ESPN female reporters: 30 women who make the channel what it is

ESPN female reporters: 30 women who make the channel what it is

Over the years, ESPN has featured incredibly talented female reporters who have connected well with the audience, giving the network an edge in the industry. Key names like Malika Andrews, Holly Rowe, and Kendra Andrews have dominated the scenes, covering various sports, from the NFL to basketball and baseball. These ESPN female reporters bring strong insight, sharp analysis, and confidence to every assignment across studio shows, live coverage, and reporting.

ESPN female reporters
Reporters Sarah Barshop, Elle Duncan, and Malika Andrews. Photo: @sarahbarshop, @elleduncan, @malika_andrews on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • ESPN female reporters like Lisa Salters and Courtney Cronin deliver consistent NFL coverage with strong sideline and beat reporting across major games.
  • Veteran voices such as Hannah Storm and Linda Cohn continue to shape studio programming with experience and credibility on SportsCenter.
  • NBA coverage is driven by talent like Rebecca Lobo and Cassidy Hubbarth, who provide analysis, hosting, and in-game insight across ESPN basketball coverage.
  • Rising and versatile journalists, including Sarah Barshop and Tiffany Blackmon, strengthen ESPN’s reporting depth across NFL and college football.

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Top ESPN female reporters

ESPN has multiple shows covering different sports events in the world. Therefore, it requires a team of reputable journalists with in-depth knowledge of the events. ESPN female reporters, commentators, and analysts have been exceptional.

This article looks at some of the most outstanding ladies in the network, including the current and those who have moved on to other stations.

ESPN female journalist

Role

Period

Kelsey Riggs

Host and reporter

2029 - date

Lisa Salters

Reporter

2000 - date

Holly Rowe

Reporter

1998 - date

Sarah Colby Spain

Host and reporter

2010 - date

Laura Rutledge

Host and reporter

2014 - date

Malika Andrews

NBA reporter and host

2018 - date

Doris Burke

NBA analyst

1991 - date

Michelle Beisner-Buck

NFL reporter

2014 - date

Courtney Cronin

NFL reporter

2017 - date

Beth Mowins

Play-by-play announcer

1994 - date

1. Kelsey Riggs

Kelsey Riggs during the 2023 espnW Summit NYC
Kelsey Riggs during the 2023 espnW Summit NYC at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: Arturo Holmes
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1988
  • Place of birth: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
  • Role: ESPN host and reporter

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Kelsey Riggs joined ESPN in 2019. She is a host and reporter across ACC Network and college football coverage. She appears on SportsCenter and contributes to ACC football programming and studio shows. She is part of the team covering college football and studio-based sports coverage across multiple platforms.

2. Lisa Salters

Lisa Salters after the National Football League game
ESPN'ss Lisa Salters after the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Photo: Gregory Fisher
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1966
  • Place of birth: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Role: ESPN reporter

Lisa Salters joined ESPN in 2000. She is a sideline reporter for Monday Night Football (MNF) and NBA coverage. She also contributes to E:60, reporting long-form features and stories. Lisa is the longest-serving sideline reporter for MNF.

3. Holly Rowe

ESPN Holly Rowe in a blue suit talking to Gabriela Jaquez #11 of the UCLA Bruins
Gabriela Jaquez #11 of the UCLA Bruins talks to ESPN telecaster Holly Rowe after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game. Photo: C. Morgan Engel
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1966
  • Place of birth: Woods Cross, Utah, USA
  • Role: ESPN reporter

Holly Rowe joined ESPN full-time in 1998. She is a sideline reporter covering college football, basketball, and the WNBA. She appears on major broadcasts and contributes reporting and interviews across ESPN platforms. She is widely regarded as one of the most respected ESPN female reporters, known for her long-standing coverage across multiple sports.

4. Sarah Colby Spain

Sarah Spain addresses the crowd at the espnW
Sarah Spain addresses the crowd during the espnW: Women + Sports Chicago event in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Dylan Buell
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1980
  • Place of birth: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
  • Role: ESPN host and reporter

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Sarah Spain joined ESPN in 2010. She is a host, reporter, and podcaster across ESPN platforms. She appears on Around the Horn and contributes to digital shows and podcasts, including her own ESPN audio content.

