In October 2021, Jillian Mele, the charismatic co-anchor of Fox & Friends First, delivered an emotional farewell that left viewers and colleagues teary-eyed. After four years as a fixture on Fox News, the Philadelphia native announced she was stepping away from the national spotlight to pursue an MBA at La Salle University, citing a desire to focus on her personal life. The decision stunned fans who had grown accustomed to her warm smile and sharp delivery during the grueling 4 a.m. slot. Fast forward to 2025, and Mele’s journey has taken an unexpected turn, captivating audiences with her bold pivot from broadcast journalism to entrepreneurship. As the CEO of Jillian Mele Communications and co-founder of LemonRose Golf, she’s forging a new path that’s as inspiring as it is surprising. What drove Mele to leave the high-profile world of cable news, and what’s fueling her ambitious ventures today? This article dives into her transformative journey, exploring her past, her motivations, and the exciting future she’s building.

From Philadelphia to Fox News Stardom

A Hometown Girl with Big Dreams

Jillian Mele was born on September 17, 1982, in Glenside, Pennsylvania, to Roseanne and Thomas Mele. Growing up in a close-knit community, she was a shy child who found her voice through sports and dance, dabbling in ballet, jazz, and tap from age 13. Though she never considered herself a standout dancer, her competitive spirit shone through, foreshadowing her tenacity in journalism. As a teenager, Mele worked as a grocery store clerk, a humble beginning that grounded her work ethic. Her passion for storytelling emerged in high school, where she wrote for the school newspaper and dreamed of a career in media.

In 2005, Mele graduated from La Salle University with a B.A. in arts and communication. Her early career took her to Presque Isle, Maine, and Binghamton, New York, where she cut her teeth as a sports anchor for WIVT-TV. By 2007, she landed at NBC 10 in Philadelphia, a homecoming that marked a turning point. Her coverage of the 2014 Olympics earned her an Emmy Award, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences. In 2014, she joined NBC Sports Philadelphia, co-hosting Breakfast on Broad, a morning sports talk show that earned her another Emmy, and Endgame, a post-game show for the Philadelphia Eagles. Her vibrant presence and deep knowledge of sports made her a local favorite, but her ambitions stretched beyond Philly.

Rising to National Prominence

In March 2017, Fox News came calling, and Mele seized the opportunity to join Fox & Friends First as a headlines reporter and co-anchor alongside Rob Schmitt and later Todd Piro. Within six months, she was promoted to co-host, anchoring the 4–6 a.m. slot and delivering news updates for Fox & Friends. Her ability to stay above the political fray on a network known for its opinion-driven content earned her respect. “I consider myself a news anchor, not a commentator,” she told The Inquirer in 2017, pushing back against critics who questioned her role at Fox. Her segments often caught the attention of high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, whose now-defunct Twitter account shared her clips multiple times.

Mele’s time at Fox was not without challenges. In 2018, she faced backlash after the show accidentally booked an anti-Trump Democrat, prompting her to defend her career choices on X: “I took a job that I wanted and love. How dare you criticize and judge someone else when what I do, has zero impact on your life.” Her resilience shone through, and she became a beloved figure, known for her warmth and professionalism. Yet, the relentless schedule—waking at 1 a.m. for years—took a toll. By October 2021, Mele was ready for a change, announcing her departure in an emotional segment. “This has been the most difficult decision I’ve ever made,” she said, tears in her eyes. “I love working here, and I love the people here… but I had to do what was right for me.” She expressed gratitude to her team, including bosses Gavin Hadden, Lauren Petterson, Suzanne Scott, and Jay Wallace, and revealed her plan to return to La Salle for an MBA to focus on her personal life.

A Brief Return to Philadelphia’s Airwaves

Joining 6ABC and a Time of Transition

In January 2022, Mele returned to her hometown, joining WPVI-TV (6ABC) as a reporter and anchor for Action News. The move was a homecoming, aligning with her pursuit of an MBA at La Salle. The station, a Philadelphia institution, was undergoing a transition, with veteran anchor Jim Gardner retiring from the 11 p.m. slot and meteorologist David Murphy departing after 31 years. Mele’s hire generated buzz, with some speculating she was being groomed for a prominent role, possibly the 6 p.m. slot. Her experience at NBC 10 and NBC Sports Philadelphia, combined with her national exposure, made her a strong fit. She reported on local stories, including a fire truck accident in Magnolia, NJ, showcasing her versatility.

However, Mele’s tenure at 6ABC was short-lived. By March 2023, she left the station, a decision that surprised viewers who expected her to settle into Philly’s media scene. On April 13, 2023, Mele announced her next move: launching Jillian Mele Communications, a media mentoring business aimed at helping professionals enhance their confidence and skills. The pivot marked a bold departure from traditional broadcasting, reflecting her desire to “try something else” after nearly two decades in media. Her announcement hinted at a deeper motivation—a yearning to use her expertise in a new, impactful way, free from the constraints of early-morning broadcasts.

Reflecting on a Media Career

Mele’s decision to leave 6ABC was driven by a desire for flexibility and purpose. “I’ve been getting up before the sun for 15 years,” she told The Inquirer. The grind of morning television, coupled with her MBA studies, prompted her to reassess her path. Her time at 6ABC, while brief, allowed her to reconnect with her roots and engage with Philadelphia’s passionate audience. As a diehard Eagles fan, she relished covering local stories, but the pull to create something of her own grew stronger. Her departure was amicable, with no public explanation beyond her entrepreneurial ambitions, leaving fans curious about what lay ahead.

