Sasha-Ann Simons

She began her career as a journalist in television news 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. When Sasha-Ann’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
Chicago Shakespeare Theater artistic director Barbara Gaines leads her final show
Gaines has directed nearly 60 productions since founding the theater in 1986.
Food Friday: Delicious Bites For Persian New Year
Around 300 million people celebrate the holiday around the world, and they eat some delicious foods as part of the process.
Meet the hosts of WBEZ’s newest podcast ‘When Magic Happens’
The show features three Black women from three generations — with no filters.
Chicago exhibition of Caribbean contemporary art takes on history and identity
“Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today” is on view at the MCA Chicago through April 23.
From Elvis to Nas: DJ Spinderella to show public housing’s impact on music in America
Elvis, Curtis Mayfield and Barbara Streisand are just a few of the game-changing artists who came up in public housing.
Rebecca Makkai’s new novel has ‘Some Questions for You’
This gripping novel will have you finishing the book in one sitting.
Up-and-coming Chicago artists bring new energy to Vocalo’s February playlist
Check out new tracks added to Vocalo Radio’s on-air rotation this month.
‘Real Housewives’ Star Eboni K. Williams Pens New Book On Why You Should Bet On Black
Williams’ latest book is a call to action for Black people around the world to create their own path towards success and freedom.
Slow Jams Takeover Vocalo Radio’s Top 5 for December
Vocalo host Bekoe shares the top five tracks he’s spinning on 91.1FM in December.
Actor Isaiah Washington makes directorial debut with ‘Corsicana’
Washington stops by to discuss his directorial debut, heritage, and highlighting overlooked stories.