Andrea Dukakis

Colorado Matters Reporter / Producer / Host

@adukakis[email protected]

Andrea Dukakis is a producer/reporter/host for Colorado Matters on CPR News. She has produced and reported for CPR for nearly two decades. Prior to joining CPR, Andrea worked at NPR and ABC News.

Education:
Bachelor's degree in English, Princeton University; Master's degree in journalism, Columbia University.

Professional background:
Andrea Dukakisreports, produces and hosts stories for Colorado Public Radio and has been at CPR for nearly two decades.Prior to coming to Colorado, she spent three years at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C. Andrea has also worked at ABC News in New York. She's reported national stories for several NPR programs, including "Morning Edition," "All Things Considered," "Justice Talking" and "Living on Earth," as well as for BBC's "The World."

Awards:
Andrea has received awards from PRNDI (Public Radio News Directors Incorporated),Colorado Broadcasters Association, Associated Press and the Colorado Community Health Network.


Q & AWhy I became a journalist:
I have always been fascinated by people and their unique experiences, and I love the news. So, it was a perfect fit. I grew up in a political family, and we always talked about issues and politics at the dinner table. But I never wanted to work in politics – I always preferred understanding issues from different perspectives. I think the most powerful stories are the ones told by those who are affected, whether it be health care reform, welfare, education, justice issues or the economy. And, I enjoy telling those stories.

Why I got into radio:
While I was in journalism school, I was offered the chance to help out at WBAI – a public radio station in New York City. I had written a story for school on Amerasian children who moved here from Vietnam after the war. The folks at WBAI let me turn it into a radio story – and I was hooked. I liked it better than print because radio adds a special texture to a story. And I preferred radio to television because I think people being interviewed are more honest when they talk into a microphone, rather than a camera.

How I ended up at CPR:
I was newly married, and my husband wanted to move to the mountains. At the time, I was at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C. We moved to Denver, and I began talking to people at Colorado Public Radio. It was really the only place I wanted to work – and the rest is history.

Colorado Matters

Colorado Ups Its Cybersecurity Game, New Bison Podcast, The Humor In Childhood Awkwardness

Tracking down cyber criminals gets harder every day for federal prosecutors; a new unit at the U.S. attorney’s office focuses on cyber crimes and national security. Then, the American bison was recently named the country’s first “national mammal,” but that vision doesn’t sit well with some. Plus, we hear embarrassing childhood memories relayed on stage in front of total strangers. And, as the debate plays out nationally, the battle over Colorado’s health care exchange has already begun. Also, “Those Who Can’t” gets picked up for a third season.
By Andrea Dukakis
Colorado Matters

Finding Funds For Colorado’s Female Entrepreneurs, A Sculptor’s Take On Aging

Female entrepreneurs in Colorado have a tough time getting money to grow their businesses. Two Boulder investors are betting that helping women scale up will pay off. Then, a Colorado sculptor says as she’s gotten older, people treat her differently. She explores that in her latest show. And, Denver architect Curt Fentress, who designed the iconic terminal at Denver International Airport, is being inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. A look back at Fentress’ 2010 book, “Touchstones of Design: Redefining Public Architecture.” Plus, the Colorado Department of Transportation is experimenting with a tax based on miles driven.
By Andrea Dukakis