Grace Hayba covers health for WRAL News in a position made possible by funding from Duke Health and UNC Health. She is the only television reporter dedicated to health coverage in North Carolina.
Professional Experience:
Other WRAL Top Stories
Across the board from tornadoes, crime, politics, healthcare and entertainment, I've covered many topics since beginning my professional career in 2019. Before joining the team at WRAL, I was a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter in Louisville, Kentucky and a reporter and producer in Evansville, Indiana.
Awards & Recognition:
2021 Ohio Valley Emmy Award Winner and 5X Emmy Nominee.
2022 Kentucky Broadcast Association First Place Reporter
2021 Society of Professional Journalists Louisville Pro chapter Rookie of the Year
News Philosophy:
"We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."
Throughout my career and personal life I often come back to this Maya Angelou quote. I have especially found health-related issues tend to transcend backgrounds to help foster a shared understanding of what it means to be human. I strive to share the stories that help make a difference and ensure every community receives the access and resources it deserves.
Education:
B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, Penn State University (We Are!)
Birthplace:
Loudoun County, Virginia
Hobbies, Interests & Community Involvement:
FOOD! I also grew up playing sports year-round so I like to stay active through rec leagues and taking boxing classes ... but it's mostly to make up for all the food!
Family:
Youngest of six and I am proud to say my family members are my biggest inspirations. We are all spread out along the East Coast, including a brother here in North Carolina, but northern Virginia will always be home base for us all.
Likes Best About North Carolina:
The people are incredibly welcoming and there is a great mix of cultures and backgrounds! Having attended college in the Northeast and lived in a highly tornado-prone area, the weather here is also a big plus.
Most Memorable Assignments:
Being one of the first reporters in the state of Kentucky broadcasting live coverage of the devastation after the deadly tornado outbreak in 2021 was truly impactful. I will forever remember the story of the Wooldridges, who were rescued by neighbors in their tight-knit rural community after their basement walls collapsed on top of them in the dark of night. I am also constantly reminded to be thankful for my own support system when thinking of the Jones family who lost a loving husband and father and endured life and career-altering injuries in a horrific accident.