Stephanie Daniel
Senior Managing Editor, ReporterThe “American Dream” was coined in 1931 and since then the phrase has inspired people to work hard and dream big. But is it achievable today? Graduating from college is challenging, jobs are changing, and health care and basic rights can be a luxury. I report on the barriers people face and overcome to succeed and create a better life for themselves and their families.
At KUNC, we cover northern Colorado’s diverse communities. For me, that means I get to report on an addiction treatment program on the Eastern Plains one day and a Denver DACA student pursuing his college dream the next. It’s the best part of my job.
I grew up in Colorado and, after living out-of-state for many years, am happy to be back. Before joining KUNC, I worked at New York Public Radio and on the podcasts Revisionist History and Empire on Blood. My reporting has been featured on NPR’s 1A, Latino USA and The Pulse. Prior to my journalism career, I wrote and produced commercials and marketing videos for television networks and media companies.
In 2018, I was selected to be an EWA Reporting Fellow by the Education Writers Association. During the fellowship, I reported and produced a multimedia series “Hire Me: Educating Colorado’s Changing Workforce” which was a finalist for the 2019 Education Writers Association National Awards
My reporting on the opioid epidemic was part of The Fix: Treating New York’s Opioid Crisis. The podcast won a national award from the Association for Health Care Journalists and a Regional Edward R. Murrow award. I have also won awards from the Associated Press, Colorado Broadcasters Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists
When I’m not working, I love going on adventures and have visited more than 20 countries. I also like to explore local areas, snowboard, ride my bike and hang out with my family and friends.
-
Young people struggled with isolation, stress and anxiety during the pandemic and many of these issues continue today. When kids are in crises a lot of them turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. One Denver high school has been uniquely positioned to handle these challenges. Its mission is to help kids stay sober.
-
Native students have the lowest college attendance rates of any ethnic and racial group. One of the biggest barriers is the cost. To tackle this, Colorado lawmakers passed a bill last year that requires state schools to offer in-state tuition to any student who is a member of a Native Nation with historical ties to the state, regardless of where they live. This fall, Metropolitan State University of Denver took this a step further, removing this financial barrier altogether.
-
KUNC hosted a live community event and panel discussion to talk about the themes explored in The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome podcast.
-
History was made at the Golden Globes early this year when Michaela Jaé Rodriguez won best actress in a tv drama for her role in Pose. This was the first time a transgender actor has won a Golden Globe. As Hollywood becomes more accepting, the ripple effects can be felt here, including at a local collegiate theater program.
-
On this special episode of Colorado Edition, we highlight the new season of The Colorado Dream podcast called “Newcomers Welcome.” The series explores the Black immigrant experience in Colorado as told through the eyes of one African immigrant and Aurora, as the city - and its residents - strive to become an inclusive home for all.
-
Aurora has a plan to support foreign-born residents, but critics say it's not helping all immigrantsThe Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode five explores what stands in the way of Aurora being a welcoming home for all immigrants. Also, Salwa Mourtada Bamba achieves one more big milestone.
-
The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode five explores what stands in the way of Aurora being a welcoming home for all immigrants. Also, Salwa Mourtada Bamba achieves one more big milestone.
-
G-Michael came to the U.S. to go to college in 1995 and then moved to Aurora five years later. She has owned a liquor store and a home health agency. Now, she works as an interpreter for medical and law offices, schools and the community. She also performs Ethiopian coffee ceremonies at events around Aurora, including the city’s annual Global Fest.
-
The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode four examines the relationship between Black African immigrants and African Americans. It also shares how Salwa Mourtada Bamba and other Black immigrants in Aurora identify themselves.
-
The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome episode four examines the relationship between Black African immigrants and African Americans. It also shares how Salwa Mourtada Bamba and other Black immigrants in Aurora identify themselves.