Vanessa Yurkevich, a prominent CNN correspondent, is renowned for her insightful coverage of business and politics. Born on November 29, 1985, she is 39 years old as of 2025. With an estimated net worth of $3 million and an annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $120,000, she has built a successful career in journalism. Currently married to Brian Dutt, the CEO of BeeRoll, Vanessa’s professional journey and personal life spark curiosity. This article delves into her biography, career milestones, dating history, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her impactful work.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Journalist’s Path
Born and raised in New Jersey, Vanessa Yurkevich grew up in a diverse environment that fueled her curiosity for storytelling. Her Polish descent and fluency in English, Spanish, and Polish reflect her multicultural roots, which have enriched her reporting, especially on immigration. She attended Montclair High School in Essex County, where her passion for journalism began to take shape. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies with a minor in Spanish at Fordham University Lincoln Center. In 2010, she earned a certificate in Polish Language and Literature from Hunter College, further honing her linguistic skills.
Her education wasn’t just academic; it was a launchpad for her global perspective. For instance, her time studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she worked with Associated Press Television, gave her firsthand experience in international journalism. This unique angle—blending cultural fluency with on-the-ground reporting—sets her apart from peers.
Career Journey: From Intern to CNN Star
Vanessa Yurkevich’s career began in 2006 as an intern at ABC News, followed by a stint at CBS News. Her early roles included working as a freelance producer for the Associated Press in Buenos Aires, where she conducted interviews in Spanish. By 2008, she joined NY1 News as a field producer, covering significant events like the 2010 Haiti Earthquake and Barack Obama’s Puerto Rico visit. Her ability to shoot, edit, and report as a “one-man band” showcased her versatility.
In 2012, Vanessa briefly worked as a reporter for The New York Times’ The Local, focusing on New York’s East Village culture. She also hosted Buzz60 for Zazoom Media Group and freelanced for the BBC, covering tourism and lifestyle. Since joining CNN in October 2014, she has risen to prominence as a business and politics correspondent, covering pivotal stories like the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, the 2019 General Motors strike, and the COVID-19 economic impact. Her 2023 coverage of labor strikes, including the UAW strike and SAG-AFTRA, earned her acclaim for securing exclusive interviews with CEOs like Mary Barra of GM and Jim Farley of Ford.
A unique insight from her career: Vanessa’s ability to connect with everyday Americans—whether steelworkers in Pittsburgh or farmers in the Midwest—stems from her empathetic approach. For example, during CNN’s #MyVote Campaign Camper tour in 2016, she traveled across the U.S., engaging voters on issues like healthcare and trade. This hands-on experience gave her a nuanced understanding of economic challenges, which she brings to her reporting.
Personal Life: Married, Dating History, and Family
Is Vanessa Yurkevich married? Yes, Vanessa Yurkevich married Brian Dutt on July 30, 2022, after a brief six-week engagement. Brian, the founder and CEO of BeeRoll, an ice skating company, shares Vanessa’s adventurous spirit. The couple welcomed their daughter, Isabel Christine Dutt, in 2024, marking a new chapter in their lives. Before her marriage, Vanessa was linked to a man named Lobo, as mentioned in some social media posts, but details remain scarce.
Vanessa keeps her family life private, though she occasionally shares glimpses on Instagram (@vanessayurkevich). She has a sister, Allison Yurkevich, a fashion assistant, and her mother, Bette Yurkevich, often appears in her posts. Her father’s identity and other family details remain undisclosed, reflecting her preference for privacy.
A real-world example of her personal side: Vanessa’s love for animals is evident in her fostering of cats and dogs. She once shared a story on Twitter (@VanessaYurk) about fostering a kitten during a hectic reporting schedule, highlighting her ability to balance demanding work with personal passions.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
As of 2025, Vanessa Yurkevich’s net worth is estimated at $3 million, a significant increase from earlier estimates of $500,000, reflecting her growing influence at CNN. Her salary, reportedly between $100,000 and $120,000 annually, aligns with the pay scale for experienced CNN correspondents. This financial success stems from her extensive career, including high-profile assignments and awards like the Edward R. Murrow Award and Webby Award for her 2016 election coverage.
For context, a 2024 Glassdoor analysis suggests CNN journalists with her experience level can earn up to $130,000 with bonuses, indicating Vanessa’s compensation may be higher than reported. Her financial growth mirrors her career trajectory, from freelancing to becoming a trusted voice on CNN’s platforms.
Awards and Achievements: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Vanessa’s work has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Scripps Howard Immigration Fellowship and the Knight Foundation’s US-Russia Young Media Professionals Fellowship. Her coverage of the 2016 Presidential Election, particularly anchoring CNN’s digital broadcast from the Empire State Building, won her an Edward R. Murrow Award, a Webby Award, and a PROMAXBDA Award. These honors underscore her ability to deliver compelling, award-winning journalism.
A unique angle: Vanessa’s immigration reporting, including her exclusive photos of conditions at the US-Mexico border, has influenced policy discussions. Her three-part series, “The Green Wall”, offered a rare look into the lives of Border Patrol agents, blending empathy with hard-hitting journalism.
Recent Updates: Vanessa Yurkevich in 2025
In 2025, Vanessa continues to cover the intersection of business and politics for CNN, with a focus on tariffs and global trade. Her recent reports on Chinese brands expanding in the U.S. amid trade tensions highlight her ability to tackle complex economic issues. She also remains active on social media, engaging followers on LinkedIn and Twitter (@VanessaYurk) with behind-the-scenes insights into her reporting.
Her personal life has evolved with motherhood, which she balances with her demanding career. A recent Instagram post showed her reporting from a labor strike while managing family life, a testament to her resilience.
Vanessa Yurkevich Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vanessa Yurkevich |
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Polish descent, Hispanic-American heritage |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Spanish, Fordham University; Certificate in Polish, Hunter College |
| Languages | Fluent in English, Spanish, and Polish |
| Occupation | CNN Business and Politics Correspondent |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Employer | CNN (since October 2014) |
| Previous Employers | ABC News, CBS News, Associated Press, NY1 News, The New York Times, BBC |
| Marital Status | Married to Brian Dutt (since July 30, 2022) |
| Children | Isabel Christine Dutt (born 2024) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $3 million |
| Salary (Annual) | $100,000–$120,000 |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 63 kg |
| Eye Color | Light blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Awards | Edward R. Murrow, Webby, PROMAXBDA, Scripps Howard Immigration Fellowship |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn |
| Hobbies | Fostering animals, horseback riding, traveling |
Conclusion: A Dynamic Voice in Journalism
Vanessa Yurkevich remains a dynamic force in journalism, blending business acumen with political insight. Her age, net worth, married life, and salary reflect a successful career built on hard work and cultural fluency. From her early days in New Jersey to her current role at CNN, Vanessa’s journey inspires aspiring journalists. For more details, visit her CNN profile or follow her on Twitter.
