Inside Columbia magazine gained a new member in July 2022 with Zola Heck, a California girl who has had a passion for storytelling all her life. Along with being editor, Zola also oversees Inside Columbia’s social media pages, which includes filming and editing videos. While storytelling is in her blood, working for the magazine is her first taste of print journalism. Zola studied broadcast journalism and theater at the University of Missouri and got her first chance on air while in school at KOMU 8 News. After graduating in May 2020, Zola began working at ABC 17 News as a reporter covering politics, crime, economics, the COVID-19 pandemic and more. She quickly became an anchor, taking on many duties including anchoring the noon and 9 a.m. shows, along with the Alert Desk. Now, Zola is using her journalism skills to inform Columbians of all the wonderful things this community has to offer. When not working, Zola enjoys cooking up new recipes, re-watching her favorite television shows and spending time outdoors. Zola also has explored the world of music since a young age, picking up her first pair of drumsticks at six months old. She played the violin for more than 13 years, ending her career on the Carnegie Hall stage. Now, Zola enjoys fiddling with her ukulele and jamming with her family when visiting her home state of California. Zola and her husband also have a golden retriever named Benelli, who is the absolute light of their lives.