Syeda Abbas, a famed journalist and immigrant from Pakistan, has become a key voice within her community. Now living in Brooklyn Heights Promenade, she transformed early language barriers into stepping stones, earning a journalism degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
With over eight years of varied experience, from driving Uber to on-air modeling for QVC and honing her reporting skills at Fox 29 Philadelphia, Syeda has risen through the ranks. Today, she continues to engage and impress as a beloved figure at News 12, where her stories strongly connect with her viewers.
She Is Inspired By Retired Journalist Shaista Zaid
Syeda holds great admiration for Shaista Zaid, a legendary journalist from Pakistan. Captivated by Shaista’s assertive and graceful on-screen presence, she has always aspired to impact the world through her own journalistic endeavors.
On July 17, 2024, as Syeda announced her departure from KVOA and Tucson to pursue anchoring opportunities in New York, she took to Instagram to share a touching still from her last broadcast. Accompanying a heartfelt image, her caption paid homage to her role model:
I want to mention the legendary Pakistani Journalist Shaista Zaid. Watching her taught me how important this job is. She carried herself with poise, grace, and confidence. Her voice was like butter! 🤌🏾 Shaista paved the way for so many like myself. I love what I do.
She Keeps Her Family Moments Private
Syeda cherishes her family moments, sharing them selectively on social media. On Father’s Day, she posted a loving snapshot with her father, both beaming with joy as they hug each other.
She also shares a close relationship with her mother, often expressing her affection on social media. On International Women’s Day 2020, she praised her mom’s strength and fearlessness in a Facebook tribute. For Mother’s Day 2022, she attached an adorable Facebook image celebrating diverse maternal experiences with symbolic floral arrangements.
Furthermore, Abbas treasures her dual responsibilities as aunt and babysitter to her nephew, sharing their special moments on Instagram. Whether they’re hanging out at home or she’s giving him a taste of her world during an internship with FOX 29, their bond is clear.
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She Is An Avid Book Reader
Syeda loves to read self-help books to broaden her mind. She often shares her favorite books on her social media handles, aiming to encourage her followers to adopt reading habits. Among her top recommendations featured in her story highlights are transformative reads like Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, Brianna Wiest’s The Mountain Is You and Ceremony, and The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.
Syeda Is A Yogini
Syeda is not only a journalist but also a yoga enthusiast. She practices yoga regularly to balance her mind and body, a routine she values for its grounding effects amid her bustling career. She shares her yoga journey through a dedicated video on her Instagram, influencing her followers with poses and practices that enhance mindfulness and wellness.