5. Laura Rutledge

Laura Rutledge broadcasts live prior to a college football playoffs
ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge broadcasts live prior to a college football Playoff Semifinal game at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Michael Wade
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1988
  • Place of birth: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
  • Role: ESPN host and reporter

Laura Rutledge joined ESPN in 2014. She is a host of NFL Live and contributes to SEC Network programming, including SEC Nation. She also works as a sideline reporter for select NFL coverage and studio shows.

6. Malika Andrews

Malika Andrews reporting during a game
Malika Andrews, ESPN sideline reporter, during the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers games at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Kevork Djansezian
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1995
  • Place of birth: Oakland, California, USA
  • Role: ESPN NBA reporter and host

Malika Andrews joined ESPN in 2018, and has since become of the network's most recognizable faces. She is an NBA reporter and host of NBA Today. Malika Andrews also hosts NBA Countdown and contributes to NBA studio coverage across ESPN platforms.

7. Doris Burke

Doris Burke looks on and smiles during a game
ESPN Analyst Doris Burke looks on and smiles during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1965
  • Place of birth: West Islip, New York, USA
  • Role: ESPN NBA analyst

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Doris Burke is a lead NBA game analyst for ESPN and ABC. She works on the network’s top broadcast teams for major NBA games. She is a veteran analyst covering the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball, and is widely regarded as one of the sport’s top voices.

8. Michelle Beisner-Buck

Michelle Beisner and her husband Joe Buck
Joe Buck (R) and his wife Michelle Beisner arrive at the Texas Medal of Arts Awards at the Long Center in Austin, Texas. Photo: Rick Kern
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1976
  • Place of birth: Denver, Colorado, USA
  • Role: ESPN NFL reporter

Michelle Beisner-Buck joined ESPN in 2014. She is an NFL features reporter and contributes across Monday Night Countdown and Monday Night Football. She produces feature interviews and storytelling pieces across ESPN's NFL coverage.

9. Courtney Cronin

Courtney Cronin in a black and red outfit and in a black dress
ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin. Photo: @courtneycronin on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Year of birth: 1990
  • Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Role: ESPN NFL reporter

Courtney Cronin joined ESPN in 2017 as a Minnesota Vikings reporter. She is now an NFL Nation reporter covering the Chicago Bears. She appears regularly on SportsCenter and First Take, providing NFL news and analysis. She is recognized as one of the most consistent ESPN female reporters, covering daily team updates and league-wide NFL coverage.

10. Beth Mowins

Beth Mowins smiles while reporting
ESPN play-by-play announcer Beth Mowins smiles prior to Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo: Mitchell Leff
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1967
  • Place of birth: Syracuse, New York, USA
  • Role: ESPN play-by-play announcer

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Beth Mowins is a play-by-play announcer for ESPN. She calls college football, college basketball, and other ESPN events across the network. She has been a long-time broadcaster and has also called select NFL games on national television.

11. Cristina Alexander

  • Year of birth: 1991
  • Place of birth: Mexico
  • Role: ESPN Deportes reporter and anchor

Cristina Alexander is a bilingual reporter and anchor for ESPN Deportes based in Guadalajara. She covers Liga MX clubs, including Atlas and Chivas. She also co-anchors SportsCenter for ESPN Mexico and contributes across Spanish-language coverage.

12. Hannah Storm

Hannah Storm attending the 68th Annual Public Service Award Dinner
Hannah Storm attends the 68th Annual Public Service Award Dinner hosted by the Ad Council at The Glasshouse in New York City. Photo: Dia Dipasupil
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1962
  • Place of birth: Oak Park, Illinois, USA
  • Role: ESPN SportsCenter anchor

Hannah Storm is an award-winning journalist who joined ESPN in 2008. She hosts select editions of SportsCenter and contributes to special event coverage. She is also one of the prominent ESPN female anchors in 2026, known for feature programs like In Focus and Face to Face, focusing on long-form storytelling.

