Dana Marie Perino, born on May 9, 1972, in Evanston, Wyoming, is a prominent American political commentator, author, and former White House Press Secretary. She grew up in Denver, Colorado, where she developed an early interest in politics and communications. Two of her paternal great-grandparents were Italian immigrants, adding depth to her diverse heritage. Perino attended Ponderosa High School in Parker, Colorado, before pursuing higher education at Colorado State University Pueblo, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications with minors in political science and Spanish. During her time at the university, she honed her skills as a member of the forensics team and worked at KTSC-TV and KCCY-FM.
Perino furthered her education by obtaining a master's degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). While at UIS, she gained valuable experience working as a daily reporter for WCIA, a CBS affiliate, covering the Illinois Capitol.