Alum Spotlight: Constance Jones
Meet Constance Jones, journalist and former Girl Guide
Editor's Note: This Q&A originally ran in The New Tropic.
Tell us about your work — your job and/or any volunteer work.
I work in TV — I am the morning news anchor at NBC6. I’ve been in television broadcasting for about 18 years, and I also spent some time working in radio at NPR.
I volunteer as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters and I host mentorship programs for young journalism students who are trying to get into the business. I try to be an advocate for healthy living, especially promoting health in Black and Brown communities. I also participate in charity runs.
Pick a favorite local outdoor experience. What is it? What’re we doing? Who’s going with ya?
Biking is one of my favorite activities! I have a mountain bike, and the trails out here are pretty aggressive. I like Virginia Key Beach Park, Oleta and Markham Park.
What’s your favorite Girl Scout cookie?
Samoas and Thin Mints, but Samoas are my #1 cookie. They’re delicious fresh out of the fridge with a tall glass of milk. My sister and I used to eat the cookies and get in trouble with our mom — she said we were supposed to sell the cookies, not eat them! We would sell our cookies door-to-door, at churches and stores. It was a fun experience learning how to speak to grown ups.
What’s your favorite Miami memory?
My first time kayaking at Oleta River State Park was the most amazing experience. I always encourage people to go there. I love the ideas of being outdoors, among nature and witnessing it from a kayak. I felt like a pirate adventuring in the mangroves.
If there was a Miami badge for Girl Scouts, what three tasks would need to be completed to earn the badge?
First, you would have to kayak through the mangrove waterways. It’s an amazing, beautiful activity, and it’s fun and easy to do. Try Oleta or parts of the Everglades.
Second, sample cuisine from other cultures. One of the best ways to learn about people’s cultures is through their food. I love the roti at LC Roti Shop in Miami.
Third, participate in a beach clean or park clean up and give back to our community by taking care of Mother Earth. We are so lucky to live here and have a responsibility to do our part.
What’s your favorite local Instagram or TikTok account and why?
Only in Dade. It’s so bad it’s good. They do a good job of showing what makes South Florida, South Florida. And, of course, NBC6.
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop in Downtown Miami. They have the best cafecito and were one of the first places I went to when I moved to South Florida nearly 18 years ago. Chef Creole has amazing Haitian food. But for flaky, yummy patties try New Florida Bakery in Little Haiti.
What’s a project you’re working on (big or small) and how can our readers help you with it?
My goal — especially with the content I create with NBC6 — is to tell stories about our community that would otherwise go untold. The unsung heroes. Those unique individuals that make South Florida an amazing place to live. I’m currently working on a story chronicling the Haitian Creole language and its evolution with the influx of immigrant communities. Follow my stories online, watch the show, and if you have an idea, email me.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to summer and spending time with my family, including my nephew who will be in town. Having family visit from out of state is one of the best things. You get to be a tourist in your own city. It forces us to stop working, take a break, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
I’m also looking forward to slowing down. I didn’t get a break with COVID. I was always in the studio with a small crew. This is the first time in a long time that I’ll be able to hit the pause button and relax a bit.
