Stella Foster facts for kids

Stella Foster is an American journalist. She worked for the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper for many years. She started as an assistant to a famous columnist named Irv Kupcinet. Later, Stella wrote her own popular columns for the newspaper and for Sister 2 Sister magazine.

About Stella Foster

Stella Foster worked for the Chicago Sun-Times (pictured) for many years.

Stella Foster grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Her family lived in a neighborhood called Englewood. Her parents, Peter James and Mamie Lee Foster, owned stores. Stella has a sister named Jamie Foster Brown. Jamie is the owner of Sister 2 Sister magazine. Stella went to Calumet High School in Chicago.

Stella Foster's Career in Journalism

Stella Foster worked as a journalist in Chicago for 43 years. She was an assistant, a columnist, and a broadcaster. Her career began in 1969. Her sister told her that Irv Kupcinet, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, needed a secretary. Stella started working for him on September 1, 1969. She was his assistant for decades.

Learning from a Mentor

Irv Kupcinet taught Stella many important things about journalism. She said he was a very honest person. His personality helped them get "scoops," which are exclusive news stories. They had a special phone line where people could call in news tips. As Kupcinet got older, Stella worked with him more closely. She even started getting her name printed on his column.

Writing Her Own Columns

Stella began writing her own column in the mid-1980s. It was called "Starlights by Stella" and appeared in Sister 2 Sister magazine. After Irv Kupcinet passed away, Stella started her own column for the Chicago Sun-Times. This column, called "Stella's Column," began on December 2, 2003.

At first, "Stella's Column" appeared twice a week. Later, it was published five times a week. Stella also had a regular TV segment on FOX News called "Stella Sez." She retired from her career on her birthday, August 6, 2012. The Chicago Sun-Times did not choose anyone to take her place.

Awards and Recognition

Stella Foster has received many awards for her work. One special award is the Irv Kupcinet Media Giant Award. It is named after her mentor.

Some of her other awards include:

• "Promises Fulfilled Award" from South Central Community Services
• Communications Award from the 100 Black Men of Chicago
• Chicago Journalists Association's Lifetime Achievement Award
• The Chicago Latino Network's Platinum Communications Award
• A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Gentle Warrior Award
• National Association of Black Journalists’ Distinguished Service Award
• Rainbow PUSH Media Trailblazer Award
• Archibald Motley Excellence in Arts Award, from the Englewood Committee
• Mt. Sinai's Parenting Institute's African Village Award (which she shared with her family)
• Torch for Journalism from Sigma Gamma Rho sorority
• “Making A Difference Award” from Rainbow PUSH Coalition as a Woman of Distinction
• State of Illinois African American Media Award from the Secretary of State's Office
• African-American History Service Award from Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church
• Joint Civic Committee of Italian American's coveted Dante media award
• "Shero" Award for Career Achievement from NABFEME

Stella Foster has also been honored by many groups. The Midwest Radio and Music Association saluted her. The Expo for Today's Black Woman called her a “Phenomenal Woman.” Today's Chicago Woman Magazine named her one of The “100 Woman Making a Difference.” She also received awards for excellence in journalism from Each One Teach One Literacy's Englewood Community, the Chicago Black Public Relations Society, and the National Council of Negro Women.

See also

• Jamie Foster Brown, Stella's sister