WHO I AM & WHO I WANT TO BE

My name is Anna Montaner and I’m a Fall 2024 Graduate of the Bachelor of Communications and Digital Journalism with a major in Digital Journalism at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC.
I was born in a small town near Barcelona, Spain, but from a very young age I have lived in various countries including the US and Mexico, experiencing different cultures and languages first hand. This has made my love for travel and culture grow, staying hand in hand with my interests in journalism.
I aspire to be a journalist with a distinct focus on arts and culture along with sports. I want to travel and become a storyteller who not only reports but also celebrates the different narratives that can be found anywhere in the world.
Something that has united my family throughout the years is soccer. One of my first memories is my father and brother taking me to my first Barça game and falling in love with the sport. I played football for 12 years, winning and losing with a group of people who became my family. I was able to experience how sports can connect people and create a sense of belonging.
After seeing the impact the 2023 Women’s World Cup had on young girls and how the world has begun looking at female athletes, my interest in reporting on women’s sports grew. Committed to showcasing the power, resilience, and narratives of female athletes, my goal is to amplify their voices and contribute to a more equitable sports media landscape, while diminishing gender biases in sports journalism.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
I had the opportunity to become a Staff Writer for The Omega Student Magazine at TRU during my first year, and continued my journey as the art editor until my graduation. This hands-on experience has sharpened my research and interviewing skills, essential for accurate and compelling storytelling. Additionally, my role demands adaptability to multimedia platforms, so I can ensure my work comes across through various mediums.
Beyond University, I began freelancing for Kamloop’s local newspaper The Kamloops Chronicle. I have focused on community and art stories to bring a fresh look into the growth of the city.
Additionally, I became a production assistant for a small company with big ideas, Angry Whale Media. The companies mission aligned with my values as a communicator, to tell stories that are relevant, relatable, nostalgic and memorable and use them to transform the way people see the world. With a focus on healthcare, agriculture and adventure sports, Angry Whale Media has given me the chance to get involved in projects that are changing key industries for our future.