Katie Lusso’s profession is reporting about Brooklynites who make a difference in their communities — this time, she’s the one recognized for doing so.
Lusso is the morning reporter on News 12 Brooklyn, and presents the “Bravo! Brooklyn!” feature segments that profile outstanding individuals, many of whom are nominated by viewers.
Those feel-good reports give voice to those who might not ordinarily have their tales told, and focus on positive events in the borough, offering some refreshment in a world where negative news dominates.
“I believe that everyone has a story, and I enjoy having the opportunity to share their stories,” Lusso says. Some of those include the stories of Lt. Michael Almonte of the Brooklyn North command, who plays basketball with local kids in an effort to steer them on the right path; “Ice Cream Girl” Maria Campanella of Bensonhurst, who brightens the neighborhood with joy and laughter; and Canarsie firefighter Jose Cordero, who keeps the community in shape with his fitness classes.
The “Bravo! Brooklyn!” series has been nominated for a New York Emmy, and if it wins, Lusso, 29, will need to find room to showcase yet another award. She already has one New York Emmy — for “Daytime Newscast,” earned in 2015. She won a New York Associated Press Broadcasters Award for Best Spot News Coverage for her piece “Rabbi — Child Porn” that same year, and a Deadline Club Award for “Television Spot Reporting” in 2016.
Lusso was born and raised on Long Island, and her first on-air position was at a CBS affiliate in West Virginia, but she now happily resides in Bay Ridge. She finds it a huge advantage to live in the borough about which she reports.
“I’ve always believed that the way to become the best journalist you can be, is to be a part of the community you’re responsible for covering,” she says. Lusso noted that her News 12 reports are “hyperlocal,” meaning “they can directly impact the people I live alongside of.”
Lusso’s passion about everything in which she becomes is what motivated Joe Gillette, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, to nominate her for Women of Distinction honors. The effort she put into fund-raising for the Society “gave us the attention that brought us to the next level,” he said.
The fight against cancer is a cause especially dear to the Woman of Distinction, because her mother, Beverly, is a breast cancer survivor. Paying it forward runs in the family, because Beverly, and Lusso’s dad, Charles, make it a point to visit nursing homes with their three therapy dogs, offering comfort to residents there.
Lusso is always on the lookout for a good story, and encourages Brooklynites to contact her at KLuss
Neighborhood: Bay Ridge.
Occupation: Journalist.
Company: News 12 Brooklyn.
Claim to Fame: Pointing out Brooklyn’s positivity.
Favorite Brooklyn Place: I love sitting along the water by the Verrazano Bridge with my dog.
Woman I Admire: Beverly Lusso, my mother. She has overcome so much, and still manages to stay positive, strong and always put family first.
Motto: Find something you love, and figure out a way to get paid for it.
