Toya Washington is an American broadcaster best known for her work as a news anchor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born on October 6, 1974, in Minneapolis, Minnesota—not Wisconsin as previously noted—she developed an interest in journalism early in life. During high school, she gained valuable experience through an internship at WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.
Washington pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she majored in journalism and women’s studies. Her academic background laid the foundation for a successful career in broadcast journalism.
Washington is currently the co-anchor for the 5 p.m. newscast on WISN 12 News, a prominent ABC affiliate in Milwaukee. She previously co-anchored the 6 p.m. broadcast and "12 News This Morning," demonstrating versatility across time slots and formats. Her reporting has earned her multiple accolades, including an Emmy Award and four additional nominations, particularly for her contributions to breaking news coverage.
Throughout her career, Toya Washington has interviewed a number of well-known public figures. These include former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, respected journalist Walter Cronkite, and former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. She also had the opportunity to speak with cast members from the television program "The View."
Oprah Winfrey acknowledged Washington’s early promise, remarking at an NAACP Waukesha Branch event that Toya was “a woman going places.” This recognition from one of the most influential media figures underscores Washington’s standing in the field of journalism.
