I am the multimedia production associate for Alaska Public Media. I work independently and collaboratively with the news, marketing and production team. From photographing events and stories alongside our news reporters, I pitch my own stories for our YouTube, Indie Alaska, showcasing profiles of Alaskans living the Alaskan experience. I also assist with our public relations show, Alaska Insight and create education pieces and animations for our marketing team and local organizations.
On Friday afternoon, Tasha Kahele’s phone was blowing up.
“I have been overwhelmed with calls,” she said, getting into the driver’s seat of her daughter’s car.
Kahele is a multitasker with two jobs and multiple businesses. That afternoon, she was on her way to Costco to pick up pizzas for volunteers. At the same time, she fielded a stream of phone calls and texts from organizations offering donations for Maui locals left stranded by the fires.
Donna-Flor Manalo and her family’s life transformed when they moved from Hawaii to Alaska--cultivating new passions and businesses. Manalo’s family created a food truck a.k.a “jeepney,” which refers to the inspiration of a public transportation vehicle commonly used in the Philippines. With Alaska's abundance of opportunities and Donna-Flor's love for Hawaiian and Filipino culture, her and her family established Jeepney Filipino-Hawaiian Fusion Food.
Across the state, Alaska families are having a harder and harder time finding available and affordable childcare. Many daycares closed during the pandemic, and low wages mean the industry faces staffing issues. As Alaska Public Media's Wesley Early reports, families are now faced with difficult answers to the question of care.