Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Here are highlights of my 40+ year career in journalism. I can cover any story and talk about any issue. EMMY AWARD-WINNING REPORTER *Freelancer on all platforms. I can cover any story. *40+ years in journalism *28 years in TV news *50 awards and nominations in journalism. *Favorite beats: Courts, crime, cops, politics, Latino, immigration, and family & children issues * Founder of #CallingAllJournalists Initiative aimed at helping journalists thrive and survive in the news business. INVESTIGATIONS Public-safety reporting (e.g., postal workers, VA hospitals) Institutional accountability (e.g., foster care, school district corruption) Religious institution scrutiny (abusive clergy relocations) LEADERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS *2007- NAHJ Broadcast Journalist of the Year *2019- SPJ National President's Award *2021-2022 - National President of the Society of Professional Journalists (1ST Women of Color) *2022-Inducted into NAHJ Hall of Fame *2022-2023- Mayborn School of Journalism Super Alumni Award PUBLIC SPEAKING TOPICS *DEI: Stop talking about it; make it happen *Create your Network of Success *Surviving the Unexpected: What to do when you lose your job *You don't need a title to be a leader *Plan B is your lifesaver *Social Media: One post can make or break you MODERATOR OR PANELIST AT CONFERENCES *SPJ, NAHJ, IRE, TAB, TIPA, SPJFW MEDIA/DIVERSITY WATCHDOG What good are we as journalists if we can't call out bad journalism, too? And also the lack of diversity. SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT *Social media columnist for three years for a national business magazine. *Online VP for NAHJ, who managed 20 social media pages. *Founder of Wise Latinas Linked on Facebook with 9,000+ members. *Founder of Latinas in Journalism on Facebook with 2,400+ members. *Social media award winner *Social Media trainer for all professions. LEADERSHIP IN JOURNALISM *SPJ President -Sept. 2021-Oct. 2022 --First Latina and Woman of Color in 112-year SPJ history) *SPJ President-Elect, role of Vice President (2020-2021) *SPJ Secretary/Treasurer (2019-2020) *SPJ Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee (2018-2021) *SPJ Diversity Leadership Fellowship organizer (2018-Present) *SPJ Vice-chair of Diversity & Inclusion Committee (2011-2012) *SPJ Vice-chair of Digital Media Committee (2009-2011) *National Association of Hispanic Journalists VP of Online (2012-2016) *National Association of Hispanic Journalists At-Large Officer (2010-12) *SPJ Fort Worth VP of Membership (2012-2016) *SPJ Fort Worth Board member (2011-2012) *SPJ Fort Worth VP of Programs (2016-2018)
The #CallingAllJournalists Initiative helps journalists and student journalists thrive and survive in a profession that faces many challenges. We provide career mentoring, information on job openings, internships, and fellowships, and virtual sessions with journalists who share their expertise. Our help is FREE.
Freelance reporter: TV, radio, print, and digital | Shoot video and photos | Edit on Adobe Premier | Coding experience HTML and CSS | Bilingual - Spanish/English | Live reporter | Beats: Immigration, Crime & Courts, Family and Child Issues, Education, Health, Politics, Investigative | Contributed to Hispanic Magazine (USA Today), AARP, Mercado Bilingue, Texas Daily TV show | Latino Magazine | Mamiverse.com | Latina Style Magazine | White Rock Lake Weekly
Latinas are still MIA - Missing in action in newsrooms around the country. We have waited long enough to get opportunities and now we're pushing forward. Latinas in Journalism is a networking group for Latinas where we share everything from job openings (before HR posts them) to advice on surviving a very competitive business. Tambien en español.