Charlene White is a renowned British journalist and television presenter, best known for her work on Loose Women and ITV News. She made history as the first Black woman to present ITV News at Ten, breaking barriers in a field where diversity has often been lacking. As a speaker, Charlene draws on her own experiences to inspire audiences with powerful messages about resilience and advocating for change. She is a passionate about the fight against racism and sexism, using her platform to encourage others to push beyond societal limitations and achieve their goals.
Charlene's journey in journalism began in 2002 when she worked as a reporter for BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat and 1Xtra. Her talent and dedication led her to ITN in 2008, where she became an anchor for ITV News at 5:30. Over the years, she built a strong reputation for her insightful reporting and ability to handle high-pressure news coverage. She eventually became the lead presenter for ITV News London’s flagship 6pm programme, while also taking on key roles in ITV Lunchtime News and ITV Evening News. Her versatility and professionalism led to further opportunities in television, including a guest spot on Loose Women in 2010, which later turned into a permanent role in 2021.
In recent years, Charlene has continued to make a significant impact in the media industry. She led Loose Women’s first all-Black panel special, alongside Judi Love, Brenda Edwards, and Kéllé Bryan, which won a Royal Television Society award and a BAFTA nomination. Her influence was further recognised when she was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the UK of African/African-Caribbean Descent by Powerlist in 2020 and 2021. Beyond journalism, she has expanded her television presence with appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox, Have I Got News For You, and the reality show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2022. In 2021, she explored her personal history in the documentary, Empire’s Child, and in 2024, she published her book, No Place Like Home.
Charlene is hired as a motivational speaker because of her authenticity, resilience, and dedication to breaking barriers. Having faced and overcome challenges in her career, she offers a compelling voice on diversity, inclusion, and perseverance. Her ability to connect with audiences from all backgrounds makes her an inspiring figure for corporate events, educational institutions, and leadership conferences. Whether discussing her journey in media or championing equality, Charlene empowers others to push forward, embrace challenges, and create change in their own industries.
