You can easily call them one of Buffalo’s power-couples. Nalina Sharpiro and Jonah Javad are both fixtures on local television.
Nalina anchors Channel 4’s 5:30 & 10 p.m. newscasts.
Photo credit: WIVB
And Jonah reports and anchors sports for Channel 2.
Both have quite a fan base … and both are leaving Western New York.
Together.
They’re headed for the Lone Star State.
Yep, if you didn’t know – Nalina and Jonah have been together for about two and a half years. They met through a mutual friend, went on a date, and never looked back. Now, they’re headed to Texas, “We talked about it together through the entire thing, it was always a discussion between both of us,” Nalina told me in a phone interview, “He is so talented and I want him to be happy and chase his dreams. The timing just felt right.”
Jonah accepted a reporter, fill-in anchor position at WFAA in Dallas. It’s a top five market; a great opportunity and the start of a new adventure. Nalina is taking a job out of the news business, “I’m feeling really excited. I’ve been through so many emotions in the past few months.” Nalina admits it’s been a roller coaster of emotions, but says she’s never wavered on her decision, “I felt like, you know what, I was up for a new adventure. I want to focus on what makes me happy, you know and having a family someday. That’s really what this is about. It’s an adventure. So, I said we should do this, let’s make it work. I’m so excited for this new chapter and to see what happens next.”
Here’s what happens next – in the short-term, anyway – they finish boxing up their belongings, pack up their cars and on March 1st – hit the road towards that new adventure. The trio will drive across the country; Jonah, Nalina and their fur baby, Bogey – who has gathered quite a following in his own right here in Buffalo. (Follow Bogey on Instagram)
       
But, let’s face it, leaving Buffalo isn’t easy. Nalina, who grew up in Saratoga Springs, just outside of Albany, has grown to love and appreciate this community, “Out of college when I came here, to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect,” Nalina admitted, “I was excited and overwhelmed, but uncertain about what I’d find. But, it’s been so great. The people in Buffalo are fiercely loyal, they love what they love and are unapologetic. They have huge hearts and want to embrace you. I really love Buffalo and I’m so thankful that I basically got to live out my twenties here. I am so happy that I committed to this city for eight years. I really love how much people value community here.”
Jonah agrees. He says he’ll miss his good friends and all of his fun adventures, “Buffalo will always be a part of me wherever I go. It’s where I truly grew up and matured into the man I always aspired to be. And for that, I’ll be eternally thankful and indebted to this wonderful city.”
Nalina says she is thankful that Channel 4 viewers embraced her and she’s had the opportunity to fulfill the dreams of a fresh-faced journalist right out of college; telling stories, reporting the news, making a difference. But, as often happens, our goals and dreams change as we get older and so begins the next phase. Nalina doesn’t want to talk about her new career path just yet, but she does say – she’s excited, looking forward to it, and embracing every step of this new journey, “I just think that everything is falling into place. There was uncertainty, but now that we are packing our things up, of course I’m sad to say goodbye – but you only live once and we have our entire lives ahead to build something. I feel like everything here in Buffalo has prepared us for this new adventure.”
Jonah and Nalina have worked in Buffalo and played in Buffalo – but they also both gave their time to help others, working with local charities over the years; making a difference and leaving their mark.
Jonah starts his new job on March 6th and a week later, Nalina starts hers. They may be leaving, but Nalina says, they’ll never forget the Queen City, “I love the sense of community here. I will always remember that and always have it in my heart and soul. Buffalo is, and always will be a part of my story.”
We wish them all the luck in the world as they head to Dallas!
Nalina you will be sorely missed – Channel 4 news will NOT be the same without you – sorry I really don’t know much about Jonah but hope you two will be happy together for a very long time and take good care of Bogey – please stay on facebook and keep us posted on your accomplishments etc. – you will be Missed by a Whole Lot of Folks – I am sure you both will be successful in your endeavors. Good Luck (not Good Bye).
Nalina you will be sorely missed – Channel 4 news will NOT be the same without you – sorry I really don’t know much about Jonah but hope you two will be happy together for a very long time and take good care of Bogey – please stay on facebook and keep us posted on your accomplishments etc. – you will be Missed by a Whole Lot of Folks – I am sure you both will be successful in your endeavors. Good Luck (not Good Bye).
Thanks for the kind words Pat! We will take great care of Bogey!
Thanks for the kind words Pat! We will take great care of Bogey!
Nalina Jonah & Bogey all the best out in Big D. Although we are sad you are both leaving we are so happy for the opportunities that await you. A few years ago I was at taste of country and met Jonah I asked him how he liked buffalo and he said he really liked it and it would always be special to him because he met his gf here. That little exchange always stuck with me especially after I found out you two were dating. Good luck to you both & thanks for the great work you both did on and off air.
Nalina Jonah & Bogey all the best out in Big D. Although we are sad you are both leaving we are so happy for the opportunities that await you. A few years ago I was at taste of country and met Jonah I asked him how he liked buffalo and he said he really liked it and it would always be special to him because he met his gf here. That little exchange always stuck with me especially after I found out you two were dating. Good luck to you both & thanks for the great work you both did on and off air.
Nalina, I have enjoyed watching your news casts. Honestly you are my favorite newscaster. News 4 will not be the same. Good luck to you and Jonah in Texas. Take care of yourselves and Bogey too. I’m positive you both have a bright future ahead. Good luck!!
Nalina, I have enjoyed watching your news casts. Honestly you are my favorite newscaster. News 4 will not be the same. Good luck to you and Jonah in Texas. Take care of yourselves and Bogey too. I’m positive you both have a bright future ahead. Good luck!!
Nalina has been an outstanding news anchor on Ch 4, the best since the departure of Carol Jasen. No one currently comes close to her on WIVB’s staff. Blessings to Nalina on her new direction, definitely will miss her. First Don Paul, and now Nalina, my allegiance will have to change!
Nalina has been an outstanding news anchor on Ch 4, the best since the departure of Carol Jasen. No one currently comes close to her on WIVB’s staff. Blessings to Nalina on her new direction, definitely will miss her. First Don Paul, and now Nalina, my allegiance will have to change!
Nalina and Jonah, I wish you both All the luck in the world. Nalina, I have watched you mature into a wonderful young woman full of compassion, kindness and a large spirit. I will miss your beautiful smile. Live life and be happy!!
Nalina and Jonah, I wish you both All the luck in the world. Nalina, I have watched you mature into a wonderful young woman full of compassion, kindness and a large spirit. I will miss your beautiful smile. Live life and be happy!!
Good luck to both of you! Follow your hearts and your dreams while you are both young! You will not regret it.
Take care of that awesome pup. Such an awesome breed.
Good luck to both of you! Follow your hearts and your dreams while you are both young! You will not regret it.
Take care of that awesome pup. Such an awesome breed.