Janelle Retka

Janelle Retka is an award winning journalist and a literature enthusiast. She enjoys writing about education, culture and international social issues. With coffee in her veins, she's constantly growing the long list of places she wants to investigate and know. Read more of her work at janelleretka.com or contact her at janelleretka@gmail.com.
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Peyton yawns and stretches as my sister Katie holds her during our first Skype conversation. (Screen grab by Janelle Retka)

Learning to bond between screens, across borders

by Janelle Retka
As immigration and military deployment separate families across borders, many rely on social media to stay connected.
May 20, 2015

Parents of missing Mexican students find support in Seattle, Yakima

by Janelle Retka
Parents of two of the 43 missing Mexican students shared their anguish as they made stops in Seattle and Yakima seeking support for renewed investigation.
Apr 21, 2015
Carlos Salmeron (left) prepares an espresso drink at his new coffee house, Ventoux Roasters, in Bryant, Seattle. (Photo by Janelle Retka)

From family to coffee cup: cafe owner reaches for El Salvador roots

by Janelle Retka
Seattle has a reputation as a city coated with endless corners of coffee shops devoted to fair trade bean sources.
Jan 1, 2015

City of Seattle to add paid leave for new parents

by Janelle Retka
Tonight at 6pm, the Seattle City Council invites the public to an informational meeting and open discussion at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute on gender pay equity.
Dec 2, 2014

Seattle rallies to support 43 missing Mexican college students

by Janelle Retka
Seattleites are banding together to call for justice on behalf of 43 Mexican college students who have been missing since September 26.
Nov 5, 2014