13. Mina Kimes

Mina Kimes at the Gold Gala by Gold House
Mina Kimes at the Gold Gala by Gold House held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Mark Von Holden
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1985
  • Place of birth: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
  • Role: ESPN NFL analyst and host

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Mina Kimes joined ESPN in 2014. She is an NFL analyst on NFL Live. She also appears regularly on First Take and Get Up. She hosts The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny and contributes to ESPN’s podcast network. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential ESPN female reporters, known for her analysis, storytelling, and NFL coverage.

14. Jen Lada

Jen Lada prepares for a segment before a game
ESPN reporter Jen Lada prepares for a segment before a game between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Photo: Chicago Tribune
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1981
  • Place of birth: Spring Grove, Illinois, USA
  • Role: ESPN reporter and host

Jen Lada has been with ESPN since 2015. She contributes to College GameDay and College Football Live. She also reports feature stories and human-interest segments across ESPN's college football coverage.

15. Wendi Nix

Wendi Nix and Hannah Storm attending ESPN The Party
TV personalities Wendi Nix (L) and Hannah Storm attend ESPN The Party in San Francisco, California. Photo: Robin Marchant
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1974
  • Place of birth: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, USA
  • Role: Former ESPN NFL host

Wendi Nix joined ESPN in 2006. She was an NFL studio host and contributed to select coverage across ESPN platforms. She also hosted college football and NFL programming. Wendi left the network in August 2023, joining the list of former ESPN female reporters who left a mark on the station.

16. Linda Cohn

Linda Cohn speaks on stage at the Paley Prize Gala
ESPN anchor Linda Cohn speaks on stage at the Paley Prize Gala honouring ESPN's 35th anniversary, presented by Roc Nation Sports in New York City. Photo: Bryan Bedder
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1959
  • Place of birth: Long Island, New York, USA
  • Role: ESPN SportsCenter anchor

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Linda Cohn joined ESPN in 1992. She is a longtime SportsCenter anchor and one of the most recognizable names among ESPN female anchors in 2026. She appears mainly on off-peak editions and select shifts. She remains a veteran presence on the network with occasional studio coverage across ESPN programming.

17. Cassidy Hubbarth

Cassidy Hubbarth arrives on the red carpet in a dark brown outfit
Cassidy Hubbarth arrives on the red carpet during the Ruffles Celebrity Game as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Brandon Todd
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1984
  • Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Role: Former ESPN host and reporter

Cassidy Hubbarth joined ESPN in 2010 and worked there for 15 years. She left in April 2025 after her contract ended. During her time there, Cassidy was a host and reporter covering NBA programming across ESPN platforms. She hosted Hoop Streams and contributed to NBA All-Star Weekend coverage, including digital broadcasts and special event programming. Despite living, Cassidy remains one of the most remarkable female figures in the network.

18. Antonietta Collins

Antonietta Collins attends the Univision Upfront 2012 reception
Antonietta Collins attends the Univision Upfront 2012 reception at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Photo: Ilya S. Savenok
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1985
  • Place of birth: Mexico City, Mexico
  • Role: Former ESPN SportsCenter anchor

Antonietta Collins joined ESPN in 2013 and spent nearly a decade at the network before leaving in 2022. She was a SportsCenter anchor and bilingual presenter across ESPN studio programming. Antonietta contributed to interviews and select reporting across ESPN platforms, including occasional baseball-related coverage.

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19. Olivia Harlan Dekker

Olivia Harlan Dekker during a college basketball game
Reporter Olivia Harlan Dekker during a college basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and Illinois Fighting Illini at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. Photo: James Black
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1993
  • Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
  • Role: Former ESPN sideline reporter

Olivia Harlan Dekker joined ESPN in 2015, becoming the youngest full-season sideline reporter hired by the network. Olivia transitioned from a full-time role in 2021 but occasionally contributes on a "smattering of sideline dates". She covered college football and contributed to various ESPN studio and digital platforms.

20. Rebecca Lobo

Rebecca Lobo speaks at ESPNW Women + Sports Summit
Rebecca Lobo speaks at ESPNW Women + Sports Summit at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York. Photo: Steven Ferdman
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1973
  • Place of birth: Hartford, Connecticut, USA
  • Role: ESPN basketball analyst

Rebecca Lobo joined ESPN in 2004. She is a basketball analyst covering women’s college basketball and the WNBA. She provides studio analysis and commentary across ESPN’s women’s basketball coverage. She is one of ESPN’s leading female basketball anchors. She offers expert insight across both collegiate and professional women’s basketball.

