MACON, Ga. — Solen Aref joined 13WMAZ in June 2023 as a Multi-Skilled Journalist.
Solen graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!), majoring in Broadcast News and minoring in Political Science. She is from the west side of Washington, just south of Seattle.
In college, she enjoyed learning anything and everything communications-related and had fun trying on different hats. She started a nightly news show her freshman year, wrote for the school newspaper for multiple years, started a health podcast, and reported for Murrow News 8, a student-run newscast at her school.
Her school’s namesake, Edward R. Murrow, is one of her professional role models for his unwavering bravery and dedication to doing the right thing, even when it’s not popular or easy.
Solen took a gap year from college to intern twice, one of those internships at KING 5 News in Seattle. She enjoyed working on finding unique community stories and creatively using social media as another channel to tell them. She also honed her writing skills by volunteering as a reporter for a hyperlocal newspaper back home.
Outside of work, Solen loves all things country music, blogging, a good book, getting outdoors, and exploring different neighborhoods.
If you have a news tip or want to say “hello,” please don’t hesitate to reach out at SAref1@13wmaz.com or Twitter.