Meet the Anchors of In Focus
Vincent Makori is a seasoned and versatile journalist, with years of experience in journalism, working in Africa, Europe and the U.S. He holds a post-graduate degree in mass communication from the School of Journalism of the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in English Literature from Moi University, Kenya. He has attended numerous training programs in journalism, in Kenya, Germany and the U.S.
During his career, Vincent has covered a wide range of stories including the Africa Union Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, The UN General Assembly, International Trade and Technology Fairs in Berlin and Hanover Germany. The International AIDS Conference, in Mexico City, Mexico, and the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He has interviewed people of all walks of life, including high ranking officials and presidents, among them, former U.S. President George W. Bush, President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi, former President of Ghana John Kufuor, President Ifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia; Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai; Africa Development Bank President, Donald Kaberuka, and Professor Ali Mazrui.
Ndimyake Mwakalyelye has been reporting for the Voice of America for seven years. During that time, she has worked in both radio and TV. On radio Ndimyake reported for VOA’s “Studio 7” broadcasting to Zimbabwe. On TV she hosted “Perspectives” the forerunner of “In Focus.” Ndimyake covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, and a variety of social issues. She has a strong interest in Africa, and other developing regions, and strives to report on issues that shed light on the plight of the general public, particularly women and children.
Prior to joining VOA, Ndimyake worked for New Jersey Network, the state’s only public broadcasting station. Ndimyake was born in Tanzania and raised in Zimbabwe.
She has a Bachelor degree from Howard University, and a Masters from American University.
Sonny Young is the host of the VOA’s Sonny Side of Sports radio show. Sonny brings his enthusiasm for sports to In Focus every Monday and Friday on his Sonny Side of Sports television segment.
During his 24 years at the Voice of America, Sonny has covered some of the world’s most popular sporting events, including the World Cup soccer finals and the World Athletic Championships.
Sonny’s love of sports, though, goes beyond coverage of the various competitions. Growing up, he ran cross-country and played baseball, basketball, soccer and American-style football. Sonny has also completed three marathons.
Sonny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in a Washington suburb with his wife, Suzanne, and sons Jesse and Alex.
Linord Moudou is the Health Correspondent of “In-Focus.” She started her career with the Voice of America television as the Producer & Host of Healthy Living, a weekly health news magazine covering African health issues including Malaria, TB and HIV AIDS. She also shared new discoveries and medical breakthroughs, and provided tips and advice on how to prevent diseases and live a healthier life.
Before joining VOA, Linord worked as a broadcast and print journalist, traveling between Africa, Europe and the United States. She was a talk show host with TELE-SUD, a Paris-based television station. In 2000, she created, produced, and hosted for four years “Spotlight on Africa,” a bilingual (French-English) television and radio program on Public Access Television and New World Radio in Washington, DC. With “Spotlight on Africa,” Linord dedicated herself to promote a more positive image of Africa internationally, through information and entertainment.
Her print experience includes “Africa Journal,” a Corporate Council on Africa publication, and AMINA Magazine, a Paris-based magazine about women of Africa and the Diaspora.
Linord Moudou was born and raised in Cote d’Ivoire. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media productions from George Mason University, and a Certificate in Television and Radio from Columbia School of Broadcasting.