Jewell Hillery joined the WGN News team as a general assignment reporter in September of 2021. Jewell grew up in Edgewater and is a proud product of the Chicago Public Schools (Von Steuben and Newberry Academy).
In 2010, Jewell moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where she spent nearly six years covering breaking news for the morning show at WLBT, in addition to anchoring the midday and weekend morning show. During her time at WLBT, the Associated Press awarded Jewell in several categories, including, spot news and general assignment reporting. Jewell worked as an Anchor/Reporter for 16 WAPT, during her last several years in Mississippi. In addition to her responsibilities at WAPT, Jewell served as the Director of Development and Admissions at The Redeemer’s School, which offered high quality education to elementary school children living in Jackson. Jewell started her journalism career at WTVO in Rockford, IL, as a general assignment and consumer reporter.
Jewell earned her B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During an internship at a local station, Jewell learned what it would take to succeed as a broadcast journalist from WGN’s Ben Bradley, whom she continues to learn from today. Jewell went on to earn her M.A. degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Jewell is community-oriented, and values giving back, having served on several boards and being actively involved in her faith community. In Jackson, she enjoyed teaching Sunday School to five and six-year-olds and volunteering on the prayer intercessory team. Outside of work, she is passionate about bringing awareness to mental health and helping remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Toward this goal, Jewell has participated in and emceed educational events hosted by the National Alliance of Mental Illness.
For fun and relaxation, Jewell enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling. As a certified group fitness instructor, Jewell also loves a good workout, which often incorporates her love for Latin dancing and Chicago-style stepping. Last, but certainly not least, Jewell is the proud Godmother to Naomi and Ava and an adopted auntie to many.
