New 12 NJ Anchor Janine Strafaci visits MEMS, Talks Italian Roots

Italian language teacher Linda Schiano introduced her students to News 12 New Jersey anchor and guest lecturer Janine Strafaci on Wednesday, Jan. 25.

Strafaci spoke to students about her proud Italian roots leading to a successful journalism career and offered plenty of advice. She also gave away free "Friday Night Football" t-shirts to each student that correctly answered her trivia questions about New Jersey and famous Italian-Americans.

Prior to working for News 12, Strafaci began her career as an anchor and reporter for the now-defunct Adelphia Channel 8 and radio station WOBM-FM, following her graduation from Boston University, where she majored in journalism and French language and literature. 

Strafaci was hired by News 12 in 1997 and has been with the network ever since, earning two Emmy Awards and nine Emmy nominations along the way. She has been named UNICO's most outstanding Italian-American for her contributions to the community.

"My parents always taught me to work hard for everything and that you have to earn it," Strafaci said, crediting her parents and persistence for her success. "The best quality my parents passed down to me was their work ethic. I got where I am because of my work ethic and taking the initiative."

Strafaci spoke about her career path, urging MEMs students to not only stay focused in school, but to always be willing to stand out from the rest if they want to reach their goals. "You have to take the initiative," Strafaci said, citing her own experiences in taking multiple internships during her college years. "Be willing to go the extra mile to get to where you want to be."

For all of Strafaci's accomplishments, she made note to students, that no matter what, she never forgot where he came from.

"I firmly believe that when you're successful, it's important to give back [to others]." Which is what Strafaci just did at MEMs. For more information on New 12's Janine Strafaci, visit her Facebook page.