Ariana's passion for broadcast journalism began in the 4th grade when her teacher, Mr. Staples, had her present speeches in front of the class while in front of a video camera. She also followed her musician/singer father, Barry, into news station sets where he would perform. Here, she would imitate the news anchors at the desk and from then on she knew this was her destiny.

Originally a Southern California girl, she grew up in San Diego, but she considers Kansas home. She moved to Kansas to attend college at the University of Kansas and received her bachelor's degree in journalism and strategic communication. She's completed 6 internships, yet her most rewarding internship was at KMBC 9 News in Kansas City. Ariana joined the WIBW news team in December 2012.

The most memorable part of her college career was her study abroad experience in Italy where she also skydived over the Alps in Switzerland, ate gyro sandwiches in Greece, visited the historic Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, and traveled to more than 15 European countries.

She appreciates all different cultures and decided to learn more about her Filipino heritage when she traveled to the Philippines for a month with her grandmother. She traveled to Israel which was also a life-changing experience.

Another passion of hers is staying fit. Ariana's fitness articles have been featured in Kansas City's Health and Wellness magazine 2012 issue and on Examiner.com. She most enjoys telling stories of average people who face extraordinary circumstances.

Ariana spent several years of her life on a professional hip hop team, so in her spare time she loves to dance. She also enjoys boxing, running, basketball, sand volleyball and anything else outdoors. She's completed Rock the Parkway half-marathon, Warrior Dash, and three other 5k runs.

She is new to Topeka, so feel free to say hello. If you have a story idea, Ariana would like to hear it.