Moms don’t get the recognition they deserve! As a business run BY local moms FOR local moms, Boston Moms is excited to showcase the hard work local moms are doing — both at home and in their professions.

Juli McDonald - Boston Moms

Boston Moms is proud to feature Juli McDonald for this “Meet a Boston Mom Monday!” You may recognize Juli’s face from your favorite news channel. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Juli is a new mom and a reporter for WBZ-TV. She balances a demanding career with crazy hours, a young son, and a husband who works as a state trooper. Join us in celebrating Juli and the important contributions she makes at home and at work! 

We asked Juli to share a bit about herself. Get to know her here!

Full Name: Juli McDonald
Occupation: General assignment reporter, WBZ-TV
Children: A son, Tommy, who just turned one
Hometown: Norwood, MA
Favorite local restaurant: Town Spa Pizza in Stoughton
Favorite local business or brand: Castle Island Brewing in Norwood

Tell us a bit about your work/job: I am a general assignment reporter working weekday evenings 3–11 p.m. I never know where my job will take me each day (down the Cape, New Hampshire, a tragedy, or a happy story). Like most reporters, I love a good “people” story, and I enjoy my job most when I’m interviewing kids or individuals with special needs. Having an autistic brother has made me a very compassionate storyteller. The hours are tough; my husband and I are two passing ships working opposite shifts — but we save a lot on child care! Sad stories have become harder to cover since becoming a mom. I really make it my goal to write sensitively and keep in mind that the “subjects” in my story mean a lot to someone.

What is the one thing that surprised you the most about motherhood? How involved the process of leaving the house would become — haha!

What is one piece of advice you’d offer another working mom? Put the phone down — advice I am trying to follow myself!

What is one way you take care of yourself? I’d have to say retail therapy. Packages on the front steps just give me the feels.

Is there anything else we should know about you or your work? My first TV job was in Bismarck, North Dakota. That is my go-to fun fact. I moved there right out of school when I was 21 and worked there for two years. I met wonderful, kind people and made some of my happiest memories. It was a true adventure! I have even been back to visit.

List two women who inspire you (can be local or celebrity): My mom, Colleen, a longtime ER nurse, special needs mom, and devout Catholic; and probably Kate Middleton, because #goals.

You can read more about Juli McDonald here. Follow her at @julimcdonald on Twitter or @julimcdonaldwbz on Instagram.

Are you interested in being highlighted in a “Meet a Boston Mom” feature, or do you know someone who deserves this recognition? Let us know! Please email Meghan Block at [email protected] to discuss a feature.
Meghan Block
Meghan was born and raised on the South Shore and attended college in Boston. After college, she married her high school sweetheart and followed him to Charleston, SC, and Groton, CT, where he served as a submarine officer in the United States Navy. Military life was an adventure, and after six crazy years of service (and two babies later!), the pair decided to move *home* to the South Shore in 2016 and put down some roots. Meghan is the proud owner of Boston Moms and work-at-home mom to William, Benjamin, and Caroline, born in 2013, 2015 and 2019. She loves meeting new people, encouraging moms, celebrating motherhood, and supporting small businesses.