Recent graduates of KPU’s Journalism School work for some of the top news outlets across Canada, including The Vancouver Sun, The Globe and Mail and Global News. Below, those grads share what they learned during their time at KPU and how it helped prepare them for their exciting jobs in journalism and public relations.
Andrea Woo (Class of 2006) | @AndreaWoo
Reporter, The Globe and Mail
Andrea’s work at The Globe and Mail has included stories on Amanda Todd’s suicide and Stanley Cup riot. In 2016, Andrea won a Jack Webster Award for her extensive coverage of Vancouver’s fentanyl overdose crisis. Before joining The Globe, Andrea worked as a reporter at The Vancouver Sun, where her work received two Jack Webster Awards in 2012.
“It was great having active, working journalists as instructors at Kwantlen because they not only taught us the academic stuff, but shared their insights on the ins and outs of newsrooms in Metro Vancouver. Their practical tips – not to mention their references – were invaluable. As well, they were always available by phone or email if I wanted to get a hold of them, and they often emailed interesting stories and job postings outside of school hours. I remain in frequent contact with a few instructors to this day.”
Kyler Emerson (Class of 2023) | @AeKyler
Editor, Aldergrove Star (Black Press Media)
After working for a year at the Langley Advance Times as a reporter, Kyler won the New Journalist of the Year award and silver for Best Spot News Photo at the 2024 Ma Murray Awards. Shortly after, he was hired as editor of the Aldergrove Star.
“KPU's journalism program does an incredible job preparing students with the skills they need to succeed in the journalism industry. In my day-to-day work as a community reporter and editor, I often find myself referring back to things I learned in class. KPU’s small classes gave me the opportunity to build real relationships with my instructors, who became valuable references for me after I graduated. KPU’s student newspaper, The Runner, also gave me a great opportunity to get real-world experience as a reporter and editor.”
Amei-lee Laboucan (Class of 2019)
Communications Manager, Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, UBC
Prior to her current position, Amei-lee worked as a freelance reporter with IndigiNews, where a story of hers won second-place for Best Two-Spirit Coverage in the 2023 National Native Media Awards.
“KPU’s journalism program equipped me with the skills needed for journalism and communications. The small class sizes directly contributed to developing relationships with instructors that provided me with real-world journalism experience. It was great to learn from former journalists and practicing journalists, including Indigenous guest speakers, who had both technical skills to share and advice on navigating the job market.”
Photo of Amei-lee Laboucan by Aspen Shima
Sobia Moman (Class of 2022) | @SobiaMoman
Multimedia Journalist, Peace Arch News (Black Press Media)
In 2023, Sobia won a Canadian Community Newspaper Award in the category of Best Local Civic Journalism for her stories on the closing of a mental health assisted living home in White Rock.
“Working for a small community newsroom, I am responsible for every aspect of my stories: interviews, writing, photography and video. That can be a real challenge. But it’s a challenge that KPU’s Journalism program prepared me for, through its range of courses in everything from Video Journalism to News Writing, taught by instructors with real-world journalism experience.”
Harold Munro (Class of 1985) | @haroldmunro
Editor-in-Chief, The Vancouver Sun and The Province
Harold heads B.C.’s largest newsroom, helping direct award-winning coverage for the highest-circulation newspapers in Western Canada and two of the most-visited news websites in the country.
“The journalism program at Kwantlen provided hands-on, practical training for young writers. When I attended, in the pre-digital age, we learned to shoot photographs and develop film, we served in various reporting and editing capacities on the school newspaper and, perhaps most importantly, we each spent two weeks working in the newsroom of a community paper. My experience at the community newspaper led to a reporting position in Terrace, B.C., and then back in the Lower Mainland at The Vancouver Sun.”
Valerie Leung (Class of 2019) | @v_leungg
Digital Reporter, The Richmond News
“Studying at KPU allowed me to learn a variety of different journalism skills – including creating interactive maps, writing on deadline and taking photos. And the small classes provided lots of opportunities to chat with instructors. KPU prepared me well for what came after graduation.”
Kier Junos (Class of 2017) | @kierjunos
Video Journalist and host, CityNews Vancouver on CityTV
“I learned a lot about reporting from working at The Runner, KPU’s student paper, where I also made many lifelong friends. My journalism classes taught me new techniques to use in my reporting and how to write well. Strong writing is the foundation of any good journalism. Even in video, you need to be able to write a script.”
