Karen was born in San Pedro, California. She graduated from the University of the Pacific in California with a Bachelor’s in biological sciences with no plans of being a meteorologist. She was working at Dairy Queen when a reporter asked her to come out on a story with them. She fell in love with the idea of reporting and being on TV. Her television career began in 1981 at KOVR California as a weekend weather/anchor. She completed the broadcast meteorology program at Mississippi State University. Karen moved to Atlanta in 1984 to work for the Weather Channel as an on-camera meteorologist. Karen joined WSB-TV in 1986 as a weekend weather anchor.
As Karen shared her story, she hit home Shiloh High’s theme of Understanding Your Why and being relentless in the pursuit no matter what. A surprising part of Karen Minton’s story was about her being bullied in school. As people-orient-ed, poised and beautiful as she is, one would not think about her ever being bullied.
Meteorologist Karen Minton inspired Meteorologist Christana Kay when she was a student in Gwinnett Schools.She reminded the teachers the importance of knowing that they impact the students they come into contact with each and every day. Dr. Danyel Dollard, Principal of Shiloh, said “Teachers could be the small light to help a student succeed and believe in themselves. Karen’s story touched on being relentless during a time when many told her she wouldn’t amount to anything. She was relentless in her pursuit of excellence, which is a story all should hear.”
Karen Minton also talked about the importance of S.T.E.M.(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in schools today for preparing students for careers in today’s challenging technological workforce. Meteorologist Christana Kay, educated in Gwinnett and MSU, was meeting with dance instructor Derrick Smith about future plans for his dance program. She was excited to hear Karen Minton was speaking in the morning program. Christana said, “I’ve grown up watching Karen Minton. Ms. Minton inspired me to become a Broadcast Meteorologist. The career is very much male dominant, and to have a role model that is a female and a STEM background motivated me to pursue a degree in Meteorology.”
Educators were saddened by the news Karen is retiring at the end of February after 33 years on Channel 2 Action News. March 1st starts her new chapter in life visiting friends in California; then onto exciting travel adventures!
