Each week, in partnership with Leff’s Atlanta Media, Atlanta Daybook presents our "Journalist Spotlight." Mitch Leff offers a conversation with a journalist in the Atlanta market, asking them four questions that'll help you learn more about local Atlanta media. What makes them tick? What's new at their media outlet? What drives them? 

This week we’re talking with Cara Kneer, host of 11Alive's Sunday "Atlanta Tech Edge" show, social correspondent and host of "Atlanta & Company," and a freelance reporter for CNN and CNN News Source. She got her start by majoring in telecommunications at Ball State Indiana, followed by stints at CBS affiliate KUTV in Salt Lake City and Indianaoplis NBC affiliate WTHR.

Her coverage of the devastating Henryville, Indiana tornadoes aired around the world on Al Jazeera, MSNBC and The Weather Channel. Shortly after, she began freelancing for NBC News Channel on breaking national news. She’s also anchored live primary election night coverage for USA Today. More recently, she’s been freelancing for CNN.

Her work is busy but never boring: “I've had the chance to interview lots of interesting people during my career. Survivors, leaders, celebrities, and everything in-between.” Sounds like she wouldn’t have it any other way.

What kind of story makes you proud to be a journalist?
Journalists are hard working truth tellers. And, while it's rewarding and thrilling to give a voice to those who otherwise don't, or be on the front lines of history, lately I've been honored to make people laugh. Which I hope I do everyday. The news climate is intense and I can lend some levity to those watching their TVs. I enjoy that more than anything right now!

What’s new and different about what you’re doing at Atlanta Tech Edge?
I love learning about and meeting all the folks in the Atlanta tech community and beyond. Everyone is super smart, super motivated and super human.

What is the best and worst thing about your job?
The best is every day I laugh a lot and learn something new. The worst is I laugh a lot and have two kids. Moms know what I mean.

What's the coolest thing people should know about you?
I grew up a restaurant kid. My parents owned a 500-seat steak & seafood place for 34 years in a small town in Indiana. It gave me an excellent work ethic and a passion for creating good times around great food and better drinks!