In the fast-paced world of entertainment, few voices have resonated as powerfully as Demetria Obilor’s. Known for her vibrant personality and outspoken advocacy for body positivity, Demetria has become an inspirational source of empowerment for women everywhere. I had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her remarkable journey in the entertainment industry and how embracing her individuality and advocating for body confidence has shaped her message to other women.
Demetria’s rise to prominence wasn’t without challenges. From her early days in broadcast journalism to her national fame as a traffic anchor, she’s constantly broken barriers, not just as a woman in media but as a woman who boldly celebrates her body in a space that often imposes narrow beauty standards. Her authenticity has earned her a dedicated following of fans who look to her as a role model for self-acceptance.
Reflecting on her journey, Demetria shared that body positivity has always been at the heart of her message. From the very start, she made it clear that she wouldn’t conform to the industry’s traditional standards. Her personal experiences with body shaming and public criticism have only strengthened her resolve to be a voice for women who feel marginalized or scrutinized because of their appearance.
Demetria expressed her thoughts and said, “I want women to know that they don’t have to change who they are to be successful.” This empowering statement has shaped her career and inspired countless others to embrace who they are, no matter what the world says.
Beyond her message of body positivity, Demetria’s career is a testament to her resilience. She’s navigated the pressures of being a woman of color in entertainment with grace and strength, using her platform to challenge societal norms and elevate the conversation around diversity and inclusion. Her unapologetic embrace of who she is—inside and out—has reshaped the way many think about success in media.
Today, Demetria continues to inspire through her social media presence and public speaking engagements, where she advocates for self-confidence and empowerment. Her message is clear: Women should embrace their individuality and redefine the standards by which they are judged. Whether through her powerful online presence or her ability to connect with viewers, Demetria Obilor is helping change the narrative, one confident, unapologetic step at a time.
As our conversation came to a close, it was clear that Demetria’s influence extends far beyond entertainment. Her journey is not just about her success but about lifting others along the way, reminding them that beauty, success, and confidence come in all forms.
Through her work and her message, Demetria Obilor has firmly positioned herself as a leading voice in body positivity, and her impact on women across the world will be felt for years to come. In the full interview that follows, you’ll learn much more as Demetria shares plenty of insight into who she is and what her aspirations are.
You’ve been a vocal advocate for body positivity, especially after your response to body shaming. How has your personal journey influenced your approach to storytelling and journalism?
As a journalist, I believe you have to earn your voice. It’s something you learn in journalism school, but more importantly, when you’re out in the real world doing the work. You need to gain the trust of your news directors and the people who employ you. I’ve always made sure to put my authentic self forward. The person you see on television, and the opinions I express in my commentary, are a reflection of who I truly am. That authenticity has been a cornerstone of my career and has helped build my credibility in the news industry.
When I was in Dallas, I had the chance to host the commentary segment “I’m Still Up”, where I could really express my views and let the audience get to know where I stand on various important issues. I’ve always maintained my voice, even early in my career when I was working in Las Vegas and Kansas City. From the way I dress to what I say, authenticity has always been at the heart of everything I do.
As a successful woman in a field that can be challenging for female voices, what advice do you have for young women aspiring to make their mark in journalism today?
You have to know who you are and what you want. It’s essential to have a strong sense of self so you can navigate your way to achieving your goals. That might sound vague but let me get specific. It’s natural to look to others for direction—people might even look at me. As a journalist, I see a lot of young people saying, “Oh my God, you have so much fun on air! You do all this great stuff!” And yes, I do, but I’ve earned that. Even when I’m having fun or dancing a little, I’ve earned the right to be in a place where I’m invaluable at the station. I’m not bragging; I’m just saying I’ve worked for the protection I have now that allows me to do what I do.
That’s what I tell young journalists when they show me their reels or ask for mentorship. I remind them that people like myself, Taylor Rooks, or Joy Taylor, have been at this for a long time. Don’t think you can’t be fired. Sure, you can run to Twitter or X and complain, but will that cause more friction when it comes to future jobs? It’s a small world, and you have to be mindful of that. I’m not saying you shouldn’t report inappropriate behavior at your workplace—by all means, stand up for what’s right—but you have to pick your battles. My dad always told me, “You can’t fight every battle, or you’ll be too tired for the war.” I’ve helped set a precedent, and now others can benefit from it.
