Hello, my name is Amanda Avilla. I’m a student journalist pursuing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. Born and raised in Reno, I attended St. Albert’s, graduated from Robert McQueen High School, and earned my Associate of Communications from Truckee Meadows Community College. I also studied abroad in Wellington, New Zealand, at Massey University, where I discovered my passion for journalism, photography, and adventure.

I’m the youngest of five children and a proud aunt to nine amazing nieces and nephews.

Storytelling has always been part of my life. Growing up, I loved listening to my family share boisterous stories around kitchen tables, campfires, and game nights—tales of travel, near-misses, and family folklore. Those moments inspired my lifelong goal: to tell stories that connect people. Whether through audio, video, or writing, I aim to capture authentic human experiences and continue my family’s storytelling tradition.

When I’m not chasing deadlines or interviews, you can find me planning my next adventure, sometimes from my couch, sometimes thousands of miles away, but always with an eye out for the next story to tell.