Jillian Mele was once the face of Fox & Friends First, covering America’s biggest stories. But in 2021, she made a shocking decision to walk away from it all and reinvent herself. Now, as the CEO of her own company, Jillian Mele Communications, she’s helping others overcome their fears of public speaking and build their personal brands. Find out why Jillian decided to leave her successful career behind and what’s next for her! 👇👇

From Fox News to Finding Her Voice Somewhere Else: Inside Jillian Mele’s Next Chapter in Life

Jillian Mele, the Emmy-winning journalist and former co-host of Fox & Friends First, made a bold career move that shocked many in the media world. After two decades of covering some of America’s most significant moments—ranging from political events and global crises to sports highlights—Mele walked away from the spotlight at the peak of her success. In 2021, she made the life-changing decision to leave Fox News, taking a massive leap of faith that led her to an entirely new path. Now, Mele has swapped the teleprompter for entrepreneurship and public speaking, and her transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

A Reporter at the Top of Her Game

Born and raised in Glenside, Pennsylvania, Jillian Mele learned the value of hard work at a young age, beginning her career by bagging groceries in high school. From there, she worked her way up the ranks of local news, with stops in Maine, New York, and Philadelphia, before landing her national break at Fox News. By the time she was anchoring Fox & Friends First, Mele had already won two regional Emmy Awards and had earned a reputation for her ability to handle the pressures of live television, covering some of the most challenging stories of the time.

Her experiences ranged from reporting live from the scenes of mass shootings and natural disasters to covering major political events and global pandemics. “You juggle multiple deadlines… all while presenting information on live television,” Mele recalls, noting the essential components of her role: accuracy, timeliness, working under pressure, and earning the trust of her audience.

A Shift in Passion: The Decision to Pivot

However, after years of reporting on tough news stories, Mele’s passion for journalism began to wane. “For a long time, I loved what I did… until suddenly I didn’t,” she reflects. She cited the overwhelming negativity in many of the stories she was tasked with covering, particularly as the focus seemed to shift to tragedies and scandals. “The negative stories outweigh the positive ones in many cases. And I decided that’s not who I am or how I want to use my voice.”

This reflection led Mele to a crucial decision: she chose to leave the high-pressure world of broadcast journalism in search of something more fulfilling. In 2021, she returned to school, enrolling at La Salle University to pursue an MBA. By 2023, she had transitioned into a new chapter, launching her own business—Jillian Mele Communications. The company specializes in media mentoring, public speaking training, and personal branding strategy, helping professionals and aspiring broadcasters navigate their careers with confidence and authenticity.

New Mission, Same Passion: Empowering Others to Find Their Voice

Today, Mele is the CEO of her communications firm and the host of Skill Studio Courses, where she assists individuals in overcoming the fear of public speaking. Her philosophy is simple: preparation is the key to success. “I believe that if you prepare correctly, you can feel confident and you can succeed,” she says, underscoring her approach to coaching others in the art of effective communication.

For Mele, authenticity is at the core of her work. She emphasizes that being genuine in both personal and professional interactions is crucial. “How you choose to put yourself out to the world… reflects in everything you do,” she notes, advising clients to embrace their true selves rather than striving for perfection. This approach has resonated deeply with clients and followers alike, as it encourages personal growth and confidence in the often intimidating world of public speaking.

Beyond Work: Jillian’s Life Outside the Spotlight

While Mele has transitioned into her new role as an entrepreneur and coach, she remains a “go-getter” outside of work as well. She’s passionate about photography and enjoys spending her free time pursuing creative hobbies. In addition to her professional success, Mele enjoys activities that keep her grounded, such as golfing and traveling. In fact, she’s even hiked the Grand Canyon in a single day and climbed Mount Sinai in Egypt—proof of her adventurous spirit and determination.

Her beloved dog Levi is often featured on her Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her life outside work, balancing her career with her love for adventure, family, and personal growth.

What About Her Love Life?

When it comes to romance, Mele has kept her personal life private. After her divorce from her previous husband, she has remained mum on her relationships. However, she made her relationship with Tommy Cundari (who goes by “Steven”) public in early 2025 through social media, sharing heartwarming tributes to her partner. Despite the public nature of her career, Mele has made it clear that she values her privacy in this regard.

In interviews, Mele has expressed that she’s not actively seeking marriage again. “I’m not looking to get married again—just happy, grounded, and doing life my way,” she stated, highlighting her focus on living life authentically and fulfilling her personal and professional goals without the pressure to conform to societal expectations of marriage.

What’s Next for Jillian Mele?

As she continues her journey in the media industry, Mele remains passionate about helping others navigate the challenges of public speaking, personal branding, and career growth. Whether she’s mentoring aspiring journalists or hosting her Skill Studio Courses, she’s focused on empowering others to find their voice and build successful careers.

While Mele has certainly made a name for herself in the world of journalism, her latest chapter shows that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. As a successful entrepreneur and public speaking coach, Mele’s career is just beginning its next phase—and her commitment to authenticity and helping others thrive remains at the core of everything she does.

Conclusion: A Life of Reinvention

Jillian Mele’s story is one of transformation and reinvention, proving that it’s possible to pivot from a high-profile career to a more purposeful and fulfilling path. By leaving behind the pressures of live news reporting and embracing entrepreneurship, Mele has found a new way to impact people’s lives, helping others find confidence in their voices. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those looking to redefine their careers and personal lives on their own terms.

As she continues to grow her business and support others in their professional endeavors, Mele’s message remains clear: authenticity and preparation are the keys to success, and it’s never too late to chase new dreams.