Courtesy of ABC, Photo by Heidi Gutman
The list of Rebecca Jarvis’ accomplishments stretches back to her teen years in Minneapolis, when she worked with the National Youth Leadership Council, landed an interview with then-Secretary of State Colin Powell, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. But her Midwestern work ethic led her to the University of Chicago and, eventually, to New York City, where she now serves as ABC News’ chief business, technology, and economics correspondent. We talked with Jarvis in June about what it was like to cover Minnesota’s tumultuous year as both an insider and from a distance—and what her roots still mean to her.
Do you get back often to visit Minnesota?
Yes! My husband and our kids and I come back many times a year. I was just back for the Special Olympics; [later, we had] a cabin weekend with my family and my in-laws; and [then] I [came] back to cover the Taste of Minnesota for ABC News’ 24 hours of programming for America’s 250th birthday. As we’ve been covering all 50 states in the lead-up to the 250th, I’ve gotten to know Minnesota even better—I got to know Diane Moua of Diane’s Place and the Red Bears basketball team in Minneapolis.
How have your Minnesota roots shaped you?
For me, a lot of it comes back to how important it is to care for your community. [Minneapolis city council member] Michael Rainville still lives up the block from my childhood home, and he and my dad and a number of families in our neighborhood were really dedicated to keeping our neighborhood clean, safe, and a great place for families. We’d have block parties and boulevard cleanups, we’d plant flowers—it was an example early in my life that you have to have ownership over making your community what you want it to be.
As you observed and covered Minnesota in the spotlight over the past year or so, from the Annunciation shooting to Operation Metro Surge, did anything surprise you?
The morning after the Annunciation shooting, I stood outside that school and watched the people of that community come together—to go through such
harrowing and painful moments together. That idea of being together affirmed for me what I know the state and city to be. I saw people feeling sorrow but also a deep sense of obligation to their neighborhoods. I was reminded of how much people in Minnesota take care of each other.
Courtesy of ABC, Photo by Heidi Gutman
How have journalism and the media evolved since you started your career in 2006 at CNBC?
Back then, social media barely existed, so now, to see all the ways people can communicate, it opens up a world of opportunities—and it also creates more noise for any audience. It’s a great opportunity for somebody like me; I spend a lot of time these days thinking about AI and how that’s changing our world and what it means for humanity. I spend a lot of time trying to help our viewers make sense of the economy or overcome higher prices.
We have all these different types of outlets where we can share a message and get important info out to people, but it’s also a recommitment to the pursuit of truth, the pursuit of facts—and that takes time, energy, and dedication. You might see a video from me that’s a minute long, but behind the scenes, it takes time to call sources, interview people,
and make sure the story is airtight. I also spend more time these days focused on podcasting. (I used to listen to KDWB religiously as a kid!) My podcast “The Dropout” opened up kind of a blank canvas for me—I was able to tell the story in a completely new way, and I love
that direction of technology and what it opens up for us.
What are your non-negotiables for taking care of yourself, in a world that doesn’t value slowing down?
One of my favorite workouts is dance. When I’m back in Minnesota, I’ll often go with my mother-in-law, Cindy, to Life Time Fitness—there’s an awesome Zumba class there.
When I’m in New York, I take dance classes. Some people know more about this part of my story—and my husband, Matt’s—but the journey to our family took a lot of work. There was a long struggle with infertility, and I rediscovered dance early on in that journey. Dancing with other women through those moments was truly one of the most powerful and happy experiences at a time when I felt so burdened with fear.
We are also very committed to trying to do family dinners as much as possible. For most of the week, we are together as a family. I make dinner for my kids, we all sit down together, and that really adds to my wellness.
I also really love walking. New York is a very walkable place, so I try to walk to meetings and even meet up with someone for a coffee and walk if they’re up for it. That brings me a lot of joy.
