Shirleen Allicot: Emmy-Winning ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor

Shirleen Allicot was born on August 15, 1974, in Annandale in the Essequibo region of Guyana, South America. When she was still a child, her parents migrated to the United States, settling in Ozone Park, Queens, New York, where Shirleen was raised.

Both of Shirleen’s parents worked for the New York City Transit Authority, instilling in her a strong work ethic and commitment to public service. She grew up in a family of seven siblings, though their names remain private. The majority of her family still lives in Queens, maintaining deep roots in the community.

Tragic Loss: Shirleen’s father died from a full-blown stroke, a loss that profoundly impacted her life. This personal tragedy later informed her empathetic approach to journalism and community storytelling.

Fun Fact: Growing up straddling Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods gave Shirleen an intimate understanding of New York’s diverse communities—knowledge that would prove invaluable when she returned to report on the very areas where she grew up.

Quick Bio: Shirleen Allicot Overview

Hofstra University: Building Broadcast Journalism Skills

After graduating from high school in Queens, Shirleen attended Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism. This education provided the technical skills and theoretical foundation necessary for her future career.

Hofstra’s proximity to New York City offered unique advantages, including internship opportunities at major media outlets and exposure to the nation’s largest media market. Shirleen took full advantage of these opportunities, building connections and gaining practical experience that would launch her career.

Her time at Hofstra coincided with the 1990s evolution of broadcast journalism, when the industry was transitioning from traditional reporting to more dynamic, multi-platform storytelling—skills Shirleen would master throughout her career.

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News 12 Networks: Where It All Began

Shirleen Allicot’s career began at News 12, the pioneering regional cable news network serving the New York metropolitan area. She worked across three different News 12 franchises: News 12 Connecticut, News 12 Long Island, and News 12 the Bronx.

The Bronx Experience: Her time at News 12 The Bronx proved particularly formative. There, Shirleen shot, wrote, and edited all of her own stories—a one-person band approach that taught her every aspect of television journalism. This comprehensive training made her a versatile journalist capable of working independently under deadline pressure.

Working for News 12 meant covering local communities in depth, developing sources, and understanding neighborhood dynamics. These experiences taught Shirleen the importance of community journalism and built her reputation as a reporter who genuinely understood and cared about the people she covered.

The News 12 networks served as a training ground for many successful New York journalists, and Shirleen’s tenure there established her as a rising talent ready for larger markets.

Philadelphia Years: WPVI Action News Success

After establishing herself at News 12, Shirleen moved to Philadelphia to join WPVI-TV, the ABC-owned station serving the Delaware Valley. She became co-anchor of Action News at 4 pm on WPVI and Action News at 10 pm on WPHL (Philadelphia’s MyNetworkTV affiliate).

Her Philadelphia years coincided with several major news events that tested her skills and professionalism:

Hurricane Sandy (October 2012): Shirleen covered the devastating superstorm that ravaged the Northeast, killing over 230 people and causing $70 billion in damage. Her reporting captured both the storm’s destruction and the communities’ resilience.

Boston Marathon Bombings (April 2013): She reported on the terrorist attack that killed three and injured hundreds, providing Philadelphia audiences with comprehensive coverage of the tragedy and its aftermath.

2015 Amtrak Derailment: In May 2015, just weeks before joining ABC7, Shirleen covered the deadly Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia that killed eight passengers and injured over 200. Her on-the-ground reporting captured the tragedy’s human toll.

These high-stakes stories demonstrated Shirleen’s ability to report complex, emotional news events with accuracy, sensitivity, and professionalism—qualities that would attract ABC7’s attention.

Shirleen Allicot Age: Fifty Years of Life and Achievement

Born on August 15, 1974, Shirleen Allicot is 50 years old as of 2025 (some sources cite different birth years, but 1974 appears most consistent). She celebrates her birthday every August 15th, making her a Leo—a zodiac sign associated with confidence, warmth, and natural leadership.

