Zahra Alani became CBC News Vancouver’s weekend weather reporter in late 2011 after filling in for traffic and weather on CBC Radio-One’s The Early Edition and On the Coast for three years.

After studying dance and business at Simon Fraser University, Zahra found her way to the Communications Department. She then went on to win a scholarship to a broadcasting program at Columbia Academy. Just three weeks into the program she launched her career on Fairchild Radio, announcing in Spanglish, – a mix of English and Spanish. It wasn’t long before she jumped into television, hosting and interviewing for Backstage Pass, an entertainment show which aired on Shaw TV. Zahra went on to host an array of lifestyle segments for Shaw TV in English and Spanish and also also spent time out-and-about in the community with KVOS Television at family and charity events.

Her work caught the eye of NBC News, Honolulu. A lover of the ocean and nature, Zahra couldn’t resist when NBC invited her to write a story about Grammy nominees. From there, she went on to traffic reporter (from a helicopter, no less!) for Global BC’s 5 pm news, as well as reporting on traffic and weather for AM730, CFUN, and Team 1040.

Her community and career ambitions extend to Africa, where her family roots are. She aspires to travel home to East Africa and get involved in local development projects while raising awareness of the continent’s challenges and achievements.