I had to fight against the grain, face discrimination, and push through obstacles to pave the way for others. Every journey is unique, but as women of color, I believe we have a responsibility to make the path smoother for future journalists and career women. We’re here to create a better environment, where they don’t have to answer questions like, “Why is your hair like that today?” or “Why is your hair curly?” This is my natural hair, and I started my career wearing it curly. People told me I’d never get a job with my natural hair, but here I am.
How do you think your position as a woman of color in the media impacts the narratives being told, and what changes would you like to see in representation within the industry?
Oh man, it’s crazy. I think I was 22, maybe younger—honestly, it’s been a while—but I started reporting around 20 or 21, while I was still in college. One thing I don’t want to hear about anymore is criticism about hair. There’s this common idea in newsrooms that you have to keep your hair a certain way, and as a woman of color, we value the versatility, the protective styles—all of that. As we’ve gained more knowledge about what’s best for our hair, it’s like, “Hey, everyone knows who I am.” Whether I wear my hair in a fake ponytail or curly, it shouldn’t matter. It’s time for people to be more understanding and compassionate about others’ choices, instead of bending to racist or sexist comments from viewers.
I’ve heard the nastiest things on air about my hair. Once, when I was working in Vegas, a man tweeted something awful that I still remember. He said, “I can’t believe hair like that can be properly clean. I fast forward past her segment every time she’s on TV.” And while I was on the anchor desk in Dallas, during a break, I got a Facebook alert that said, “I don’t care what creed or religion she’s from, but whatever that hair is, it’s got to go.”
But honestly, these things don’t break me down. It’s almost funny to me. I remember once, a woman body-shamed me, saying I looked like a size 14-16 trying to fit into a size 6-8 outfit. I didn’t respond to her directly, but I did respond to the love and support people showed me afterward. Those kinds of comments don’t shake me. What I’d like to see is more news stations standing in solidarity with the people they hire, and more people showing up as their authentic selves. That’s really rewarding.
I’ve had so many young people—boys and girls—come up to me and say, “Oh my God, Demetria, I see you wearing your hair like that, and now I feel like I can do it too.” That means everything to me. When I’m driving around and see a Black female pharmacist, I’m like, “Wow, look at that!” It commands my attention because representation like that is rare and powerful. I have so much respect for Black women who go through school and overcome so much. Their stories deserve to be heard.
We’re seeing more representation in newsrooms, not just because it’s the right thing to do and reflects the cities we work in, but also because stations are realizing it’s profitable. Money moves everything, and representation pays too.
Tell us a little about your shows and your platform.
I just launched the second season of my podcast, “The Demetria Obilor Show”. It’s essentially my commentary on trending news, with a focus on sports. I really wanted to showcase my sports knowledge because it’s such a popular topic, and I absolutely love it. I also have a sports reel and a background in sports reporting from my official work in the field.
There was a bit of a delay with launching the second season because I was in talks with some companies that were interested in partnering with me. Since I’m taking an entrepreneurial route with my podcast, it has to be the right fit. It has to make sense because this is my baby, and I’ve worked so hard on it.
Aside from the podcast, I also launched a foodie series back in March. It’s a fun way to showcase my personality, and I’ve been doing food segments throughout my time in the news. I even have a food reel from my time on air, just eating food. So, I thought, why not make it official? It’s a lot of fun, and right now, everyone can relate to food in some way. Well, most people anyway.
What is something you could share that people may not know about you and your life?
Let me think… I put so much of my life out there. People always ask me about my background. Everyone knows I’m Nigerian on my dad’s side.
I know we touched on this earlier, but of course, people are always like, “Oh, she’s so beautiful, she has such a great personality.” So, the big question is: “Is she seeing anyone?” Well, I’m not seeing anyone right now. I’m open to dating, and I’m definitely looking for it when the time is right—everything happens in God’s time. It just is what it is.
I think it can be difficult when you have a public presence. People tend to judge you before they even know you, and as a woman, you get written off based on assumptions. That’s a defeatist attitude, and those aren’t the kind of people I’m interested in. In my relationships, I’ve noticed that being in the public eye has been tough. Some of the guys I’ve been with didn’t like it. I remember when people first started calling me “Traffic Bae,” my ex wasn’t thrilled. Then, when I started getting stalkers and threats to my safety, he said, “Isn’t that what you wanted?” It felt like a slap in the face.
That’s been my experience. Even the last person I dated, who was really sweet and kind, still had insecurities. It became, “Oh, are you talking to other people?” And I’m like, “No, I’m a very loyal person.” But there’s this preconceived notion that if a woman has a large following, she must be entertaining all these guys in her DMs. And while that might be true that people message me, I’m not responding to them. If I’m with you, I’m with you.