Hayley Woodin Hastings (Class of 2014) | @hayleywoodin
Editor-in-Chief, Business in Vancouver
At Business in Vancouver, Hayley helps guide a broad range of editorial activities and leads BIV's magazine portfolio. She co-produces and co-hosts a number of podcasts and virtual events for BIV and contributes extensively to BIV's publications as a writer and editor. Hayley is the Western Canada correspondent on BBC's Business Matters radio program. She was one of three journalists in Canada selected as Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada media fellows in 2017-18.
“A lot of skills, training and first-hand industry knowledge are packed into KPU’s journalism program, as are endless opportunities to apply them. The chance to connect with journalists and editors, to intern in newsrooms, to learn from reporters who have been there and done that, are what make this program an invaluable resource to anyone considering a career in journalism.”
Joel McKay (Class of 2009) | @joelcmckay
Chief Executive Officer, Northern Development Initiative Trust
Joel heads the Northern Development Initiative Trust, an organization created by the B.C. government in 2005 that commits $11 to $13 million a year to a variety of economic development projects. Before joining Northern Development, Joel worked as a reporter and assignment editor at Business in Vancouver, where he created BIV’s first investigative reporting unit, and won the Jack Webster Award for Business Excellence in 2011.
“Kwantlen is the reason for my success. The faculty helped me finish my degree in three years instead of four, and supported me with an amazing education, internship opportunities and career advice. To this day, my Kwantlen professors continue to provide me with advice when I need it. It's the school that keeps on giving.”
Hosea Cheung (Class of 2008) | @hoseacheung
Director of Marketing and Visitor Experience, Chinese Canadian Museum
For several years, Hosea worked as a sports reporter and editor at 24 Hours Vancouver covering the city’s professional teams and major sporting events. He also spent time in Beijing as an English editor for a national news magazine and freelanced for other publications. After switching to public relations upon his return to Vancouver, he cofounded a new PR agency, providing a wide range of communications services with a focus on the Chinese community.
“There's no doubt KPU laid the foundation for me to get to where I am today. Even though I’m no longer in journalism, the fundamentals I learned at KPU still translates to the communications and public relations work I do today.”
Holly Reid (Class of 2004) | @hollyereid
Communications Officer, BC General Employees' Union
At the BCGEU, one of B.C.’s largest unions, Holly is response for a wide range of communications initiatives, from preparing internal communications to contributing content to online and print publications.
“The four years I spent at KPU gave me an opportunity to learn the critical skills needed for an exciting career as a communicator. My KPU instructors - who were seasoned industry professionals - taught me to write across a wide-range of styles and mediums, including speech-writing, press releases, crafting key messages for specific groups and writing compelling copy for diverse campaigns and initiatives.”
Chris Poon (Class of 2009) | @Questionchris
Communications Officer, Surrey Schools
"KPU’s journalism program gave me the tools to succeed not only in a fast-paced newsroom environment, but in the wider field of communications. The insightful and comprehensive education provided by the department’s knowledgeable instructors comes from real-world experience, and helps students develop the critical thinking and technical skills needed for a constantly evolving industry."
Kyle Benning (Class of 2014) | @kbbenning
Network Digital Broadcast Journalist, Global News
“The writing skills I picked up at Kwantlen were vital. Every broadcaster I’ve met has told me writing is the most important skill to have and it has opened up a number of doors for me. Having four years to sharpen my writing skills, broaden my vocabulary and find the best way to communicate are skills I don’t think I would have learned in any other journalism program.”
Sarah Kucharski (Class of 2014) | @sarahkucharski
Advocacy Marketing Manager, Article
Sarah works in content marketing at Article where she previously oversaw the company's blog, email newsletter, website copy, and social media messaging. She now manages the brand's influencer marketing program and a direct team of two. She has also built an impressive web presence through a fashion blog, Taylor Swift Style (taylorswiftstyle.com), that has a total reach of over 300,000, launched a personal styling business, and has been featured in the New York Post, Marie Claire, Wall Street Journal, and Racked. Since graduating, she has also written for The Vancouver Sun, The Surrey Now, and was a reporter for The Fernie Free Press where she did writing, editing, photography and layout.
“KPU taught me the basic tools every journalist needs. But what is truly invaluable is learning under active and experienced journalists who can provide context, insight, stories and connections within the industry. I found that journalism training not only prepares you for a career in the field, but a new way of approaching life. To question, to stay curious, to listen, to be informed, to tell stories. These aren't just writing, research, and interviewing skills — these are life skills that are taught in refreshing, conversational seminars and out in the field.”
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