Tweeting her way to the top

By Jessica Pickens

Winthrop alumna Dannielle Owens-ReidWinthrop alumna Dannielle Owens-Reid is creating a career with Twitter.

The 2007 graduate is one of five finalists in the running to be the next MTV Twitter Jockey (TJ).

“A friend of mine told me about the competition, and they were looking for their last two candidates by way of twitter nominations,” Owens-Reid said. “Out of 16,000 people, the two of us were chosen.”

Owens-Reid has wanted to entertain since she was 13, said her father Jack Owens.

“She worked with the drama club at Wando High School, took voice lessons, learned to play musical instruments and worked with Charleston stage companies,” Owens said. “Everything she has done has been to prepare her to perform in some fashion.”

She majored in theater at Winthrop and moved to Chicago to study comedy and improv, her father said.

Her studies have brought her to MTV fame as she works to be the next MTV TJ.

“We've had to interview a people, make a few videos, gain Twitter followers and run around like crazy people,” Owens-Reid said. “My favorite activity was probably coming up with top three MTV moments. It was super fun to dig through memories and the MTV library to put it all together.”

As a Twitter Jockey, the winner will interview celebrities, have the opportunity to go to the MTV Video Music Awards and keep fans updated on new bands, Owens-Reid said.

“I'm bridging the gap between celebrity and fan,” she said.

Viewers can vote Sunday at 10 p.m.to choose the next MTV Twitter Jockey.