Camille Edwards the Mentee

Camille Edwards has always believed in the benefits of having great mentors for guidance. She learned at the beginning stages of her career the importance of surrounding yourself with people willing to support you.

As ayoung producer, Camille Edwards aspired to be a news director. At that time—and, unfortunately, to this very day—there are very few women of color running big newsrooms.

Camille met Paula Madison, the News Director at WNBC-TV in New York at the time. Paula happened to be the only black woman in that role in a top market. A no-nonsense leader, Paula was extremely strategic and successful. Camille knew she could learn so much from a dynamic woman. So, she introduced herself at a journalism conference. It was shortly thereafter that Paula gladly agreed to be her mentor.

Previous post: Camille Edwards’ Mother as Inspiration

The first thing Paula taught Camille was how to “zero base budget.” That was the beginning of a long and ongoing relationship between Camille Edwards and Paula Madison. Camille knows she can call on Paula for sound advice, whether it be personal or professional. Paula can dissect an issue with ease and clarity. Her advice is always delivered succinctly and without emotion. That type of focus allows Paula to provide the best course to take.

Camille Edwards will forever be indebted to Paula for her sound counsel over the years. 

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Camille Edwards’ Mother as Inspiration

Camille Edwards’ mother, Judith Edwards, grew up alongside six brothers and sisters in a small town in Delaware.

Judith learned early on that her future may not be so bright—primarily due to her family’s circumstances. Her father had a good job as a mailman in the tiny Delaware community, a rare opportunity for a black man in those days. Yet, it was still difficult to feed and clothe such a large family.

Previous post: Camille Edwards’ Childhood

Judith’s mother cleaned homes for extra money while trying to raise the seven children. This was no small task for a woman who started having kids at the age of 16. Judith had to step in at a young age to cook and clean for her family. She had also helped raise her younger siblings, which didn’t leave a lot of time for schoolwork.

But despite the burdens placed on her during her formidable years, Camille Edwards’ mother enjoyed school and the escape it provided from her family life. She became an avid reader. She did not have many friends, because, in her world, there just wasn’t time to socialize with her peers. Her friends were the characters in the books she read.

Despite having good grades in high school, college had never been a realistic option for Judith. Her father never even considered sending her to college, largely because she was needed at home to help with her younger brothers and sisters. She felt so trapped, fearing she would never achieve anything.

That all changed one night when she was 18 years old, and on a date with a young man. Into the club walked three very tall men. One of them was 6’7”, and his name was Dennis Edwards, Camille’s father.

Camille Edwards’ gift of gab and confidence comes from her mother. She is the reason Camille decided at a young age to pursue a career as a television news reporter.

Related post: Camille Edwards’ Father as Inspiration

Camille Edwards’ Childhood

Camille Edwards is a native of the Detroit area. She grew up in a loving home and was the eldest of three children. Her father was an executive for automotive giant Chrysler. She got to see firsthand how the Motor City rallies around and behind the car industry.

As her father got promoted, she and her family moved a total of eleven times, all during her childhood. Camille Edwards learned at an early age the necessity of being adaptable and approachable. It was the only way to survive being “the new girl” all those times. If it wasn’t for her mother’s encouragement, she might have been an extreme introvert because of the constant change.

But at the end of the day, these experiences helped shape Camille Edwards into a savvy businesswoman who can handle any situation.

Visit https://camille-edwards.tumblr.com for more information about her.