At 50, Shirleen has achieved remarkable success in broadcast journalism, spending over 25 years in the industry. Her age brings wisdom, perspective, and credibility that younger journalists are still building. Viewers trust her not just because of her skills, but because of the maturity and life experience she brings to every story.

Career Longevity: Starting her career in the 1990s, Shirleen has witnessed and adapted to massive industry changes—from the dominance of network news to the rise of cable, from traditional broadcasting to social media journalism. Her ability to evolve while maintaining journalistic integrity has sustained her career across three decades.

Her age also positions her as a role model for younger journalists, particularly women of color who see in Shirleen proof that long, successful careers in broadcast journalism are achievable despite industry challenges.

Joining ABC7 Eyewitness News: Coming Home to New York

In June 2015, Shirleen Allicot returned to her hometown as co-anchor of ABC7 Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon. The move represented a homecoming after years of working outside New York.

What She Anchors: Shirleen rises extremely early each morning to co-anchor Eyewitness News This Morning alongside her colleagues, providing New Yorkers with news, weather, and traffic information as they start their day. She also co-anchors the noon newscast and appears on Eyewitness News Mornings @10, a newly launched program.

Why She Returned: After achieving success in Philadelphia, Shirleen had opportunities in multiple markets. However, the chance to return to New York—where her family still lived and where she’d grown up—proved irresistible. “I’m from Ozone Park, Queens, and the majority of my family still resides there,” she’s noted.

Community Connection: Returning to New York allowed Shirleen to report on communities she knows intimately. She’s anchored segments revisiting her life growing up in Queens and Brooklyn, bringing an authentic perspective to stories about neighborhoods she personally understands.

Her ABC7 tenure has included covering major New York events, interviewing prominent figures, and maintaining the high journalistic standards that earned her an Emmy Award.

Career Highlights: Memorable Moments

Throughout her 20+ year career, Shirleen Allicot has experienced numerous professional highlights:

Interviewing First Lady Michelle Obama: One of her most cherished moments was interviewing First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House’s Kennedy Garden—a rare opportunity that demonstrated her stature in journalism.

2018 Royal Wedding Coverage: Shirleen delivered live reports from London for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, bringing American audiences comprehensive coverage of the historic event.

Queen Elizabeth II Death Coverage (2022): She returned to the United Kingdom to cover the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, providing historical context and emotional coverage of the monarch’s death and funeral.

Good Morning America Appearances: Shirleen has appeared multiple times on Good Morning America and Good Morning America Weekend Edition, including as a guest judge on segments like “United States of Pizza” (2021-2023).

NY Liberty Ticker Tape Parade (2024): She co-hosted coverage of the New York Liberty’s ticker tape parade celebrating their WNBA championship.

Empire State Building Lighting (October 2024): Shirleen lit the Empire State Building red in partnership with the American Red Cross to honor victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Emmy Award: Recognition for Excellence

Shirleen Allicot is an Emmy Award-winning anchor, having received broadcasting’s highest honor for her excellence in news anchoring. While the specific year and category of her Emmy isn’t detailed in public sources, this recognition validates her skills, professionalism, and impact on New York journalism.

Emmy Awards are determined by peer voting from television professionals who evaluate on-air talent based on criteria including delivery, presence, writing, and overall contribution to newscasts. Shirleen’s Emmy reflects recognition from her industry colleagues that she represents the best in broadcast journalism.

The award distinguishes her among New York’s competitive field of news anchors and serves as a testament to her decades of dedication to her craft.

Shirleen Allicot and Husband: Marriage to Jesse Gilmer

Shirleen Allicot married Jesse Gilmer on June 15, 2015, just days before she started her new position at ABC7. The couple tied the knot in France, creating romantic memories in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.

About Jesse Gilmer: Jesse is the founder of JEG Sports & Entertainment, a New York-based sports marketing and management company. He holds a Master of Science degree in Sports Marketing and Management from New York University (NYU), demonstrating his expertise in the sports business industry.

