One month down, many more to go!

On January 4, 2020, I joined the amazing KPNX 12 News team in Phoenix, Arizona.

For me, this is more than just a move, but a thoughtful choice that has been in the works since I was a college student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.

As a student, I deeply admired 12 News’ work and dreamed of one day being a part of the team. Like I told my News Director, George Davilas, when he hired me, I feel humbled and honored to be here. Not only because I get to come home— even though I grew up in Columbus, New Mexico, I consider Phoenix my second home because of all the years I lived here— but, because my family has since relocated to the Valley of the Sun and they finally get to see me live on TV from the comfort of their homes. <3

12 News focuses on highlighting the good in the community, not just the crime and the bad. That’s something that speaks for itself. As traditional local news stations’ focus is the typical “if it bleeds, it leads”, it’s been a breath of fresh air to actually focus on what mattes in people’s lives, give hope, and focus on facts, not fear.

A big differential factor of 12 News is the station’s aimto reach the Latino community. KPNX launched 12 News en Español several years ago to serve the more than 2.1 million Hispanics that live in Arizona. Although the goal is not to compete with the Spanish-speaking-stations, the intention is to offer another medium of information to Latino residents that often times lack access to information— if you read my About page on this website, you’ll see that THAT is the reason why I chose to become a journalist.

With a month down at KPNX, I made this recap composite of the work I’ve had the opportunity to do so far.

Below other stories I’ve done:

•Coconino County wants to vaccinate more people, but there aren't enough doses

•Former Tempe pastor accused of child sex abuse

•Peoria students to resume in person, online classes Tuesday after sick out

•Cave Creek Unified School District revises policy for teachers exposed to COVID-19