Rhonda Walker Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Salary, Net Worth, WDIV-Local 4 News
Rhonda Walker is an acclaimed American television journalist, news anchor, and community leader best known for her long-running role on WDIV-Local 4 News in Detroit, Michigan. With decades of experience informing and uplifting audiences, she’s also a notable philanthropist who founded a foundation focused on empowering inner-city teen girls.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Rhonda Walker (born Rhonda Gillum) |
| Profession | Television Journalist, News Anchor, Philanthropist |
| Birth Date | November 21, 1968 |
| Age | 57 years 2 months old |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Morning news anchor at WDIV-Local 4 News; Founder of Rhonda Walker Foundation |
| Ethnicity | African American (mixed) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Height | ~5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Eye Color | Brown/Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Communications, Michigan State University |
| Religion | Christianity (noted in some profiles) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jason Drumheller (m. 2019) |
| Children | No publicly confirmed children |
| Parents | Dr. Ronald Gillum (father), Harriette Gillum (mother) |
| Siblings | Ron Gillium (brother), Robin Gillium (sister) |
| Initiatives | Rhonda Walker Foundation |
| Current Work | Anchor, WDIV-Local 4 News; Community advocate |
| Years Active | ~1998–present |
| Net Worth | ~$2M (est. 2025-26) |
| Residence | Detroit metro area, Michigan |
Early Life & Education
Rhonda Walker was born Rhonda Gillum in Detroit and raised in Lansing, Michigan. Her parents, Dr. Ronald Gillum and Harriette Gillum, supported her early interest in communication and service. She grew up with two siblings—an older brother, Ron, and a younger sister, Robin.
Walker attended Michigan State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. Her education laid the foundation for a career in journalism and community engagement.
Career Journey
Broadcast Beginnings
Walker began her journalism career in the late 1990s, eventually joining WDIV-Local 4 News in Detroit in 2003. She quickly became a familiar face as co-anchor of the weekday morning newscast, a role she still holds in 2026.
Anchoring & Reporting
Known for her early start times and energetic delivery, she starts her workday around 2:00 a.m. to prepare for morning news broadcasts. Her reporting covers local news, human-interest stories, and events that resonate deeply with Metro Detroit viewers. Over the years, she has served in multiple capacities, including evening and health reporting roles.
Philanthropy & the Rhonda Walker Foundation
Beyond the newsroom, Walker founded the Rhonda Walker Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and empowering inner-city teen girls through education, personal development, and college preparation programs. The foundation’s intensive mentoring programs have achieved high graduation and college enrollment rates among participants.
Personal Life
Rhonda Walker balances a high-profile journalism career with civic engagement and family life. After a previous marriage to Derrick Walker (now divorced), she married Jason Drumheller on August 31, 2019. The couple enjoys travel, golf, dining out, and quality time together while staying engaged in community affairs.
She is active in several professional and service organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, Inc., and serves as a board trustee at local hospitals.
Awards & Achievements
Rhonda Walker’s career has been marked by wide recognition:
- Multiple Best News Anchor Awards from local publications such as Hour Detroit and Michigan Chronicle
- Presidential Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service (2024)
- National Daily Point of Light Award (2023)
- Michigan Governor’s Service Award and other honors for community impact
Her work has also been acknowledged by professional and civic groups throughout Michigan.
Physical Statistics
Controversies
Walker’s career has remained largely free of notable public controversy; her professional reputation centers on community reporting and outreach.
Favorites
Details like favorite books or films aren’t widely published, though she frequently emphasizes stories about resilience and community strength.
Salary & Net Worth
Rhonda Walker’s estimated net worth in 2026 is roughly $2 million, built through her long career in journalism and media. Her salary as a prominent local news anchor contributes substantially to her financial profile.
Interesting Facts
- Starts work before dawn to anchor morning news.
- Founded her own foundation focusing on girls’ empowerment.
- Recognized with major national volunteer awards.
Social Media Links
- Twitter/X: @RhondWalker (news anchor account) (X (formerly Twitter))
(Official verified accounts may vary; follow her station’s pages for updates.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Rhonda Walker been a news anchor?
She’s served as a local Detroit news anchor since 2003, over two decades.
What foundation did she start?
She founded the Rhonda Walker Foundation, empowering teen girls through education and mentoring.
Is she married?
Yes. She married Jason Drumheller in 2019.
Does she have children?
There’s no public confirmation of children as of 2026.
Conclusion
Rhonda Walker stands out as a respected journalist and civic leader whose work extends far beyond daily news. Her commitment to Detroit and to empowering young women shapes a legacy of service, impact, and professionalism.