It can be difficult because, when you’re dating, you wonder if the person likes you for you or if they’re just attracted to the fact that people know who you are. And that’s sad, you know?
What is a typical day in the life of Demetria Obilor like?
Oh, man. So, the thing is, when I’m working on my podcast, things get really busy because I’m doing it all myself—I edit, produce, everything. Eventually, I’d love to partner with someone to help lighten the load, but for now, I want it done a certain way. My day starts with some oatmeal, usually on the way to the gym. I try to fit in some cardio and weights, and then I’m back home. I might have an interview lined up for my podcast, so I’ll take care of that.
I also work on my foodie series, which involves hiring a photographer and shooting at different locations—sometimes one, sometimes three in a day. By the time I get back, it’s probably around six o’clock, and I might start editing if I’m in the mood. Usually, I just tell myself to get it done. Then I go to sleep and do it all over again the next day.
Wednesdays are especially busy because I’m getting my podcast ready for Thursday. There’s a lot of editing and graphics work involved. Tomorrow, for instance, I’m heading to Dallas to host an event. I host events at lounges and clubs sometimes—nothing too crazy—but I love music, and I enjoy what I do. I’m not out all the time, though. I like my sleep, don’t get me wrong, but Dallas has shown me a lot of love, and I’m able to do a variety of things there. For someone like me who enjoys versatility, it’s a lot of fun.
Looking ahead, what initiatives or projects do you hope to pursue that continue to advocate for women and inclusivity in journalism and beyond?
Yeah, I definitely want to get into acting. I’ve been doing some auditions and putting together a reel, though I haven’t been in anything super official yet. I’ve had a few roles, but nothing major. It’s been a while, but I’m building it up, you know? In this business, you have to be able to take “no” a lot. I mean, I look at Viola Davis, and she seems like she just came into our lives in the last 10 years, but she’s been at this for so long. You don’t see all the work, all the seeds that were planted years ago. That’s really the thing—it takes time.
I’d love to do some acting and also continue doing television work. It’s just about finding the right project that allows me to do both, because I place so much value on what I’m doing now. There’s such a high reward in creating your own content—YouTube, for example, is huge. So, it’s about finding that balance, and also finding the right team. Some people get lucky and find a great team early on, but for me, it hasn’t always been the right fit. It can be a bummer because many opportunities happen behind closed doors—jobs you really want aren’t posted online, especially the ones I’m after.
People often think you can just apply, but that’s not how it works for me. It’s about finding the right team of people who are truly dedicated to you. I’ve had a million followers on Instagram for years, but some people still say it’s not enough. It’s like, really? Nothing’s ever enough. Then you get caught in this loop where people don’t know what to do with you. They say, “You need a niche, you’re good at so many things.” But that’s because the kind of work I want to do in the future, like contributing to a show like “The View”, fits my broad skill set.
I’m already doing the kind of things they do on “The View”, and yet people tell me it’s too much. It doesn’t make sense. A lot of people try to discourage you because of their own insecurities or lack of vision, but I believe you have to stay strong and push through that noise.
I’m so happy we had the chance to talk and that our audience will get to know even more about you. Is there anything else you’d like to add as we close out the interview?
I would just say to anyone, and this might come off as advice, but fear is your worst enemy—in everything. Whether it’s about love and relationships, your job, or even deciding to leave a job and take a leap of faith. I’ve been there. When I was in Dallas, I had plenty of opportunities to stay. They sent me so many emails, and we had countless meetings about me staying. But I felt like I wanted to pursue something else. I wanted to get into entertainment and do other things, so I made that leap.
A lot of people are afraid to take those kinds of risks, but I don’t have any regrets. The connections I’ve built and the experiences I’ve had—everything has been worth it. I think that’s what it takes…courage. You have to be willing to put in the work, like doing 20 self-taped auditions until you finally get that “yes.” A lot of people are just afraid of hearing “no.” But for every job I’ve had, I can show you the countless steps it took to get there. Nothing has been handed to me. It’s all about confidence and persistence.
In conclusion, my conversation with Demetria Obilor was nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for authenticity, her resilience in the face of challenges, and her commitment to paving the way for future generations of women in media are truly remarkable. Whether she’s breaking barriers in the newsroom, sharing her love for sports, or showcasing her personality through her foodie series, Demetria continues to thrive by staying true to herself. For those wanting to keep up with her journey, you can follow Demetria on Instagram @demetriaobilor, where she shares updates on her latest projects and insights into her life in the spotlight.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Demetria Obilor
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