Confidence, for me, has always been a matter of resisting the urge to turn internally when I’m in difficult, uncomfortable situations. It’s the quiet decision I make daily when I think to myself, ‘I’ll do it, even if I have to do it scared.’

I am a storyteller at heart, originally from Pleasanton, California, practicing my craft as a journalist, poet, and filmmaker with a deep passion for sharing impactful stories and uplifting my community. My greatest joy comes from producing human-interest documentaries that explore the profound connections that unite us all. If my work inspires empathy in others, then I’m achieving exactly what I set out to do.

In 2021, I took a leap of faith and moved to Bend, Oregon, to join NewsChannel21 as a reporter, eventually stepping into the role of the weekday morning news anchor. My journey into the news industry was driven by a desire to understand people and find ways to truly help them. I’ve always believed that through storytelling, we can create connections, foster empathy, and inspire change. My studies in Sociology ignited a curiosity in me about the "why" behind our actions, both as individuals and as communities. That curiosity continues to shape my work today, as I strive to build a platform that sparks meaningful, lasting change.

Hi, I’m Bola Gbadebo.

Confidence film

It all starts with the human experience. The film Confidence emerged from my own personal struggles, mirroring the silent battles so many of us face as we navigate our lives and responsibilities. The film explores the self-reflections of several Bend, Oregon community members, illuminating shared moments that make us pause, reflect, connect and care more for one another. Woven into the fabric of the film are carefully crafted haikus, each capturing the essence of various life moments.