Akila Colin Wickramaratna — Portland, Oregon native, first-generation American, and first-generation college student with Sri Lankan roots (highly recommend visiting). I'm a spring 2025 graduate of the University of Oregon in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Entrepreneurship, and I've built my career around the electricity of moments that only happen once. On the production side, I've worn just about every hat. As a Production Assistant for Pac-12 Networks, Head of Broadcast Operations for the Willamette Valley Jaguars, and Livestream Coordinator for the 2025 Eugene Marathon, I've spent my college years in control rooms, on sidelines, and behind cameras — managing crews, troubleshooting live technical chaos, and keeping broadcasts on air. I've produced three live programs for the UO School of Journalism, led a team of 20, and directed multi-camera productions from the ground up. And when ESPN's College GameDay rolled into town for Oregon vs. Ohio State, I was right there behind the curtain — soaking in every second of one of college football's biggest stages. Editorially, I've contributed feature writing and multimedia work to both Flux and OR Magazine. Off the broadcast deck, I've spent summers as a Wildland Firefighter (FFT2) with Wy'east Wildlands, served as a Student Envoy at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 supporting international athletes and staff in Eugene, served as Secretary of UO's NABJ chapter, coordinated the UO Storytellers Collective, and chaired Derby Days for Sigma Chi — helping raise over $60,000 for Make-A-Wish. From fire lines to live sports, I'm drawn to the rush. When I'm not working, you'll find me outdoors, eating good food, or exploring the backcountry in my Subaru Forester. I bleed blue for Chelsea FC, root hard for the Timbers, Blazers, and Oregon Ducks, and will passionately tell you that One Piece by Eiichiro Oda is the greatest story ever told — and still being told. My favorite animal is the grizzly bear. I hope to live a long life and leave a legacy felt by people who knew me — and people who never got the chance to. My dream job, ultimately, is being retired.