Through naturalization, Katie became an American citizen at 14 years old.
Katie speaks fluent Albanian and is very involved in the Albanian community in Northeast Philadelphia. Her diverse background led her to want to pursue a career in journalism to tell people's stories who need representation.
Katie grew up watching Action News to learn about American culture and traditions in her new hometown of Philadelphia.
Katie is a proud graduate of Abington High School (go Ghosts!) It was through Abington's strong communications program that she was able to dive into journalism, producing news pieces that she shot and edited for Abington's cable channel. During her senior year, she was editor-in-chief of her high school's paper, The Abingtonian, and was awarded the Congressional Award Gold Medal for doing more than 400 hours of community service.
Katie majored in journalism at Temple University, where she graduated with 15 competitive internships across New York City, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
Immediately after graduation, Katie began working at 5NEWS in Fayetteville, Arkansas as a field reporter and fill-in anchor. Katie then worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at WTIC in Hartford, Connecticut where she also served on the Communications Advisory Board for Manchester Community College, mentoring college students.
Katie loves giving back by helping student journalists get their foot in the door. In her free time, you can find Katie cooking Albanian dishes or watching the English Premiere (football not soccer). She is very interested in learning about other cultures, which is why she has visited more than 15 countries!
Katie is very active on social media and loves connecting with viewers there, where she develops and enterprises many stories.
Katie's Stories
From Philadelphia to the Jersey shore, residents find fun ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend
In Philadelphia, one family combined old holiday traditions with new celebrations.
Young man shot and killed during argument on SEPTA bus in Germantown: Police
A young man was shot and killed during an argument on a SEPTA bus in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, police say.
Tickborne illnesses rise with rising temperatures: What you should know
The Philadelphia five-county area had 1,246 cases of Lyme Disease in 2021, 500 more than it had 30 years earlier.
2 men dead after double shooting in Wynnefield section of Philadelphia
"You look out your window and there's a body there in the middle of the street," recalled one neighbor after a deadly shooting early Monday morning.
Officials search for information on alleged police impersonator in Bucks County
Police advise that if you are concerned about the legitimacy of a traffic stop, pull over to a well-lit area and call 911.
Philadelphia police find 4-year-old girl hours after she was reported missing
Police say the girl's father was taken in for questioning on the incident.
HBCU Festival draws crowd of thousands to Mann Center in Fairmount Park
The goal is to get students excited about college and thinking about which ones they would like to attend.
Down syndrome advocates enjoy prom night together in Penn's Landing
The couple met seven years ago and recently reconnected over a shared mission to advocate for people with Down syndrome.
Mistrial declared in case involving former Philadelphia officer who pepper-sprayed protesters
A mistrial has been declared due to a hung jury in the case involving a former Philadelphia SWAT officer seen on video pepper-spraying protesters.
Philadelphians enjoy sunny, warm Saturday weather in Rittenhouse Square
"It's phenomenal, it's so nice to be out," said one woman.