Kharisma McIlwaine

Age: "I'm grown. That's how old I am."

Neighborhood: West Philadelphia.

High school: Attended Friends Select, where she played soccer, basketball and softball, and sang in the choir.

College: Cabrini College; she had leading roles in five musicals and was a member of the Cabrini Dance Team.

Job: Community ambassador and on-air personality, The CW Philly 57/CBS3.

Claim to fame: "My ability to roll with the punches and make the best of any situation."

Funny girl: "I'll do just about anything for a laugh. Laughing is my favorite pastime."

If her love life were a reality TV show, it would be called: "Amazing Race."

Musical notes: Enjoys playing R&B and jazz with her grandfather, Lee Smith, a saxophone player. "It's amazing to have pictures of when I was 2 years old, pressing keys on the piano. To still be able to play with
him and get up on the stage is an amazing experience."

Describes herself as: Generous, warmhearted, fun-loving and genuine.

Admires: Oprah Winfrey. "Because she's been able to use her celebrity to change the world. It's about seeing how you can bless other people with what you have been given."

E-mail: www.myspace.com/officialkharisma