DETAILS
Hometown: Oak Forest, IL • Education: St. Xavier University • Career Highlights: Covering everything from the Olympics to an execution to the Super Bowl • Favorite Destination: According to my husband, Neiman Marcus but I say Napa Valley • Hobbies: CrossFit, Astros baseball, and hanging with my family • Favorite Eats/Hangout: Sushi, Mexican food and all the museums in H-town
HFM caught up with The Mommie Series Mombassador and KPRC Channel 2’s Courtney Zavala at the KPRC studio to find out how this busy mom of two boys spends her time when she’s not at the studio.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up in Houston?
My career brought me to Houston, but I grew up in Chicago. It was a great news town, but I left for my first affiliate job with ABC in Midland-Odessa. I then moved to Salt Lake City where I worked for FOX. While I was in Midland, I met anchor Rachel McNeill, and we’ve been friends ever since. She’s the one who told me about an opening at KPRC…and the rest is history.
Who are some of your biggest influencers (growing up, raising a family, career, etc.)?
I’d have to say my mom is my biggest influence. She is the strongest woman I know. She is also the person who pushed me out of my comfort zone to pursue my dreams.
How did you become involved with “The Mommie Series?”
I met the founder, Misti Pace-Krahl before the very first Mommie Series when she was a stylist. I remember chatting with her about her vision for moms to have a place to find common ground.
What do you think is the biggest challenge Houston area parents face today?
Keeping it all together! We are such a busy society. I find it overwhelming to get it all done from figuring out the best schools, classes to extra-curricular activities and sports. I think it’s important for parents to give themselves some grace. We won’t have perfect days, and that’s okay.
How do you spend free time with your family (between work, school, homework/after-school activities?
We have two very active boys. Usually, we are at a baseball field or a skate park. My husband and I are very active, and we feel it’s important to model a healthy, active lifestyle for our kids. When we are home, we love to swim and cook! Also, my husband makes sure we have date nights.
Congratulations on your Co-host gig on Houston Life. We know you are busier than ever juggling live television show and family life. We know health & fitness is a huge priority in your life. How do you carve out time for exercise (or time for yourself)? How do you motivate your kids to be active?
It’s not easy to find the time for ourselves, but we do love to workout. Honestly, it’s just part of the routine. Our kids know that we workout and they love it. We sometimes all exercise together. Thankfully, our boys are very active too. Our oldest son plays select baseball and honestly loves all sports. Our youngest is more of an extreme sports kid (God help me!) it’s just a part of our lives. My husband and I like very different workouts, but we loved cheering him on during his first MS 150 ride. It was such an inspirational journey!
What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
Where do I start? We love living here, everything from the people, food, the culture, arts, and sports! Houston is finally getting the recognition it deserves!
You can catch Courtney, along with co-host Derrick Shore 1pm weekdays on Houston Life on KPRC Channel 2. Houston Life focuses on family, fun, and fashion, featuring cooking, local and national celebrity guests, and much more.
