Dana Perino knows a promising young newswoman when she sees one.

The Fox News star has publicly shown her support for her assistant Kate DePetro after the rising media figure shared a proud behind-the-scenes moment from Washington, D.C.

Kate posted a photo of herself standing behind the White House press room podium — the kind of image that feels especially powerful for someone trying to build a career in political media.

Tagging Dana in the caption, she playfully asked: “How do I look at the podium?”

Dana’s response was short, but full of encouragement.

“Brilliant!!”

For Kate, it was more than just a sweet comment from a famous boss.

It was a sign of how far she had come.

The Rhode Island native has been open about her journey into television news, telling followers that her path to Fox News was not instant or easy. Before landing her current role, she studied at Hofstra University, a school she chose partly because it kept her close to New York City — the place she had always dreamed of living and working.

At first, Kate worked in public relations.

But after only a few months, she realised her heart was pulling her toward news.

That instinct was not random.

Kate grew up around media and politics. Her father, John DePetro, is a well-known Rhode Island broadcaster, and she has said his career helped shape her own interest in journalism and public affairs.

From a young age, politics was part of the conversation at home.

So when a chance came to join Fox & Friends through a sorority connection, Kate took it.

It was a risk.

She left a more conventional PR path behind and stepped into the fast-moving world of morning television.

But the gamble paid off.

At Fox, Kate worked around major media names, political figures and celebrity guests, learning the pace and pressure of live news from the inside.

And then came the meeting that changed everything.

Dana Perino appeared as a guest on the Fox & Friends set, and Kate decided to speak to her.

That moment could have passed quickly.

A brief hello.

A polite exchange.

Nothing more.

But Kate had read Dana’s book and said it had come into her life at exactly the right time.

So she told her.

She approached Dana and explained that the book had helped her, inspired her and given her something she needed to hear at that stage of her career.

That honesty opened the door.

The two stayed connected, and when an assistant position later became available, Dana offered Kate the job.

It was the kind of career moment young professionals dream about — but Kate has been careful not to present it as luck alone.

In a TikTok video explaining how she got her role, she told followers that hard work, positivity and showing up every day with the right attitude can make people want to help you.

That message clearly reflects the kind of person Dana saw in her.

Someone eager.

Someone grounded.

Someone willing to work.

Someone who understood that in television, attitude can matter just as much as ambition.

Dana, of course, knows that world better than most. She currently co-anchors America’s Newsroom and co-hosts The Five, while also being one of Fox News’ most recognisable political voices. Before television, she served as White House press secretary under President George W. Bush — a role that required discipline, clarity and extraordinary composure under pressure.

So for a young woman hoping to build a life in news and politics, working beside Dana is not just a job.

It is a masterclass.

Every meeting, every script, every segment and every trip becomes part of the education.

And Kate seems to know it.

Her social media presence shows someone excited by the opportunity, proud of the work and grateful for the people helping her along the way.

That may be why Dana’s “brilliant” comment resonated.

It was simple, but it carried the warmth of a mentor cheering on someone she believes in.

In an industry that can be competitive, unforgiving and full of closed doors, that kind of encouragement matters.

It can give a young professional the confidence to keep going.

It can turn a stressful week into a milestone.

It can remind someone that the work is being noticed.

Kate’s story also speaks to a wider truth about careers in media: the path is rarely perfectly straight.

She tried PR.

She changed direction.

She leaned on connections.

She introduced herself when the chance came.

She worked hard enough that the right person remembered her.

Now, with Dana Perino in her corner, Kate DePetro is building her own name inside Fox News.

She may have grown up with a broadcaster father and political conversations at home, but her next steps are hers to make.

And if Dana’s public praise is any sign, her mentor believes she is more than ready.

For Kate, that White House podium photo was not just a fun Instagram moment.

It was a glimpse of possibility.

A young woman standing where history is made, backed by a boss who sees her potential — and brave enough to ask how she looks there.

Dana’s answer said it all.

Brilliant.