Jesse’s work in sports marketing complements Shirleen’s journalism career, creating a household where both partners understand the demands of competitive, high-profile professions.

Anniversary Celebrations: The couple celebrated their third wedding anniversary in Paris, France, in June 2018, returning to the country where they’d married. Shirleen shared photos from the romantic getaway on social media, expressing gratitude for her partnership with Jesse.

Supportive Partnership: Jesse provides crucial support for Shirleen’s demanding schedule. Morning news anchors typically wake up between 2:00 and 3:00 am for shows that begin at 4:30 or 5:00 am. Jesse’s understanding of these unusual hours and his encouragement of Shirleen’s career ambitions have been essential to her success.

As of 2025, Shirleen and Jesse have been married for nearly 10 years, building a strong family together with their three children.

Building a Family: Three Children and Growing

Shirleen and Jesse Gilmer are parents to three children, whose arrivals Shirleen has shared with ABC7 viewers:

Shayla Joëlle Gilmer (First Daughter): Born on March 15, 2017, Shayla is the couple’s firstborn. Shirleen announced the pregnancy and birth to viewers, sharing her joy about motherhood. As of 2025, Shayla is 8 years old.

Georgina “Gigi” Gilmer (Second Daughter): Born on July 13, 2019, weighing 7 pounds and 5 ounces, Georgina (nicknamed Gigi) arrived during Shirleen’s time at ABC7. Remarkably, Gigi was born only minutes apart from ABC7 reporter Kristin Thorne’s daughter Vivienne—a coincidence that bonded the two colleagues.

Third Child – Son (Born August 2021): Shirleen announced her third pregnancy in February 2021 on Eyewitness News, with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts sending congratulations. She gave birth to a baby boy in August 2021, completing their family of five. His name has been kept private.

Balancing Motherhood and Career: Shirleen has spoken about the challenges and joys of balancing an early-morning anchor position with raising three young children. She credits Jesse’s support and extended family help for making her dual roles possible.

In her spare time, Shirleen enjoys volunteering, testing her skills in the kitchen (she’s a cooking enthusiast), and spending quality time with her husband and three children.

Social Media Presence: Connecting Beyond the Newsroom

Shirleen Allicot maintains active social media accounts where she extends her connection with viewers beyond television broadcasts.

Official Social Media Accounts:

• Instagram: @shirlabc7 — Approximately 39,000 followers with 726 posts and 3,167 following. Her Instagram features behind-the-scenes newsroom content, family moments (while protecting her children’s privacy), professional milestones, and community engagement. She uses the platform to promote upcoming Eyewitness News stories and interact with viewers.
• Twitter/X: @ShirleenAllicot — Active account where she shares breaking news, responds to viewer questions, and engages in conversations about current events. Her Twitter complements her television work by providing real-time updates and additional context on stories.
• Facebook: Shirleen Allicot — Multiple profiles exist, with one showing substantial follower engagement. She uses Facebook to share newscast highlights, community stories, and professional updates.

Digital Strategy: Shirleen’s social media presence balances professional journalism with authentic personal moments. She shares enough to remain relatable and accessible while maintaining appropriate boundaries around her children and family life.

Her engagement style is warm and responsive, reflecting the same approachable personality viewers see during newscasts.

Estimated Salary and Financial Success

As co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon on WABC Channel 7 News, Shirleen Allicot’s estimated salary is approximately $83,854 annually, according to industry sources. However, salary estimates vary:

• Some sources cite a range of $24,292-$72,507
• Others estimate closer to $60,000-$90,000

Given Shirleen’s Emmy Award, her nearly decade-long tenure at ABC7 (one of the nation’s largest markets), and her anchoring responsibilities for multiple daily newscasts, her actual salary likely falls in the $75,000-$90,000 range.

Net Worth: Shirleen Allicot’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million. This wealth has been accumulated through over 25 years in broadcast journalism, starting from her News 12 days through her current position at ABC7.

