Empowerment Series: Television Host and News Personality, 2-Time Emmy Winning Reporter, Producer & Host, NBC’s NYLive and Today Show, Joelle Garguilo Shares Good News with AW

Joelle Garguilo is an Emmy Winning Reporter, Producer, and Media Personality seen on NBC’s New York Live and Today Show. The journalist is strikingly genuine, possessing a jovial attitude that makes her interview style delightful.

AW had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with the Television Host to discuss the feel-good stories we love so much, where she highlights the Big Apple’s unsung heroes. Men and women who inspire communities and make a difference in the lives of everyday New Yorkers. Joelle has an uncanny talent for delivering her stories with great empathy that encourages connection.

Her energy is infectious, making it easy to have a conversation. The mother of two cares about the people in her stories and wants us to know, that they matter. In a world, where our attention span is fleeting, I challenge you to take a moment to learn about the story behind Joelle’s “Why?”

As a Writer and Founder of my platform, I am learning that people want to be inspired. What have you learned from telling uplifting stories and giving a voice to the people doing great things? The world can be a depressing place but when you have a platform like the one I am on, NBC Universal, which is one of the biggest markets in New York City, it is a privilege. I will always love doing the celebrity interviews but I think it’s the everyday people that are so incredible. They don´t always get the spotlight, which is why it’s so important to fight for those stories. People love these stories. Don´t you want to watch something that helps those who deserve it? The power of what we do is amazing. It is an honor to be able to say”Hey, let’s put them on the show, offer an opportunity to highlight that small business.

During this process, what has been your biggest lesson as a human being? I have a big heart, I have always known that I care so much, and sometimes it gets me in trouble. It is a hard question to answer but I think the importance of speaking up, even when it’s not the most popular thing to do. If you believe in what you are doing then trust your heart. Trust your gut.

New Yorkers are perceived as cold and uncaring but we pull together when needed in big and small ways. You are using your platform to share the stories of people making a difference or embracing their greatness. Why do you share these particular profiles and what do you hope people will feel when they watch them on the show? You have to get out of your world because your world is not the only one out there. Every one of these stories has someone we can learn from, whether it’s their culture, upbringing, or experience. I know that you are not me and I am not you but if I can fully understand what others have lived, if I can walk in your shoes, it may help me understand what you’ve been through. When you are able to shine the light on others, you can inspire the world.

You are so good at what you do, which shows in the way you connect with the people in your stories. It is impossible to feel invisible in your presence. I am sure the subjects of your interview feel seen when in your presence. Have you ever been completely moved by someone, who couldn’t believe you wanted to share their story? Grandma Dawn is a woman who wants to make sure every child and adult knows how to read. She had the desire to share her love of books. Grandma’s Place, in Harlem, is a book and toy store that fueled the dream of a bookmobile, collecting 28,000 books, one for every child who is homeless. I remember going into the store and feeling it was special, and Grandma Dawn saying ¨I can´t believe I have a story.”

Everybody has a story. You have to separate your “What” from your Why.” Why do you do, what you do? Grandma Dawn was a child in the library, books were her escape in her life at the time. She knew what it was like to grow up with a parent who wasn’t around. Seeing the poverty in her area, she wanted to provide resources that would encourage the kids to do better.

In an interview with Bella Magazine, you said “You have learned empathy, understanding, and how to be a better human.” In my opinion, it makes you an effective and fantastic storyteller! What haven’t you learned yet, that you think would get you closer to the woman, mother, and human you hope to evolve into? I don´t know! I could use some help with time management, and getting out of my own head. But I think it’s a beautiful thing, sometimes it is OK, not to know. I am totally ok with that, just knowing that I want to get better.

You deliver stories that inspire us. What inspires you? Conversations like this! Knowing there are good people out there is inspiring. We can lift one another, the table is big enough for everyone.

I like to end our interviews with a positive message. Sometimes, life’s experiences can harden us. What words of inspiration or encouragement can you share with listeners that may be feeling cynical about life? Setbacks can actually be setups but you don’t realize it at the time, you are going through your mess. It can take a year or years to get where you want but I promise, if you can see them as setups, you are going to be better off!  I’ve gotten so stuck on certain things that have happened that I wasn’t letting other things happen in my career. The setbacks prepared me for the other Emmy and to do what I’m doing now but I had to let go of these setbacks, so like Elsa¨Let It Go¨

There is no better way than to end this interview with a quote from Joelle,¨Find that thing that is you and stay true to yourself.” She holds true to what she says, she found her gift and remains humble. AW is grateful to bring this story to its readers, as it is filled with goodness.

Life has countless challenges. We can easily be discouraged by the events that take place around us. So, how do you fight back the negativity? Spread the good news, help raise the voices of people who inspire, and make it your mission to choose a positive tone to cancel out the noise. Hopefully, Joelle’s work is a reminder that it’s not all bad news, out there!

You can watch the full interview with Joelle on the AW YouTube channel or listen to the AW Confidential Podcast found on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Anchor, and everywhere you find your podcasts.

To learn more about this amazing human, visit her Instagram, Twitter:@joellegarguilo or http://www.joellegarguilo.com

This interview has been condensed for clarity.*

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