Written by Naomi K. Bonman
Westside Story Newspaper proudly congratulates former WSS News intern Noëlle Lilley, now Mrs. Noëlle Ashun, on her recent marriage and continued success as a journalist, storyteller, and shining example of the greatness that comes out of San Bernardino, California.
Noëlle’s story is one that deserves to be celebrated, not only because of what she has accomplished professionally, but because of what her journey represents. She is proof that a young woman from San Bernardino can dream boldly, work faithfully, and step into rooms that once may have felt far away.
Years ago, WSS News had the honor of highlighting Noëlle when she was beginning to make her mark in television news. Since then, she has continued to rise with grace, purpose, and excellence. Today, Noëlle covers Harlem for CBS News New York. Prior to CBS News New York, she served as a general assignment reporter with News 12 Bronx and Brooklyn.
But before the cameras, the newsroom deadlines, the live reports, and the New York spotlight, Noëlle’s journey included roots right here in San Bernardino. As a former WSS News intern, she represents the kind of homegrown talent that reminds our community that greatness is not something we have to look far to find. It is raised here. It is nurtured here. It begins here.
Now, as Noëlle steps into a beautiful new chapter as Mrs. Noëlle Ashun, her story becomes even more inspiring.
For generations, Black women have been told in different ways that they cannot have it all. They are often made to feel that they must choose between ambition and love, between building a powerful career and creating a meaningful personal life, between being excellent and being fully loved.
Noëlle’s journey tells a different story.
She has pursued the career of her dreams while also embracing the love of her life. Her life reminds young women, especially young Black women, that they do not have to shrink their dreams to be chosen. They do not have to silence their ambition to be loved. They do not have to choose between purpose and partnership.
They can have both.
Noëlle is showing that a woman can be focused, educated, career-driven, graceful, loved, and whole. She is showing that success does not have to come at the expense of joy. She is showing that love and purpose can exist in the same story.
And that message matters.
It matters to the young girl in San Bernardino who wants to become a journalist, an anchor, a reporter, a leader, a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, or anything else she can imagine. It matters to the young Black woman who has been told that her dreams are too big or that her standards are too high. It matters to the older woman who may need a reminder that life can still bring new chapters, new joy, and new celebrations.
Noëlle’s story is not just about career success. It is about becoming. It is about walking through life with faith, discipline, preparation, and an open heart. It is about honoring where you come from while continuing to grow into who you were created to be.
From WSS News intern to CBS News New York reporter, from Noëlle Lilley to Mrs. Noëlle Ashun, her journey is a beautiful reminder that San Bernardino produces excellence.
Westside Story Newspaper celebrates Noëlle, her accomplishments, her marriage, and the inspiring example she continues to set for women of all ages.
Congratulations, Noëlle. Your WSS News family is proud of you, and your hometown is still cheering you on.
