Beth Troutman
Beth Troutman has packed a lifetime's worth of experiences into 32 short years. She spent her entire young life as an entertainer, public speaker, and all-around over-achiever. She created the non-profit organization, "Build A Dream Foundation", at age 19 to help young adults develop a healthy self-esteem and to help prevent eating disorders in young girls.
She received bachelor's degrees in both Political Science and Women's Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she devoted a great deal of her time to studying images of women in the mass media and how those images affect self-esteem.
At age 23, Beth moved to Los Angeles to work in the heart of the media industry. She quickly landed a job with the Emmy-award winning television series, "The West Wing", and spent the next four years involved in all aspects of the show. At 27, Beth moved back to her home state of North Carolina to become the first woman to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 8. She was also one of the youngest candidates in the nation. Beth was honored to receive support from her co-workers at "The West Wing". Martin Sheen even traveled to North Carolina to campaign by her side. Although Beth lost the 2004 election, she was thrilled to have run one of the closest Congressional elections in the state that year.
A few months later, Beth was asked to be the host of the morning television show, "Fox News Rising" - a three hour show that covered everything from politics and entertainment to helpful tips for the home and family.
She was also an entertainment correspondent for the American Idol finale live from Hollywood each year.
Beth is passionate about women's issues and her goal is to help other women feel comfortable in their own skin and proud of who they are. Her professional path has been about breaking down barriers and contradicting stereotypes.
Beth is currently married and living in South Florida.
Kristy Villa
Kristy Villa began her career in her native city of Miami, Florida 18 years ago. She was hired as a reporter for WSVN Channel 7, a Fox affiliate in Miami. There she covered major news stories in Cuba and for Hurricane Andrew. In Cuba, she learned much about her family's roots who were forced out of Cuba in 1959 after Fidel Castro took power. She says that was one of the most memorable and emotional trips of her life.
After 4 years, she was offered a job at Fox 10 in Phoenix, Arizona as a morning anchor. There she learned about the mountains, and endeavored to hike the Grand Canyon which took 16 hours in one day, down and up! It was so difficult that she says it was one of the most physically stressing but rewarding experiences so far.
After a couple of years, she was offered another morning position at a larger market at KPRC NBC 2 in Houston, Texas. Kristy finessed her on-air hosting skills at their local morning show and also continued her love of hard news. She covered the papal visit to Cuba, as well as hurricane coverage of Katrina and Wilma in her hometown, Miami.
After several years, Kristy was ready to come back home and was offered a morning show in Miami, at WPLG ABC 10 where she anchored their local morning show.
Kristy got married in 2001, and in April, 2003, Kristy changed careers after the birth of her first child. She became a medical representative for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where she became educated on women's health issues. From there she became a specialist in women's health care, especially breast cancer. She also is well versed in hormone therapy, menopause, mammograms, oral contraceptives, and hysterectomies. She wanted to spend more time with her family and find more of a balance in her daily life.
Kristy graduated from the University of Miami. She has a Bachelors Degree, majoring in Science and minoring in Communications.
She now has two girls, Samantha, age 7, and Daniella, age 5.
Guest Hosts
Throughout the season, several celebrity moms will be special guest hosts on The Balancing Act. They will offer their unique insight and tips on ways they have found to Balance their busy lives.
