Shirleen Allicot is a well-known television journalist who has built her career as one of the respected anchors at WABC-TV in New York. She is best recognized as the co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Noon, where she brings important stories to viewers every day. Her calm presence, clear reporting style, and ability to connect with audiences have made her a familiar face in American broadcast journalism.
Over the years, Shirleen has covered some of the biggest news events, ranging from natural disasters to political interviews. She has also spoken with influential figures, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, which shows the level of trust and respect she has earned in her profession. Beyond her career, Shirleen is admired for balancing her demanding work with her role as a mother and wife.
Shirleen Allicot Biography, Age, Spouse, Parents, Salary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirleen Allicot |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1974 |
| Age | 51 years |
| Place of Birth | Guyana (moved to Queens, New York at 3 months old) |
| Nationality | American (Caribbean-born, raised in New York) |
| Education | Hofstra University – Degree in Broadcast Journalism |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Current Employer | WABC-TV Eyewitness News, New York |
| Notable Roles | Co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Noon |
| Major Coverage | Hurricane Sandy, Boston Marathon Bombings, Amtrak Crash (2015), Royal Wedding (2018) |
| Husband | Jesse Gilmer (CEO of JEG Sports & Entertainment) |
| Children | Shayla Joelle (2017), Georgina “Gigi” (2019), Wesley (2021) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 55–58 kg |
| Salary | Around $85,000 annually |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Parents | Both worked for New York City Transit Authority; father passed away in 2010 |
| Siblings | Six brothers, including Freddy |
| @shirlabc7 | |
| @shirleenallicot/ |
Early Life and Childhood in Guyana
Shirleen Allicot was born on August 15, 1974, in Guyana, a country located on the northern coast of South America. Her life took a major turn when her family moved to the United States just three months after her birth. They settled in Queens, New York, where Shirleen grew up and spent most of her childhood.
Growing up in Ozone Park, Queens, Shirleen experienced the challenges and opportunities of immigrant life. Her parents worked hard to provide stability for their children, and this shaped her values of discipline and determination. Even as a child, Shirleen showed interest in storytelling and communication, which later became the foundation of her career in journalism.
Family Roots and Parents’ Influence
Shirleen’s parents played a big role in her upbringing. Both of them worked for the New York City Transit Authority, which gave the family a steady income and a sense of community. Her father’s sudden death in 2010 due to a stroke was a painful moment in her life. This personal tragedy motivated Shirleen to support the American Heart Association, raising awareness about heart health and prevention.
Her mother continued to be a strong influence, teaching Shirleen the importance of resilience and hard work. Shirleen grew up in a large family with six brothers. One of her brothers, Freddy, is often mentioned in her stories. Having many siblings meant that her childhood was filled with energy, laughter, and sometimes challenges.
Education and Academic Journey
Shirleen Allicot’s path to journalism began with her studies at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. She pursued a degree in Broadcast Journalism, which gave her the technical skills and confidence to step into the competitive media industry. Hofstra is known for its strong communication programs, and Shirleen took full advantage of the opportunities available there.
During her time at university, she learned the importance of accuracy, ethics, and clear communication. These lessons became the foundation of her career. She also gained practical experience by working on student projects and internships, which helped her understand the fast-paced nature of newsrooms.
Career Beginnings in Local News
After completing her studies, Shirleen started her career at News 12, where she worked across different branches including News 12 Connecticut, News 12 Long Island, and News 12 the Bronx. These early years were crucial for her growth. She reported on local stories, edited footage, and anchored news segments.
Working in local news gave Shirleen the chance to connect with communities directly. She covered stories that mattered to everyday people, from local politics to community events. This experience taught her how to balance serious reporting with human-interest stories. It also helped her develop a style that was both professional and approachable, something that later became her trademark on national television.
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Rise to Prominence: Philadelphia Years
Shirleen’s career took a big step forward when she moved to Philadelphia. She worked as a co-anchor for WPVI’s Action News and WPHL’s Action News. These roles brought her into the spotlight, as she covered major national and international events.
Her reporting during Hurricane Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the Amtrak crash in 2015 showed her ability to handle breaking news with clarity and calmness. These were moments when viewers relied on journalists for accurate information, and Shirleen delivered with professionalism.
WABC-TV Eyewitness News Career
In 2010, Shirleen joined WABC-TV Eyewitness News in New York, one of the most respected news stations in the country. She became the co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Noon, working alongside David Novarro. Together, they built a strong on-screen partnership that viewers came to trust.
At WABC, Shirleen covered some of the most memorable assignments of her career. She interviewed Michelle Obama, which was a highlight and a proud moment. She also reported live from London during the 2018 Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, bringing international coverage to American audiences.
Personal Life: Marriage and Kids
Shirleen Allicot is happily married to Jesse Gilmer, a professional in the sports and entertainment industry. The couple tied the knot in June 2015, and since then, they have built a strong and supportive relationship. Jesse is the founder and CEO of JEG Sports & Entertainment, and he previously worked as a director at IMG, one of the world’s leading sports management companies.
Shirleen and Jesse are proud parents of three children. Their first daughter, Shayla Joelle, was born in 2017. Two years later, in 2019, they welcomed their second daughter, Georgina “Gigi”. In 2021, their family grew again with the birth of their son, Wesley.
Physical Appearance
Shirleen stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs around 55–58 kg. She is known for her graceful presence on screen, which combines professionalism with warmth. Her style is simple yet elegant, reflecting her personality as someone who values authenticity.
Beyond her physical appearance, Shirleen is admired for her approachable nature. Viewers often describe her as relatable and trustworthy. Her calm voice and clear reporting style make her a reliable source of news. Off-screen, she is seen as a caring mother and supportive wife, which adds to her image as a well-rounded individual.
Salary, Net Worth, and Achievements
As one of the respected anchors at WABC-TV, Shirleen earns an annual salary of around $85,000. Allicot’s estimated net worth is close to $1 million, which reflects her years of dedication and success in journalism. While these numbers show her financial achievements, her true success lies in the trust she has built with viewers and the impact she has made in the industry.
Shirleen’s career achievements include covering major national events, interviewing influential personalities, and reporting live from international locations. These accomplishments highlight her versatility and commitment to journalism. She continues to be recognized as one of the leading female journalists in New York.
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