21. Katie George

Katie George prepares to go on the air
Sideline reporter Katie George prepares to go on the air before the Capital One Orange Bowl college football game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. Photo: Doug Murray
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1993
  • Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, USA
  • Role: ESPN reporter and host

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Katie George joined ESPN via the ACC Network in 2019. She is a reporter and host across ESPN platforms, contributing to college sports and NBA coverage. She also hosts Formula 1 digital content, including Unlapped and race review programming.

22. Kendra Andrews

Kendra Andrews reporting on a game
Sideline Reporter Kendra Andrews reports on the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Noah Graham
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1997
  • Place of birth: Oakland, California, USA
  • Role: ESPN NBA reporter

Kendra Andrews joined ESPN in 2022. She is an NBA reporter covering the Golden State Warriors. She contributes to NBA Today, SportsCenter, and ESPN.com, focusing on NBA coverage and reporting. She is one of the famous ESPN female reporters in 2026, delivering daily league news and team-focused reporting.

23. Victoria Arlen

Victoria Arlen accepts the ANA Inspiration Award
Reporter Victoria Arlen accepts the ANA Inspiration Award at the ANA Inspiring Women in Sports Conference at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. Photo: Kelly Kline
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1994
  • Place of birth: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
  • Role: ESPN host and reporter

Victoria Arlen joined ESPN in 2015. She is a studio host across SportsCenter and Hoop Streams. She also contributes feature storytelling and interviews across ESPN programming. She is recognized as one of the ESPN female reporters, known for her work in studio hosting and human-interest storytelling across multiple sports platforms.

24. Sarah Barshop

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Sarah Barshop reporting wearing a pink dress and in a black dress
Reporter Sarah Barshop reporting live. Photo: @sarahbarshop on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC
  • Year of birth: 1990
  • Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
  • Role: ESPN NFL Nation reporter

Sarah Barshop is an NFL Nation reporter covering the Los Angeles Rams. She joined ESPN in 2017. She contributes across NFL Live and SportsCenter, providing reporting, updates, and analysis across ESPN NFL coverage.

25. Tiffany Blackmon

Tiffany Blackmon during the College Football Playoff press conference
Reporter Tiffany Blackmon during the College Football Playoff press conference and media roundtable at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. Photo: Jevone Moore
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1984
  • Place of birth: Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA
  • Role: Former ESPN sideline reporter

Tiffany Blackmon is one of the former ESPN female football anchors. She joined the network in 2021 and left in 2023 to join CBS Sports. Tiffany was a sideline reporter and host across NFL and college football coverage. She contributed to NFL Live and SportsCenter.

26. Monica McNutt

Monica McNutt attends Sports Power Brunch for Women in Baseball
Monica McNutt attends Sports Power Brunch for Women in Baseball, presented by New Era Cap at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on July 13, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Derek White
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1989
  • Place of birth: Suitland, Maryland, USA
  • Role: ESPN basketball analyst

Monica McNutt is an ESPN basketball analyst. She appears on NBA Today and other studio shows. She covers the NBA and women’s college basketball, contributing analysis and commentary across ESPN platforms.

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27. Andraya Carter

Andraya Carter smiles during the halftime break at sports championships
ESPN analyst and reporter Andraya Carter smiles during the halftime break at the 2025 State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2025 in New York City. Photo: Robin Alam
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1993
  • Place of birth: Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA
  • Role: ESPN basketball analyst and reporter

Andraya Carter is an ESPN analyst covering college basketball and the WNBA. She appears on College GameDay and other studio programming. She provides analysis and sideline reporting across ESPN basketball coverage.

28. Christine Williamson

Christine Williamson speaking on a podium at ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Awards
Christine Williamson at ESPN's Sports Humanitarian Awards held at the Ray Dolby Ballroom on July 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: JC Olivera
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1987
  • Place of birth: Miami, Florida, USA
  • Role: SportsCenter anchor

Christine Williamson is a SportsCenter anchor at ESPN. She hosts editions of SportsCenter and contributes across digital and studio programming. She is part of ESPN’s newer generation of on-air talent.

