAuley. She earned her MSJ from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, and her Bachelor’s Degree from Beloit College. Before returning to report in her hometown, she served as an evening producer and weekend reporter for the CBS affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi. Some of her most notable interviews include Chance the Rapper, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Marlon and Tito Jackson, Vanessa WIlliams, Lisa Ann Walter and Hebru Brantley. In her free time, she works as an entrepreneur in her community leading a small production company, and also serves as the Vice President of National Association of Black Journalist, Chicago chapter and is a LINK Unlimited mentor.

In our Q&A, Angel shares her wisdom and advice with the Mighty Macs about finding her profession and overcoming struggles.

Q: What are the struggles of being a black entrepreneur or businesswoman?

There will always be someone who thinks you are not worthy. But it is a waste of time to try to convince them otherwise. Because the three things you will never get back are time, money and energy. So instead, prioritize your time by focusing on the community that supports and uplifts you, and I can confirm the haters will be watching from afar. The struggles, to me, are irrelevant. It's how you handle them that are important to me, and the way you do that is by continuing to pour into yourself so that when those struggles do arise, you are unphased.

Q: What guided you to this career path?

I'd always loved storytelling as a kid, whether it be through writing or performance art. Fast forward to McAuley, that's exactly what I did. Joined the newspaper, danced at the Joffrey Ballet, and joined the school's musical theatre program. I applied to colleges that allowed me to pursue these areas there as well, and so when it came time to apply to graduate schools I knew I wanted to be a TV reporter. 

Q: What (if anything) would you change about your journey to finding your profession?

No regrets. I always spent my time doing any and everything I was interested in. That's why I'd just encourage doing whatever it is you're interested and passionate about. You can sleep later. Do it all now while you're still a student. ou will never have more access than you do as a student. Take advantage of programs, scholarships, fellowships, mentorships, any and everything. Think as BIG as you can, then double it.