Michelle Bandur's award-winning career has put her in the path of several deadly tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, on death row and inside the Los Angeles Lakers locker room. That's what she loves about being a reporter, learning something new every day.

Michelle joined KCRA 3 this year from our Hearst sister station, KETV in Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked since 2016. Michelle was born and raised in Omaha and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Iowa State University.

She always knew she wanted to return to California, after working in Southern California at KABC-TV and the Orange County NewsChannel.

Even in college, Michelle was hungry for learning the business. As a college senior, she anchored the morning news for WOI-TV. The studio was located on Iowa State's campus. Michelle also gained experience at WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas, KLKN-TV in Lincoln, Nebraska, KABB-TV in San Antonio, Texas.

Michelle showed the community how to turn a negative into a positive when an anonymous viewer sent her a card in the mail with a dollar bill inside. The coward told her to "accept this gift and use it wisely. 50 cents for the bags under your eyes and 50 cents for your big, fat nose. You need the help."

She asked people for more dollars and with friends created a free triathlon club, Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club for girls, ages 8-14. She took her story to the red circle stage of TEDX.

Michelle's other passion is competing in triathlons, which is why she wanted to share her love of the sport with juniors. She has finished seven Ironman competitions. (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run)

Michelle has also taken her passion for journalism to the classroom. She teaches important industry issues at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She taught Broadcast Journalism writing at Cal-State-Fullerton, while living in California. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with students, and rarely turns down an opportunity when invited to speak at career days.

The Nebraska Broadcaster's Association has given Michelle its highest honor, recognizing her as one of the state's top journalists for her investigative reporting.

Midlands Lutheran College has given Michelle the Distinction of Journalism honor. Michelle has also earned numerous Associated Press and other awards as well, including a Regional Award in Southern California for documentary she produced about the Boys and Girls Club. Michelle is honored to have her work recognized by her peers, but is humbled and inspired by the people she meets every day.

Michelle takes pride in telling the stories of her neighbors and helping them with problems or injustices they may run across. She also enjoys spending time with her Border Collie, Archer. You may see them running and hiking at various places around the area.

Michelle is always asking questions and looking for stories. Just drop her an e-mail.