Hispanic heavyweights discuss future of Hispanics in the media

Douglass Gavilan/Staff

 

The University welcomed eight journalism professionals from mediums such as broadcasting, public relations, advertising and radio to speak to students about their experiences and achievements in the University’s “Hispanics in the Media” roundtable.

The event took place on Oct. 12 at The Biscayne Bay Campus in the Wolfe University Center from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Students were able to learn how the professionals got to where they are today while also discussing Hispanic culture and how they are represented in the media.

Daysi Calavia-Robertson was among the speakers at “Hispanics in the Media.” As an University alumna and producer for Telemundo, she also runs her own Latin-focused website and has worked with several newspapers including The Miami Herald, The Sun Sentinel and The Huffington post

Broadcast journalist, Belkys Nerey, was there to discuss how she ended up working at the WSVN news station. The former FIU alumna is an Emmy-winning journalist and the face of WSVN news.

Laura Mejia Cruz and Susan Stipcianos are the heads of a public relations agency, with extensive knowledge on the industry.

Mejia Cruz was once a radio personality, but later found her passion in managing production, marketing and public relations with her Latin marketing and public relations agency, The Dream Team Agency. According to her LinkedIn profile, the agency was created to bring visibility to the Latino community by connecting their clients to “Hispanic and Latin American trendsetter clientele.”

Stipcianos started working for Sony Music Latin and later became the director of the Universal Music Latino TV department. Both women have since joined together to create and develop The Dream Team Agency.

From the field of advertisement, the roundtable had Joe Zubi, who runs his own advertising agency. Zubi’s award-winning agency, which  has been passed down through his family, has created campaigns for Walgreens, Dunkin Donuts and American Airlines.

From radio, there was Marissa and Marianela Gonzalez, otherwise known as Lulu and Lala. The twins started off on television, but found their favorite thing to do was radio.

During the discussion, students got to hear first hand about the struggles the professionals faced before finding success.

“It was always a struggle being taken so serious,” said Marissa Gonzalez. “Starting up in New York, me and my sister had to fight to get what we wanted because there was a big bias. Not only because we were women, but because of our Hispanic background.”

Another topic discussed was the future of Hispanic media.

“It’s quite amazing,” said Marianela Gonzalez. “When I come down to Miami, I see such a change, radio stations are playing a mix of everything from Latino music to Taylor Swift.”

“Often times, with people you have to teach them about the culture,” said Mejia Cruz. “There are people outside of Florida who just have no clue on Hispanic culture and they’re willing to learn.”

Finally, the panelists gave words of wisdom to the students.

“Always do research on the people you would like to work for,” said Zubi. “You’ll do a lot better if you send 10 good resumes versus 100 resumes.”

Calavia-Robertson said, “everyday will teach you a lesson; there are bad days and good days, the goal is to balance that.”

At the end of the event, students were able to meet and take photos with the panelists.
“I thought it was awesome,” said Daniela Restrepo, a junior journalism major. “It inspired me and motivated me to go out there and follow my dreams, to communicate to people and stand up for myself. One day, I hope to be up there and speak to students.”