By Isaiah Gillyard, guest writer

Jessica Roomberg, a seasoned broadcast journalist and executive producer, recently shared her remarkable journey in the media world with communication and business majors at Immaculata University. Known for her passion and drive, Roomberg emphasized the importance of resilience and flexibility in an ever-changing industry. “Any student who is able to learn from her is a very lucky person,” stated Jacqueline Jewell, a communication professor, highlighting Roomberg’s significant influence on aspiring journalists. “She is a very, very special person.” 

Roomberg’s journey began with a strong enthusiasm for journalism, which she described as an obsession. “I’ve always loved the news and writing,” she shared. “I was in middle school and made the morning announcements. In high school, I wrote for the school newspaper. From a young age, I was completely committed to journalism.” 

After graduating from Towson University’s broadcast journalism program, Roomberg interned at Baltimore Magazine. However, she quickly realized that print journalism was not her calling. “The best thing about an internship is that you can discover what you like and what you don’t like,” she explained. “I knew I wanted to do TV news.” 

Her breakthrough came when she joined the ABC affiliate in Baltimore, Maryland, where she worked as an associate producer on a political show. “That experience changed my life,” Roomberg recalled. “I fell in love with the industry.” 

Roomberg’s career really took off when she accepted a position as a producer at NBC 40 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where she also reported in her spare time. “I was never off,” she said. “I convinced the news director to let me report, and I was determined to make the most of every opportunity.” 

After several years at NBC 40, Roomberg joined Fox 29’s “Good Day Philadelphia” in 2016, where she served as the executive producer. “Morning TV is incredible because it’s not just hard news,” she noted. “You get your weather, traffic, and a bit of fun, too.” She worked at Fox 29 from 2012 to 2021. 

Throughout her career, Roomberg won several Emmy awards, including Outstanding Morning Newscast in 2016 for her Fox 29 coverage of a blizzard during the Super Bowl in New York. “We were juggling multiple breaking news stories, and it was stressful, but we pulled it off,” she stated. “I was really lucky because I had an incredible team.” She received her second Emmy for the NFL draft day coverage and the third Emmy for her moving report about people affected by the terrorist attacks on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Then she was nominated for team coverage of Pope Francis visiting Philadelphia. 

However, Roomberg faced an unimaginable obstacle that would forever alter her perspective as she navigated the complexities of her personal and professional lives. The death of her first child, Mila, was a profoundly challenging time that prompted her to reevaluate her goals and life’s direction. “I realized I couldn’t be good at everything,” she reflected. “I needed to take a break and figure out what was next for me.” This devastating loss led her to find a new purpose—one that would honor her daughter’s memory while significantly improving the lives of other children. 

After stepping away from her career in 2021, Roomberg and her husband co-founded the Magical Mila Foundation, which has raised nearly $800,000 for programs that promote children’s health. The organization focuses on enhancing pediatric care, particularly in the early identification of rare genetic illnesses. “It’s our way of continuing to parent Mila,” she said. “We’re really changing the game in pediatric care.” The Magical Mila Foundation has initiated projects like BP Under Three, a creative program designed to improve blood pressure monitoring methods for children under three. By transforming her personal sorrow into a source of hope and healing for others, Roomberg’s commitment to this cause reflects her desire to ensure that other families have the resources and support they need during difficult times. 

Roomberg has since returned to the media industry, joining a production company where she is currently working on development. “I always wanted to work in long-form documentary,” she expressed. “It’s been a learning curve, but it’s the challenge I needed.” 

She concluded her address by encouraging students to pursue their dreams and take risks. “You have to show up and work your hardest,” she urged. “If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to be passionate and empathetic.” 

As she wrapped up her presentation with a Q&A, Roomberg demonstrated that with dedication and resilience, anyone can carve out a path in the world of media. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

Link to Magical Mila Foundation: https://magicalmilafoundation.org