Alumni Spotlight: Ryann Jones

Ryann Jones 
Northwest High School Class of 2020 

Ryann Jones graduated from Northwest High School in 2020, where she gained confidence in front of the camera and later was one of the first Black women meteorologists in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Today, she is a meteorologist with the NBC 5 Weather Experts team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a region her family called home starting in fifth grade. Ms. Jones attended Hatfield Elementary, Pike Middle School and Northwest High School.

At Northwest High School, Ms. Jones credits the Creative Media Production Academy — part of the Northwest ISD Career and Technical Education program — for guiding her toward a career in meteorology. She shared insights about her journey with us.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at Northwest High School?  
During high school, I participated in choir, Northwest High School TV and played volleyball.

Ms. Jones, can you tell us about yourself?
I graduated in 2024 with a degree in meteorology and a minor in broadcast media/communications from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Though I was born in Florida, I moved around quite a bit during my childhood. My family settled in Texas during my fifth-grade year, and we've been here ever since. I was active in musical theater, even performing in New York, and I played volleyball at the collegiate level. My fascination with clouds began in fifth grade, which inspired my pursuit of a career in meteorology.

What has your career path been to your current role with the NBC 5 Weather Experts team?  
My journey has been incredible, and I’m thankful to be where I am at such a young age. I started interning at NBC 5 DFW during my sophomore year of college, which provided me with a solid foundation in the industry. I learned to ask countless questions and gain hands-on experience on camera. By my junior year, I was able to enhance my on-camera skills, leading to an internship as the weekend meteorologist in Tyler, Texas, which was my first on-air role. This led to a part-time position as the weekend morning meteorologist in Jacksonville, Florida, where I made history as the first Black female meteorologist in my station’s 65-year history and the second in Jacksonville overall. Now, I’m back in my hometown, working full-time at the same station where I interned, which ranks fourth in the country.

What have you learned throughout your journey?
Through this journey, I’ve learned that trusting in the things you do when no one is watching will yield rewards in the future. Don’t compare your journey to others; we are all created with a unique purpose, and everyone’s path will touch the lives of others along the way. That’s what life is all about!

How did your experience at Northwest High School prepare you for your future?
I was fortunate to join the Creative Media Production Academy late in my high school journey — specifically, during my senior year! This experience provided my very first opportunity to be on camera, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, I’m grateful that I was the weather anchor for that short period of time because it confirmed this is exactly what I wanted to pursue as a career before graduating high school.

What is one valuable lesson you took from NISD that you still carry with you today?  
Being part of the Lady Texan Volleyball program taught me the importance of character, particularly integrity and resilience. I suffered a serious knee injury in high school, and coming back from that injury was a significant mental challenge. However, I learned that resilience, along with integrity and commitment to the little things, lays the foundation for future success.

What message would you like to share with the next generation of graduates?
It's essential to find a mentor in the career path you’re considering, especially if you’re entering a field where you have little knowledge or connections. I’ve had a mentor since my sophomore year of high school, and having that guidance, along with networking, has been invaluable as a young professional starting my career. Mentors provide not only insights into what is expected of you, but also the wisdom necessary for long-term success. Embrace the journey of life; no matter how much you plan, things may not unfold as you expect (trust me, I know), and that’s perfectly okay! Have faith, and remember that you’re never too young to pursue your purpose and make a difference.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am passionate about inspiring children and young adults, particularly underrepresented groups like women and people of color, to explore STEM careers and pursue their passions from an early age. My love for meteorology sparked in the 5th grade and now I strive to share that same excitement and curiosity with the next generation, encouraging them to dream big and explore their interests.

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In our alumni spotlight series, Northwest ISD graduates share their experiences and discuss how their time in the district shaped their personal and professional journeys after graduation. If you would like to nominate an alum for this series, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/EYC2163mVdQSpPKA9.