As a black American raised in the segregated south, Velma Cato never learned to accept the word "can't". Her relentless sense of possibility motivated her to ignore the boundaries of race, gender and low expectations to pursue careers in broadcast journalism, television production and media entrepreneurship.

Velma's broadcast career began in Memphis, Tennessee, where she worked as a reporter and anchor at WDIA and WHBQ radio while attending the University of Memphis. After college she was hired by powerhouse radio station KTRH in Houston, Texas, where at age 22 she became not only their youngest news director but their first African-American news director. In 1980 she moved to New York City, where she was swiftly promoted to News Director and Executive Producer for NBC Radio Network, and later, New York Bureau Chief for NBC Network TV News. The major events Velma produced include the nation's Bicentennial Celebration, the 1984 Winter and Summer Olympics, and the 1988 Democratic Convention.

In 1989, motivated by a desire to expand her horizons to reality-based television programming, Velma moved to Los Angeles. Among the hundreds of hours of successful shows she has produced are Personalities hosted by Charlie Rose, Women's Diaries hosted by Linda Ellerbee, the critically acclaimed Ron Reagan Show, Danny hosted by Danny Bonaduce, and Dr. Laura hosted by Dr. Laura Schlesinger.

In 1993 FOX O&O, WFLD, Chicago hired Velma to revitalize their news organization. During her seven month term as Executive News Consultant and Vice President of News, she supervised the start-up of a three-hour morning news show that won several Emmy Awards after only a few months on air.

Velma has written, produced and directed over 30 hours of documentary programming for A&E Biography, The Family Channel and American Movie Classics. Her production company, DVP Group, provides musical support to hit shows such as The Tonight Show, American Idol and the Grammys.

Among Velma's proudest achievements is Founders Academy, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities to teenage children of families affected by substance abuse. To date, Velma has received over 40 national and international awards, including two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Brotherhood Awards for Excellence in Journalism, and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.

Velma currently resides in Los Angeles and is actively developing new projects.