Jillian Mele Communications: A New Chapter

Building a Business from Experience

In April 2023, Mele launched Jillian Mele Communications, a venture focused on media training, public speaking, and professional development coaching. The business leverages her nearly 20 years of on-air experience, including two Emmy Awards—one for her 2014 Olympics coverage at NBC 10 and another for Breakfast on Broad in 2016. “I stepped away from the news in 2023 to pivot and use my voice in a positive way: to help others shape their skills to be the most confident they can be,” she wrote on her website. Her services include one-on-one coaching, media training, and workshops, with a focus on empowering clients to excel in presentations, interviews, and crisis communications.

Clients have praised Mele’s approach. “She took our goals and aligned them with her presentation in a way that offered a new perspective,” one testimonial reads. Another client noted, “She has a gift for coaching professionals… I cannot recommend Jillian strongly enough!” Mele also founded Skill Studio, an online platform offering courses like The Professional Soft Skills Course, designed to teach essential workplace skills. Her business reflects her passion for storytelling, honed through years of reporting, and her MBA training, which equipped her with strategic insights. By 2025, Jillian Mele Communications had grown into a respected brand, serving professionals across industries, from corporate executives to aspiring broadcasters.

A Personal Mission to Inspire

Mele’s pivot to entrepreneurship is deeply personal. “My goal is to inspire, empower, motivate, and build confidence in everyone I work with,” she stated. Her decision to leave broadcasting was not about abandoning her skills but redirecting them. The grueling hours of morning news left little room for personal growth, and her MBA studies opened her eyes to new possibilities. “It’s not business school, it’s school for your business, but fun!” she quipped, referencing her recent graduation. Her authenticity—evident in her emotional Fox News farewell—resonates in her coaching, where she shares stories from her career to inspire clients. Her focus on soft skills, often overlooked in professional training, addresses a critical need in today’s workforce.

Mele’s venture also reflects her desire for autonomy. After years in high-pressure newsrooms, she wanted to control her schedule and impact. “I’ve always believed in telling stories to make an impact,” she wrote on LinkedIn. Her business allows her to do just that, helping clients craft compelling narratives for their brands. The success of Jillian Mele Communications has sparked excitement, with fans on X praising her bold move: “Jillian’s killing it with her new business! Love seeing her thrive.” Her ability to translate her media expertise into a scalable venture has positioned her as a trailblazer, inspiring others to rethink their career paths.

LemonRose Golf: A Passion Project Takes Flight

A New Venture in Women’s Golf

In 2025, Mele announced another surprising move: co-founding LemonRose Golf with her best friend, Kristen Casey, the Chief Design Officer. Described as “your home for all things women’s golf,” the company aims to launch apparel in early 2026, focusing on inclusivity and style. “We share a love of golf, a passion for fashion, and a mission to make golf more inclusive and accepting for ALL women,” Mele wrote on LinkedIn. The venture taps into her lifelong love of sports, rooted in her days covering the Eagles and her personal passion for golf, which she picked up in Philadelphia.

LemonRose Golf is more than a clothing line—it’s a movement to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Mele and Casey aim to create apparel that’s both functional and fashionable, addressing the lack of stylish options for female golfers. “Women’s golf fashion is no longer just about function—it’s about making a statement,” Mele wrote in Tri State Golf Magazine. The company’s mission aligns with Mele’s broader goal of building confidence, whether on the air or the fairway. Her involvement in the Youth on Course 100-Hole Hike at Glenhardie Country Club on September 22, 2025, further underscores her commitment to golf’s accessibility.

A Vision for Impact

LemonRose Golf has generated buzz for its fresh approach. Mele’s media savvy and Casey’s design expertise make them a formidable team, with plans to disrupt the golf industry. “We want to have fun with it,” Mele told Tri State Golf Magazine, emphasizing the brand’s playful yet inclusive ethos. The venture has drawn attention on X, with posts like “Jillian Mele’s golf brand is gonna be huge! Can’t wait for the apparel drop.” Her ability to pivot from news anchor to entrepreneur in two distinct fields—media coaching and golf apparel—highlights her versatility and drive, captivating audiences eager to see her succeed.

A Bold New Direction and Lasting Legacy

Mele’s journey from Fox News to entrepreneurship is a testament to her courage and vision. Leaving a high-profile role at 39 to pursue an MBA was a risk, but it paid off, equipping her with the tools to launch Jillian Mele Communications and LemonRose Golf. Her departure from 6ABC in 2023 marked a turning point, as she embraced the freedom to shape her own destiny. “After nearly 20 years in broadcast journalism, I left to carve my own path,” she wrote on LinkedIn. Her ventures reflect her core values: empowering others, embracing authenticity, and pursuing passion with purpose.

The public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans admire her for prioritizing her well-being and boldy reinventing herself. “Jillian’s story is so inspiring—she left the spotlight to build something real,” one X user posted. Her emotional farewell at Fox News, where she called her colleagues “family,” set the tone for her next chapter—a chapter defined by connection and impact. As she prepares for LemonRose Golf’s apparel launch and expands her coaching business, Mele remains a Philly girl at heart, rooted in the resilience of her hometown.

What drives Jillian Mele’s bold new direction? It’s a blend of gratitude, ambition, and a desire to leave a mark. Her message to aspiring professionals is clear: “Your story matters, and it’s never too late to pivot.” Whether coaching a CEO or designing golf apparel, Mele is redefining success on her terms, inspiring millions to chase their dreams with confidence. As she steps into 2026, her journey is far from over—it’s just beginning.

(Word count: 2,324)