Hariana Verás Victória is an influential Angolan journalist, producer, and television host, renowned for her extensive coverage of U.S. political institutions as the only African reporter accredited to the White House, Pentagon, U.S. Senate, and State Department. She also reports from the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
Born on July 22, 1984, in Malanje, Angola, Verás began her journalism career at 18, working for several local newspapers such as Folha 8 and Angolense. She later expanded her expertise, studying Mass Communication at Universidade Agostinho Neto in Luanda and pursuing postgraduate studies in Television Production and Scriptwriting at Université Paris 8 in France. Her early work included positions as a reporter for Orion Television and, notably, as a Press Assistant at the Angolan Embassy in Washington, D.C., where she worked from 2007 to 2016. Her deep immersion in U.S. politics and institutions began in 2018 when she joined TPA as a U.S. correspondent.
Verás became a highly regarded figure in international journalism when she gained her “Hard Pass” for White House access in 2019, making her one of the very few foreign journalists with this privilege. She has been a frequent reporter from high-profile U.S. institutions, covering major events and political developments, including the Washington Accord peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in 2025. Verás’s coverage has earned her recognition both for her insightful reporting and for being a voice of the African continent in U.S. political spaces.
In June 2025, Verás garnered significant international attention when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly complimented her during a press conference, calling her “beautiful—and beautiful inside,” and expressing a desire for more reporters like her. This remark sparked widespread conversation on social media and news platforms, bringing even more attention to her growing influence in international journalism.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 22, 1984, in Malanje, Angola, Hariana Verás was raised in Luanda. She is the eldest of three siblings in a middle-class family. Her mother, a schoolteacher, and her father, a journalist, instilled in her a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of media. At 18, Verás embarked on her journalism career, contributing to local newspapers such as Folha 8 and Angolense. She later pursued a degree in Mass Communication at Universidade Agostinho Neto in Luanda and furthered her education with a postgraduate degree in Television Production and Scriptwriting from Université Paris 8 in France.
Career Milestones
Diplomatic and Media Beginnings
In 2007, Verás joined the Angolan Embassy in Washington, D.C., as a Press Assistant, a position she held for nine years. During this time, she launched a television program aimed at promoting Angola’s image in the United States. This role marked the beginning of her deep engagement with U.S. politics and media.
Rise to Prominence
In 2018, Verás became a correspondent for Televisão Pública de Angola (TPA), covering major events in the United States. By 2019, she had secured a “Hard Pass” for White House access, becoming one of the few foreign journalists with such credentials. She regularly reports from the White House, U.S. Senate, Pentagon, and State Department, providing in-depth coverage of U.S. foreign policy and international diplomacy.
Notable Coverage
Verás has reported on significant events such as the Washington Accord peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in June 2025. During this event, she interviewed Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who praised President Trump’s role in the mediation and expressed support for nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Personal Life
Hariana Verás is married to a cinematographer she met in France. The couple has two children, aged 7 and 4. Despite her public career, Verás maintains a private personal life, emphasizing the importance of family and cultural identity. She resides in Talatona, Luanda, and owns property in Lisbon, balancing her professional commitments with family life.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Hariana Verás’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million. Her income derives from her work as a television producer, correspondent, and public speaker. She also owns Makamba Studios, which produces popular television shows like Raízes D’África, a series that has gained popularity on African diaspora streaming platforms and earned her recognition in academic and media circles for “decolonizing television.”
Social Media Presence
Hariana Verás maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where she shares her work and engages with her audience. Her official Instagram handle is @harianaveras, and she is also active on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @harianaveras. Through these platforms, she provides insights into her journalistic endeavors and personal experiences.
Awards and Recognition
Verás’s contributions to journalism and media have been recognized internationally. In 2024, she received the Lusophone Women in Leadership Prize for her efforts in promoting press freedom and empowering women in media. Her work continues to inspire aspiring journalists, particularly women and Africans, to pursue careers in international journalism.
Conclusion
Hariana Verás Victória stands as a testament to the power of journalism in bridging cultures and influencing global discourse. Through her unwavering commitment to truth and representation, she has carved a path for African journalists in international media, offering perspectives that are often underrepresented. Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and the transformative impact of storytelling.
FAQs
What is Hariana Verás’s nationality?
Hariana Verás is Angolan.
Where was Hariana Verás born?
She was born in Malanje, Angola.
What is Hariana Verás’s educational background?
She studied Mass Communication at Universidade Agostinho Neto in Luanda and earned a postgraduate degree in Television Production and Scriptwriting from Université Paris 8 in France.
What institutions does Hariana Verás have access to as a journalist?
She is accredited with a “Hard Pass” to the White House, Pentagon, U.S. Senate, and State Department.
Has Hariana Verás received any notable awards?
Yes, she received the Lusophone Women in Leadership Prize in 2024.
What is Hariana Verás’s estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million.
Is Hariana Verás married?
Yes, she is married to a cinematographer and has two childrn.
What is Hariana Verás’s role at Televisão Pública de Angola?
She serves as a permanent correspondent in Washington, D.C.