Her financial success reflects not just her salary but also potential income from speaking engagements, public appearances, and smart financial management over decades of steady employment in major markets.

Personal Interests: Beyond the Anchor Desk

When not anchoring newscasts or reporting stories, Shirleen pursues several personal interests:

Cooking Enthusiast: Shirleen describes herself as a cooking enthusiast who enjoys testing her skills in the kitchen. This hobby provides a creative outlet and quality family time as she prepares meals for Jesse and their three children.

Volunteering: She regularly volunteers her time to various causes, using her profile to support community organizations and charitable initiatives. Her volunteer work connects her to New York communities beyond her professional reporting.

Family Time: With three young children, Shirleen prioritizes family time despite her demanding early-morning schedule. She’s mentioned the importance of being present for her kids and creating memories with Jesse.

Travel: Her social media shows the family taking trips together, including international travel to places like Paris for her anniversary celebration.

These interests humanize Shirleen beyond her role as a news anchor, showing viewers the well-rounded person behind the professional facade.

Legacy and Impact on New York Journalism

As a woman of color in broadcast journalism, Shirleen Allicot represents important progress in an industry historically dominated by white anchors. Her success opens doors for other journalists of color and demonstrates that excellence transcends demographic categories.

Community Journalism: Shirleen’s approach emphasizes connection to communities, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn, where she grew up. This authentic understanding enriches her reporting and builds trust with diverse audiences.

Longevity: In an industry known for turnover, Shirleen’s 25+ year career demonstrates that sustained excellence, adaptability, and genuine passion for journalism can create lasting success.

Mentorship: While not extensively documented, Shirleen likely serves as a mentor to younger journalists, particularly women of color entering the field, showing them what’s possible through dedication and talent.

FAQs About Shirleen Allicot

Who is Shirleen Allicot?
Shirleen Allicot is an Emmy Award-winning news anchor who co-anchors Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News at Noon on ABC7 (WABC-TV) in New York. She joined ABC7 in June 2015 after working in Philadelphia and at News 12 Networks.

How old is Shirleen Allicot?
Shirleen Allicot is 50 years old as of 2025. She was born on August 15, 1974, in Annandale, Essequibo, Guyana, South America. She celebrates her birthday every August 15th, and her zodiac sign is Leo.

Who is Shirleen Allicot’s husband?
Shirleen Allicot is married to Jesse Gilmer, founder of JEG Sports & Entertainment. The couple married on June 15, 2015, in France. Jesse holds a Master’s degree in Sports Marketing and Management from New York University (NYU).

How many children does Shirleen Allicot have?
Shirleen and her husband Jesse have three children: daughters Shayla Joëlle (born March 15, 2017) and Georgina “Gigi” (born July 13, 2019), and a son born in August 2021.

What is Shirleen Allicot’s salary?
Shirleen Allicot’s estimated annual salary is approximately $83,854, though estimates range from $60,000-$90,000 based on her position as co-anchor of multiple daily newscasts at ABC7 New York, one of the nation’s largest television markets.

What is Shirleen Allicot’s net worth?
As of 2025, Shirleen Allicot’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million, accumulated through over 25 years of work in broadcast journalism at News 12 Networks, WPVI Philadelphia, and ABC7 New York.

Where was Shirleen Allicot born?
Shirleen was born in Annandale in the Essequibo region of Guyana, South America. Her parents migrated to the United States when she was a child, settling in Ozone Park, Queens, New York, where she was raised.

How tall is Shirleen Allicot?
Shirleen stands at approximately 5 feet 6 to 8 inches tall (sources vary between 168-173 cm). She maintains fitness through regular workout routines.

What awards has Shirleen Allicot won?
Shirleen is an Emmy Award-winning anchor, having received broadcasting’s highest honor for her excellence in news anchoring. She has been recognized for her professional accomplishments throughout her 25+ year career.