Up Close and Personal with Teresa Tomeo

A day in the life of a passionately prolife person

The joy in the Ave Maria Radio Studio bubbles out. It’s 10 a.m. and Teresa Tomeo is on-air for the bi-annual pledge drive. “Comfortable” is the word which comes to mind after watching and listening to Teresa encourage listeners; her upbeat personality radiates. During her breaks, Teresa thanks the volunteers who are answering calls for the pledge drive.

The studio has one section of glass walls. Those who are passing in the halls of the Domino’s Farms complex give a hand-wave to Teresa – she always waves back, never missing a beat while she is on-air. The same is true when three children slip into the room wanting to see the action and witness what’s happening in the studio. Teresa shoots off a warm smile and friendly wave to the kids.

Too often when we think of popular media personalities, aloof personalities come to mind. Nothing could be further from the truth for Teresa. Teresa’s professionalism is unquestionable, and yet her friendliness puts those around her at ease. Her colleagues at the studio razz her slightly about her fluffy, light blue slippers which keep her feet warm in the studio and serve as a reminder of her down-to-earth personality.

A Typical Day
Teresa begins her day at 6 a.m. with daily scripture reading, prayer and “a few cups of coffee,” Teresa adds with a chuckle. Because Teresa is on-air Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. it is important to review news-wire services for current events and check Christian and prolife news sources in preparation for her radio program each morning.

Teresa is the host of Catholic Connection. She discusses social issues, media awareness, and interviews local businesses, youth, families, and community leaders. Teresa reports on news throughout the Catholic community and how all can make a difference. Teresa is a friend to Right to Life of Michigan and the prolife movement. Where the main-stream media fails to inform on critical prolife developments, Teresa steps in and covers life issues thoroughly.

“I am always preparing,” Teresa said. Teresa organizes guests for her program and is constantly working toward the next show.

Teresa inspires her listeners, but she also inspires the people with whom she comes into contact. Her love for life is completely evident.

“I believe a person can always be a voice for the unborn and for life issues,” Teresa said.

She encourages people to keep up-to-date on prolife happenings and to be prepared to answer questions regarding life issues. “It is important that we all look for opportunities to be a voice for the unborn,” Teresa said.

One important area of Teresa’s work is helping people understand messages in the media. Whether it’s the Internet, video games, music, movies or prime time TV, children are being bombarded with harmful, anti-life messages. More than 1,000 studies in the United States alone show a direct connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in children. With her experience, Teresa empowers parents to make a difference in the lives of their children, and she provides great insight and advice on media issues for audiences of all ages.

Teresa’s Journey
Teresa hasn’t always been the outspoken prolife woman people know today. “I give credit to my husband of 22 years, Dominic Pastore, who has always been prolife,” Teresa said. Dominic’s faith, involvement in Mass and Bible studies influenced Teresa.

“When I was younger, I eased God out of my life. I was very selfish and career oriented and believed the lies from the feminists’ agenda. I didn’t have truthful information regarding the life issue,” Teresa said.

Twelve years ago Teresa was fired from a job. She explained how that experience really humbled her and forced her to look closely at her life.

Teresa’s Catholic faith has shaped every aspect of her life. “In some ways, I am trying to make-up for the years I wasted not speaking up for the unborn, not standing up for the vulnerable,” Teresa said.

Teresa has always stood up for the underdogs. It was completely natural when she learned that women are mistreated and exploited by abortion to become a strong voice for the protection of women and children. Now Teresa speaks up about the violence of abortion.

Speaking Up for Life
“Honestly, we cannot talk about life issues enough. People need to know that Planned Parenthood is America’s largest abortion provider, women need to know that there is a link between abortion and breast cancer, families need to understand the value of all human life especially those who are physically vulnerable and in need of our care,” Teresa said.

Challenges
“Believe it or not, my fiery temper and my mouth can get me into trouble,” Teresa said. Teresa knows that God is working on her patience.

Teresa reads inspiring words from St. Teresa each day.
Let nothing disturb you.
Nothing frighten you.
All things are passing.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Nothing is wanting in him who possesses God.
God alone suffices.

St. Teresa of Avila

“Sometimes I do get frustrated, I want to see change now. But I also know that all things are in the hands of God,” Teresa said.

Teresa knows that tax dollars fund Planned Parenthood programs while the prolife work of crisis pregnancy centers struggle because of a lack of funds. Because of this, Teresa frequently is the key-note speaker at events to help raise needed donations for the life-saving work of prolife groups and organizations.

Professional Background
Teresa received a bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism from Central Michigan University and was named “Outstanding Journalism Graduate.”

Teresa is a professional speaker, media consultant and broadcast‑journalist with more than 20 years of reporting experience in the Detroit radio and TV market.

As a speaker, Teresa conducts media awareness seminars for a variety of audiences including schools, community groups and churches. From her years of experience, she provides valuable instructions on how to positively influence today’s media. Teresa is also frequently engaged as a motivational speaker to address such issues as facing change and turning obstacles into opportunities.

As a newswoman in Detroit, Teresa Tomeo has received numerous awards and citations. She has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Detroit Press Club. Teresa has been named “Outstanding Female on Air” by the Detroit Chapter of American Women in Radio and TV. While in radio, Teresa served as a news reporter, news anchor, news director and talk show host.

As a television newswoman, Teresa first worked as a reporter/anchor for WKBD‑TV 50, covering the streets of Detroit. She then moved to the ABC affiliate, WXYZ-TV Channel 7. Her reporting assignments at Channel 7 took her across the country covering some of the most significant stories of the ‘90s, including the Oklahoma City Bombing and the 1995 visit to the United States by Pope John Paul II.

To learn more about Teresa visit her web site at www.teresatomeo.com. To inquire about scheduling Teresa Tomeo for your event send an e-mail message to info@teresatomeo.com or call Teresa at 586/ 777-2691.

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