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In celebration of March being Women’s History Month, Biola is highlighting alumnae who are faithfully serving and leading in their communities. This monthlong series features women whose work reflects Biola’s mission in action.
A Southern California native, alumna Candace Camarena (Guereque, B.A. ’16) has been sharing news stories about familiar cities since age 16. What started as student newspaper assignments in high school grew into Emmy Award-winning news stories in California’s top news markets.
Camarena found her niche producing broadcast news stories as a broadcast journalism student at Biola University, which led her to news-producing roles in several Southern California news markets, most recently at CBS Los Angeles. Camarena played a critical role in CBS Los Angeles’ launch of its augmented reality/virtual reality set, known as the Next Weather Center. Fellow broadcast journalism alumna Chloe Carlson (B.A. ’18) uses the very studio Camarena helped launch for her weekend weathercasts.
“I was one of the first producers trained to work with the set, which uses augmented and virtual reality technology in a first-of-its-kind news studio. While it was initially introduced for interactive weather segments, we’ve since expanded its use across a variety of storytelling formats,” said Camarena. “Today, we use it to display interactive data tied to breaking stories, visualize complex information and showcase video sequences that help build and enhance the story.”
As a visual storyteller, Camarena understands the importance of staying current with technology.
“Technology like the AR/VR set plays an important role in advancing storytelling within the journalism industry. By blending traditional reporting skills with movement, data visualization and interactivity, we’re able to create a more immersive and engaging experience for viewers,” said Camarena. “It’s exciting to see how innovation continues to push journalism forward in ways that connect more deeply with audiences.”
She began her storytelling journey right out of college, producing news stories at the Santa Barbara ABC affiliate. She immediately hit the ground running.
“I spent my first two years in the industry covering several major natural disasters, including the 2017 Thomas Fire and the Montecito mudslides, coverage that earned me my first Emmy Award. During my time there, I also received a regional award from the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California for my reporting on a house fire,” said Camarena.
After moving to San Diego’s CBS affiliate, she oversaw the lifestyle morning show and covered the pandemic extensively. She also earned another Emmy Award for her coverage of the Orange County Silverado Fire in October 2020. Her affinity for California cities has only grown, as part of her job is stepping into the hearts of communities.
“It’s been such a privilege to live in and experience several communities throughout California because of my career,” said Camarena. “Throughout that journey, I leaned on my faith in Jesus as I stepped out of my comfort zone and embraced the work, grateful to be part of a profession that allows me the privilege of sharing people’s stories.”
Camarena’s time as a Biola student, spending countless hours in the Biola Production Center editing bays, perfecting news packages and videos, shaped her into the storyteller she is today. With immediate access to cameras and other industry-grade equipment, she developed her skills both on and off campus.
“One experience that really captures this is when I heard about a news story unfolding across town. I happened to be free from classes that day, and because I could check out equipment, I decided to head over and cover it myself. When I arrived, I realized professional crews from ABC, FOX and CBS were there covering the same story,” remembered Camarena. “It was a moment I’ll never forget as a student. I showed up with the confidence of a professional, but the skill set of a student journalist still learning the ropes. As nervous as I was, I introduced myself to some of the reporters and photographers there, who were impressed by my initiative. I took notes and covered the story as best as I could with the tools I had, and it became a pivotal experience that helped shape my confidence and identity as a journalist.”
Throughout her career, not only have her storytelling skills grown, but her faith has grown as well.
“My faith shapes the way I approach journalism. It inspires me to tell stories with compassion and humanity, something that can easily be overlooked in the fast pace of the news cycle. Through my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible people and witness so many different walks of life. Those experiences have broadened my perspective and ultimately brought me closer to Jesus,” said Camarena.
Ultimately, she has been reminded that her authentic self, including her faith, is her superpower in the field, and she encourages students to remember that.
“As a student, it’s easy to get caught up in appearances or worry about seeming competent enough for future employers, especially when networking in your field,” said Camarena. “But people notice when you have the confidence to show up unapologetically as yourself, and when you do, your talents and your faith will shine through. Enjoy the journey, trust the gifts God has given you, and don’t be afraid to show the world what you’re capable of.”
Prepare to approach storytelling with a faith-based mindset by earning a degree in communication from the School of Fine Arts and Communication. Applications for Fall 2026 are still open. Learn more and apply now.
Written by Sarah Dougher, strategic communication manager. For more information, email sarah.m.dougher@biola.edu.
