Board president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ southeast chapter, Evelyn Mims has left an indelible mark on the media landscape. At the NATAS Southeast Chapter – which honors industry professionals with the coveted Emmy Awards – she was the first African American chapter president. Previously, when working with Atlanta’s WXIA 11 Alive, she earned herself three Emmy nominations herself for her iconic “Soap Sultress” role, an on-air position reviewing Soap Operas. (She also performed a cameo on Days of Our Lives.) Mims served as a producer at the station, as well as an on-camera reporter and the community relations liaison.  

Originally from Hazlehurst, MS, Mims arrived in Atlanta in 1976 when the media industry was abuzz. A Jackson State University graduate and member of Delta Sigma Theta, Mims helped launch the university’s first radio station, WJSU, before moving on to WLBT in Jackson.

Today, in addition to her presidency, Mims serves on the board of Shepard Center and Open Hand Atlanta. She sat down with SocialAtlanta contributor Caroline Bentley Edwards 

Caroline Bently Edwards: How did your early roles at WLBT and WXIA influence your career in television?

Evelyn Mims: I grew up in rural Mississippi and we didn’t have a lot. My mother died when I was nine years old. I was the oldest of five, so I had a lot of responsibility at an early age. I graduated from high school and got a scholarship to Jackson State where I helped launch WJSU. It was one of my college professors who previously worked at WXIA TV that recommended me for a summer internship. I guess my early roles taught me to do everything, even the smallest of jobs. I’ve worked in front of the camera, behind the scenes, pulling camera cables, floor directing, editing literal film, etc. I used to edit Star Trek to air every day at 4 o’clock.

As someone who has shaped the Atlanta media landscape, what would you say is your biggest contribution?

I volunteered for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences southeast chapter, stuffing envelopes. I used to see the board meetings at the station and think, ‘Wow I really want to be a part of this group’ but I didn’t think I could ever be because I wasn’t in management, supervisor, an anchor or reporter, so I just volunteered. Eventually I became a board member alongside presidents, vice presidents, GMs and all kinds of people. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

A couple weeks ago, I received The Monica Kaufman Pearson Award from Monica herself. She gave me the best piece of advice. When I first started doing the “Soap Sultress” stuff I asked her how I could be the best that I could be. She said ‘Always be yourself no matter what.’

How did your experience as the ‘Soap Sultress’ on 11Alive’s ‘Noonday’ show and your guest appearances on ‘Days of Our Lives’ impact your career?

Days of Our Lives was an amazing experience. I got treated like a star on the set and it really impacted my career by getting my name out there. With Soap Sultress, I think I was so ahead of my time, as this is what everyone is doing now… reviewing! People still walk up to me and say ‘I used to watch you with my grandmother do the reviews of the soaps!’

What inspires your work with The NATAS Southeast Foundation and your own philanthropic passions? 

I got into the business because I felt that television was a medium to help and connect people. While it has drastically changed over my 38 years in the business, I still am very passionate about providing resources and mentorship to the next generation. We do three major events in addition to workshops and mentoring. We do the EMMYs, Student Production Awards and Gold and Silver Circle Honors—which is my baby. Gold and Silver Circle is where we honor those who have been in the business for 25 and 50 years. And this is everyone involved in the production, from camera people, to producers. Basically, people you wouldn’t know, but they are the backbone. Personally, I’m passionate about celebrating those people. 

What advice would you give to young professionals looking to enter the entertainment industry today? 

The one thing I would say to young people is that face-to-face networking is so important. Having hits, likes, followers, videos, Threads, Snapchat and Tiktok is all good and well and it’s part of our world now, but nothing takes the place of face-to-face interaction.