Sasha-Ann Simons
Host, Reset
She began her career as a journalist in television news nearly 15 years ago and made the leap to public radio in 2015 at WXXI News, the NPR member station in Rochester, N.Y. While there, Sasha-Ann earned numerous awards. She was also a contributing reporter for PBS NewsHour.
Sasha-Ann joins us from Washington’s WAMU where she was a program host, regularly behind the mic on 1A, WAMU’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and the station’s local midday talk show, The Kojo Nnamdi Show. She was also a national reporter, focused on issues of race, identity and economic mobility. Sasha-Ann often brought that lens to the conversation when she served as an emcee or moderator at various events and panel discussions in the nation’s capital. In 2019, she earned a regional Edward R. Murrow award for her work, and in 2020, she won both a Dateline award from the Society of Professional Journalists and a Radio Feature award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
Sasha-Ann is a native of Kingston, Jamaica. She grew up in Toronto, where she studied journalism at Ryerson University. She obtained a master’s degree in television and film production from American University. Sasha-Ann is excited to now call Chicago home. When she’s not on the air, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the many amazing restaurants across the city.
Stories by Sasha-Ann Simons
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How did the CPS lockout affect school counselors and social workers?
Some CPS counselors and social workers fear the student’s trust in them will be compromised.
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New book explains how to have difficult conversations about racism
In her new book, journalist and author Celeste Headlee teaches us how to have effective conversations about race and racism.
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Sasha-Ann Simons reflects on her first year as ‘Reset’ Host
Today marks one year since Sasha-Ann Simons’ first day on WBEZ as host of ‘Reset’!
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New book uncovers the present and future of brain health
American Dementia reveals that social safety nets, environmental protections and policies to fix income inequality may contribute to declining rates of dementia.
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Some men face stigma when trying to pursue mental health care
Men are more likely to die from suicide than women according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney’s new book shares lessons from women over 50
In “Collective Wisdom,” Bonney wants to showcase a more diverse and accurate representation of what it means to be a woman in America.
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Childhood Chicago friends talk about race and racism in their new podcast
The podcast, Some of My Best Friends Are…explores the absurdities and intricacies of race in America.
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New documentary digs into disparities in life opportunities and resources in Chicago’s West Garfield Park
“We Witness” airs Thursday on WTTW.
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Lions are back at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo opened its Pepper Family Wildlife Center after two years of construction.
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Actor Kal Penn on new memoir ‘You Can’t Be Serious’
The 44-year-old star shares how he navigates opportunity and racism in Hollywood, and what it was like to work for President Obama.
