Sandra Smith Opens Up About Her Journey: From Trading Floors to Television News

Sandra Smith, a prominent figure in American television journalism, has captivated audiences with her insightful reporting and poised demeanor. However, beyond the polished exterior lies a story of resilience, adaptability, and dedication. In a recent candid interview, Smith shared the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career and personal life.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 22, 1980, in Wheaton, Illinois, Sandra Kaye Smith was raised in a family deeply rooted in the financial sector. Her father was a floor trader at Chicago’s Mercantile Exchange, and many of her relatives worked in Chicago’s financial district. This environment sparked her interest in finance from an early age.

Smith attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School, where she excelled in athletics, earning three letters in cross country and two in track. She was also an Illinois High School Association state qualifier and served as the cross-country team captain in her senior year.

Pursuing her passion for sports and academics, Smith attended Illinois State University before transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. At LSU, she competed in various track-and-field events, including the 1,500 meters, mile, 3,000 meters, and steeplechase. She graduated with a degree in journalism and a minor in speech.

Transition from Finance to Journalism

Before embarking on her journalism career, Smith worked in the finance industry. She began as a research associate at Aegis Capital Group, assisting in the research and analysis of retail stocks. She then served as a trader at Hermitage Capital Corporation in New York City, executing U.S. equities and options transactions and conducting portfolio analysis.

Her next role was as the Director of Institutional Sales and Trading at Terra Nova Institutional in Chicago, where she handled investment management and hedge fund accounts. Despite her success in finance, Smith felt a calling to journalism and decided to make a significant career change.

In 2007, Smith joined Bloomberg Television as an on-air reporter, covering U.S. equities and derivatives markets. Her ability to simplify complex financial concepts for the average viewer caught the attention of Fox Business Network, leading to her joining the network in October 2007.

Rise to Prominence at Fox News

At Fox Business Network, Smith quickly became a familiar face, known for her sharp insights and engaging reporting style. She appeared across various FBN programs, providing market analysis and commentary. Her role expanded to the Fox News Channel, where she co-hosted “Outnumbered,” a program featuring discussions on current news and cultural topics.

In November 2015, Smith made history by co-moderating the network’s inaugural Republican presidential primary debate alongside Trish Regan. This marked the first time an all-female team moderated a presidential debate, a milestone in broadcast journalism.

Currently, Smith serves as the co-anchor of “America Reports” on the Fox News Channel, where she discusses prominent issues and headlines with experts and newsmakers.

Balancing Career and Family Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Smith is a dedicated wife and mother. She married John Conolly, a former financial business television commentator turned businessman, in May 2010. The couple has two children: a daughter named Cora Belle Conolly, born in 2013, and a son, John Conolly Jr., born in 2015. The family resides in New York City and shares a German Shorthaired Pointer named Whiskey.

Smith has been open about the challenges of balancing her demanding career with family life. She has expressed gratitude for the support of her husband and the flexibility of her profession, which allows her to spend quality time with her children.

Looking Ahead

As Sandra Smith continues to make significant contributions to broadcast journalism, she remains committed to delivering honest and insightful news to her audience. Her journey from the trading floors to television news serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of adaptability and perseverance in achieving one’s goals.