She began her on-camera career in 2005 as the host of WCCB-TV's morning show Fox News Rising in Charlotte, NC.
Driven by a desire to change the images of women on television, Troutman headed to Hollywood to begin her career.
After a cold-call, she landed a job as a crew member on NBC's Emmy-winning television show The West Wing.
In 2004, Troutman was asked to return to North Carolina to run as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 8th Congressional District against three-term incumbent Robin Hayes.
A televised debate during the 2004 election prompted Troutman's invitation to host the local morning show, Fox News Rising in Charlotte, NC.
She attended Concord High School where she was an honors student, MVP of the track team, and a Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen scholarship recipient.