Describe your current job now and what you like about it:

I have the blessing of being the main anchor and reporter for Telemundo Austin. We cover the central Texas area providing local, national and international news in Spanish during our 5pm and 10pm noticieros on cable channel 75, and digital channel 42.2

I love being at the service of the community of central Texas. My favorite part of my job is that, when I work on a story (TV Report), I become a path for people to share their world.

What kind of training was needed to do the work you do?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism, but before I completed my undergraduate degree I had some training that helped me feel more comfortable on camera.

I have an Associate’s Degree in Theatre Arts from the Centro de Artes Escenicas del Noroeste in Tijuana, Mexico.

I also studied Radio Announcing & TV Performance at the San Diego School of Broadcasting.

I believe education can always help you improve and advance in your career, so I go to conventions, and apply for fellowships and journalism seminars regularly.

Currently I have a scholarship from the International Center for Journalists, and I am receiving training on multimedia journalism from this organization.

How is your culture reflected in the work you do and the perspective you have?

The Latino culture is everywhere in our Noticiero Telemundo Austin. We deliver the news in Spanish, and the majority of the news content is local and/or Latino related. We are committed to proving news in a non-biased way, so we don’t include our perspective in the stories of our shows.

However, as a reporter, I am always fascinated by how each person can tell a story (report) in so many different ways. That’s where our interpretation of events & anecdotes comes in.

Is there a story you’ve covered that still affects you? What was it and why?

There are many stories that have a special place in my heart. It’s hard to choose a favorite. I’ve been able to travel Mexico, and some parts of the U.S. to report on issues that have local impact. I’ve also interviewed many people with unique perspectives and experiences to share.

Two ladies who I will never forget are Adriana Macias and Alicia Anaya. Macias is a motivational speaker who was born with no arms. She uses her feet to do what her arms would. Just being around her is empowering. Telling her story made me realize we shouldn’t take things for granted.

Anaya is one of the children who motivated the Mendez vs. Westminster federal court case in 1946.  The case challenged racial segregation in southern California schools, and it set precedent for other movements of this type in other parts of the country.  This case was filled by Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez—Anaya’s tios—after they tried to enroll their daughter and niece in a school, and they were denied entrance because the children were of Mexican descent. The girls had to go to an all Mexican school, and the Mendez decided to take action to end this type of discrimination. Anaya treasures so many valuable parts of history; I was captured by her anecdotes. She grew up in a society were speaking Spanish was punishable, and Latinos in general seeing as second class citizens. It was an honor to interview someone that left a positive mark in history.

Recently I reported on a project called “31-thousand portraits for peace,” and on the “Tejano Monument” coming to the Texas State Capitol next year. Both stories are also in my favorite files.

What do you do in your free time?

Austin has helped me discover I love the outdoors. I got here, and I became a marathon runner. That’s why I love jogging around Town Lake, downtown and many other areas of our city. I also go to Lady Bird Lake to practice Stand-up paddling. I enjoy reading, so I volunteer reading with second graders through the academic school year as part of a program called “Compañeros de Lectura.”

I like to cook for my family and friends. My favorite rhythms to dance to are samba, salsa and anything from Colectivo Nortec (my favorite band). I enjoy listening to live music. The Austin Symphony Orchestra is among my local favorites. I like going to the museums and festivals in town. I also relax watching plays, going to the opera, dance performances, etc.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

The sky is the limit. My goal is to become an established journalist. I want to continue acquiring skills that will help me evolve in the industry I currently work for.  I want to evolve and have the opportunity to take on leadership roles to empower future generations of professionals interested in the communications industry.

I currently share my successes and struggles with my parents and sister, but in the future, I know I will find the path to have a family of my own to love, nurture and empower too.