Elaine Alava
Elaine Alava is a junior majoring in journalism with a passion for digital storytelling. Skilled in social media management, research, and content creation. Aspiring to build a career in journalism focused on engaging storytelling and a strong media presence. Passionate about music, architecture, and promoting meaningful cultural narratives.
Cotoa: The restaurant that put Ecuador on Miami’s gastronomic radar
For years, the Ecuadorian culinary presence in South Florida was almost invisible. While Peruvians and Colombians built gastronomic empires across Miami, purveyors of "Middle...
Ijamyn Gray builds second chances for Miami’s youth
This story was originally published in the Miami Times in partnership with the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media.
A quarter century ago, Ijamyn...
Beyond the Parade: Miami Carnival represents Caribbean community (includes documentary)
There are months of preparation behind Miami Broward Carnival One, an event that brings South Florida’s Caribbean community together in one of the region’s...
Building a brand, one nail at a time: The story of NailsByShelly
Shelly Estrada has always been captivated by transformation. As a child, she spent hours experimenting with makeup, art, and anything that could turn the...
Beyond the Parade: A day with a Miami Carnival entertainer (includes photo essay)
To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here. To watch the accompanying video story, click here.
The highlight of last month's Miami Carnival events...
Stitching resilience: The Ecuadorian designer bringing toquilla straw to global runways
Kimberly Ortega is redefining fashion with scraps, straw and soul. From Quito to New York, her designs stitch together heritage, sustainability and resilience —...
Beyond the Parade: Miami Carnival’s connection to South Florida (includes audio story)
To watch the accompanying video story, click here. To view the accompanying photo essay, click here.
“Beyond the Parade” is a podcast series that speaks...
Miami Carnival returns to South Florida to celebrate Caribbean heritage (includes video story)
To view the accompanying photo essay, click here. To listen to the accompanying audio story, click here.
The Miami Carnival returns to the Miami-Dade County...
Miami’s top five intimate venues for live alternative music
While Miami is often recognized as a hotspot for Latin music, there is also a large alternative scene that can be overshadowed by the...
Cracking open opportunity: Coca-Cola deal adds spark to campus life
On May 8, Florida International University announced a major shift in its beverage partnership. Pepsi products would be replaced with Coca‑Cola offerings on all...