Reporter Alana Kujala is a native Oregonian. She was born in Warrenton and then moved east, attending grade school through high school in the Reynolds School District.
After growing up in the great Northwest, she decided to leave home to attend University of Miami, in Florida, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and International Studies. She fell in love with the beaches and cheering for her winning Miami teams. Go ‘Canes!
But, she is thrilled to cheer on local teams... as long as they don't play Miami.
Alana interned at WFOR in Miami and decided this was the perfect career. Besides meeting new people everyday, she says being a reporter gives her the chance to constantly learn about her community.
Her first reporting job at WJHG in Panama City Beach, Fla., stuck her in the middle of hurricanes and politics. Alana covered the last presidential election amid the embattled details of butterfly ballots. She says the experience taught her to appreciate quality journalism in tough circumstances. After reporting on the destructive aftermath of too many storms, she traveled across the country to KOLO in Reno, Nev. While working in Reno, Alana specifically covered education in northern Nevada, in addition to general assignments.
Alana is excited to be home covering the issues that affect her friends and family. She says her brother, Aaron, continues to inspire her everyday on the job. He taught her that it's important for to speak up for those without a voice because they usually have something very important to say.
Alana and her husband, Mark, split their time between the coast and the city. They enjoy spending time together whether it's walking to the beach or exploring downtown Portland.
You can e-mail Alana at akujala@koin.com.