29. Kimberley A. Martin

Kimberley A. Martin attends The 6th Annual Sports Power Brunch
Kimberley A. Martin attends The 6th Annual Sports Power Brunch: Celebrating the Most Powerful Women in Sports presented by ESPN Films at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. Photo: Jeff Schear
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1984
  • Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
  • Role: ESPN NFL reporter

Kimberley A. Martin is an ESPN NFL reporter. She contributes to NFL Live and SportsCenter. She covers league news and analysis as part of ESPN’s NFL reporting team.

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30. Nicole Briscoe

Nicole Briscoe, SportsCenter Anchor, ESPN, at the F1 Accelerate Summit
Nicole Briscoe, SportsCenter Anchor, ESPN, at the F1 Accelerate Summit presented by Formula 1 and Custom Events from WSJ at the Rubell Museum on May 04, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Rodrigo Varela
Source: Getty Images
  • Year of birth: 1980
  • Place of birth: Roscoe, Illinois, USA
  • Role: SportsCenter anchor

Nicole Briscoe is an ESPN anchor. She regularly hosts SportsCenter and contributes to racing and studio coverage. She is a longtime ESPN presence across multiple sports programs.

Who is the blonde girl on ESPN?

There is no single “blonde girl” on ESPN. Several blonde hosts and reporters appear across different shows. This includes talent on SportsCenter, NFL coverage, and college sports. The ESPN reporters' names often vary depending on the program and broadcast day.

Who is the highest-paid ESPN host?

ESPN does not publicly confirm exact salaries for most talent. However, top earners are usually lead personalities on major shows and could be earning as high as $1 million per year. This includes flagship hosts and game analysts with long careers and national visibility. Exact figures are not officially disclosed.

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What is the salary of ESPN's female reporters?

ESPN female reporters earn different salaries depending on experience, role, and visibility. Entry-level reporters may earn around $50,000 - $100,000 per year. Established reporters and on-air personalities can earn several hundred thousand dollars, with top names potentially earning $1 million or more annually. Exact salaries are not publicly confirmed.

Who is the female ESPN broadcaster?

There are many female ESPN broadcasters. They include hosts, reporters, and analysts across sports. Examples include NBA, NFL, and college football coverage. Roles vary from sideline reporting to studio hosting and game analysis across ESPN platforms.

Who are the famous SportsCenter anchors?

Famous SportsCenter anchors include Linda Cohn, Hannah Storm, and Scott Van Pelt. They have hosted major editions for years. The show features both veteran and newer anchors who rotate across different time slots and ESPN coverage windows.

ESPN female reporters are some of the best sports journalists in the world. They cover different sports, demonstrating a deep understanding of the events and providing viewers with timely updates. Undoubtedly, many female sports journalists have thrived on the sports news network.

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Legit.ng recently published a list of famous CNN female journalists. CNN is one of the major news companies in the world, with some of the most respected anchors, reporters, and correspondents.

How many female CNN journalists do you know? The news network was founded in 1980 and has consistently recruited high-level journalists, making it one of the best media companies worldwide. Female journalists have done an incredible job of making the network what it is today.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Muhunya Muhonji avatar

Muhunya Muhonji (Lifestyle writer) Muhunya Muhonji is a writer at Legit.ng. He joined the team in July 2021 and has over five years of experience. Muhonji specialises in covering entertainment, technology, business, and biographies. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Egerton University in 2014. To advance his technical expertise, he completed the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course in 2023. Additionally, he finished the Google News Initiative training in March 2024 and a Fact-Checking and Research training in September 2024. Email: muhunyah@gmail.com.

Sharon Boit avatar

Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience in digital publishing. She writes across lifestyle, entertainment, sports, education, and finance, with work featured on MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, Industry Biz, and Legit.ng. She previously worked as a project manager and researcher at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi. She holds a BA in Urban and Regional Planning and is pursuing an MA in Environmental Law. You can reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.

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