A first-generation Floridian raised by her Jamaican family, she is a southwest Florida native, hailing from the “Sweetest Town in America”, Clewiston. More specifically she was raised in Harlem, Fl, nestled adjacent of Clewiston.
Shamarria started her career in Kentucky, and it was marked by investigative work, innovative storytelling techniques, and a deep commitment to fostering trust and transparency. She spearheaded the longest investigative project in the station's history, delving into the financial implications of a multi-million-dollar indoor recreation and aquatic center. Her revelations about the city's financial missteps played a significant role in the mayor's re-election defeat and earned her a Kentucky Impact Broadcast Award.
In the wake of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, Shamarria catalyzed a critical re-examination of the station's approach to reporting on Black communities. Her advocacy for transparency and inclusivity led to increases in partnerships and sponsorships with Black community organizations. Her unwavering commitment to newsroom diversity and inclusion garnered national attention, with outlets like RTDNA, Poynter, and CNN Business highlighting her efforts.
Shamarria later transitioned to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she established herself as a leading voice in education coverage, becoming the station's full time education reporter. Her work delved into the critical issues facing school districts nationwide, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her in-depth reporting has shed light on the funding cliff falls and widening academic achievement gaps in the country’s 17th largest school district that emerged during the unprecedented time.
Shamarria's passion for diversity, safety, and authenticity in newsrooms extends beyond her own work. She speaks on the national stage, sharing her insights and experiences with audiences across the country including those in the field of journalism and public relations groups.
