Most Interesting People 2017: Darrielle Snipes

Why She’s Interesting: After stints as a local TV news anchor and reporter in cities such as Detroit and Baltimore, Snipes grew tired of the industry’s reliance on reporting death and destruction. Since joining Ideastream last January, she has found a place to the tell her kind of stories. The Evanston, Illinois, native has covered topics ranging from the Republican National Convention to LeBron James’ CNBC show Cleveland Hustles for 90.3 WCPN. In November, she returned to daily television as a reporter for Ideas on WVIZ/PBS. 

News Hook: Snipes knew she wanted to report the news as a 7-year-old. Her father watched 60 Minutes on Sundays after Chicago Bears games, and she read magazines such as National Geographic, Life and Time. “I was very talkative as a child. I just love asking questions. I love telling people’s stories.” 

In-depth Reporting: At Ideastream, Snipes has covered social issues such as adult literacy and infant mortality and hopes to dig into stories such as Cuyahoga County’s Sexual Assault Kit Task Force. It’s a refreshing break from the car crashes, fires or homicides of evening news. “I was really excited to come to public media because I get to talk about social issues that possibly could help someone.” 

Just a Game: During the World Series, the Chicago-area native covered the Cleveland Indians for Ideas, interviewing fans watching the games downtown or outside Progressive Field. But Snipes, who considers Cleveland her home, grew up a Chicago Cubs fan. “It was hard. I was excited for both, but I was torn.” If the Indians had to lose, she’s OK with it being to the Cubs. “My dad is happy.” 

Like Mother, Like Daughter: As the middle child between two sisters, Snipes remembers being the one to challenge her father the most, which she’s now bearing the brunt of with her own 4-year-old daughter. “She has so many questions and she’s like, But why? But why? They are smart questions for a 4-year-old.” 

Top Chef: While Snipes has been collecting recipes from cooking shows and magazines most of her life, her newest obsession is the sped-up cooking videos that have taken over everyone’s Facebook feed. “I’ll be at work and my feet will be up and I’m looking at this Buffalo chicken pastry thing.” But her sure-to-please dish is a lasagna recipe she picked up while watching Barefoot Contessa. Even her daughter and partner Dwight Ingram, who are both picky eaters, devour the dish. “I’ve perfected that. The secret is Ina Garten makes it with turkey sausage.”