Erika Celeste is an American journalist who has worked in radio, print, and television since 1992. She has won two Emmys, a Telly, and several AP Awards.
She has worked for several news network affiliates including ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and PBS. She has also freelanced for many national and international organizations including Voice of America, Public Radio International and National Public Radio. She has written several documentaries including Red Salt and Reynolds, Just Like Anyone, and the forthcoming Secrets of the Valley (fall 2010) narrated by Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame.
Early years
Celeste is of Polish, French, Irish, Italian and German descent. She spent most of her early childhood in Minnesota.
Her father, Wayne Brass, is a retired UCC pastor, and her mother, Renee Brass, is a retired nurse.
In August 1979 the family was involved in a serious car accident which took the life of her younger sister, Celeste. This prompted Erika Celeste to take her sister's name as a tribute, first professionally and later legally.
Later Celeste attended Western Michigan University, then transferred to University of Indianapolis, and graduated from Indiana State University with a focus in Theater and Communications and Anthropology.
Personal life
Erika Celeste was married to Michael Hobbs in 1992. They had 2 sons Cameren and Kaleb before divorcing in 1999.
Celeste remarried to Michael Marturello, the editor of the Herald Republican.