What was your first job as a journalist?
Clipping newspaper articles for an archive room—an emeroteca—in Peru. I didn’t know it then, but those scissors were my first step into journalism.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes—and not just for decoration. My first stories as a teenager were typed on a loud, clunky Olivetti. Every typo meant starting over. It taught me to think before hitting the keys—something that still helps in breaking news.
How is social media changing news?
It’s speeding everything up—for better and worse. Stories break faster, but facts get lost in the rush. Social media gives voice to many, but it also drowns nuance in noise. As journalists, we have to adapt without compromising standards.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane. She’s fearless, relentless, and always manages to get the story—sometimes even before Superman.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means witnessing history as it unfolds—and making sense of it for others. It’s a responsibility to seek truth, give voice to the unheard, and keep power in check, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
—but only when used by people trying to discredit real reporting while sharing memes from their uncle’s Facebook page.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email works best—brief, relevant, and to the point. Bonus points if you actually know the kind of stories I cover.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Sony FX6 and FX3 for video, DJI Pocket for mobility, LiveU 300S for live shots. I edit on Adobe Premier. For comms and coordination, I rely on WhatsApp, Slack, and good old email.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Christiane Amanpour. Not just because she's a legend, but because her attention means the story truly matters.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I couldn’t stay quiet. I grew up in Peru and Cuba surrounded by stories that needed to be told—and I realized I had a voice and a lens to bring them forward. Journalism became my way of showing the world what others try to hide.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the organizer and driving force behind my high school’s wall newspaper in Peru — a student-led project I promoted to boost communication, creativity, and peer engagement.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A story on migrant families stranded at the U.S.-Mexico border—told through the eyes of a child. It reminded me that the most powerful stories aren’t always the loudest; they’re the ones that stay with you long after the camera stops rolling.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be curious, be kind, and be relentless. Learn to listen more than you speak. And never forget—you’re not the story, just the bridge between the world and the audience
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early mornings or late afternoons—Eastern Time. If it’s urgent and truly relevant, anytime is fine. Just don’t pitch me during live shots!
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Aftermath of Afghanistan war
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Back when I was just starting out, someone pitched me a ‘breaking story’ about a man who claimed his guinea pig could predict earthquakes. I almost considered it—until he asked for exclusive rights and a ride to the station.
What's your favorite drink?
Dr. Pepper & Water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Most likely on the road—with a camera in hand, chasing a lead or catching the light just right. If not, I’m probably at a border crossing, waiting for the story to unfold.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
BBC and The Atlantic. One keeps me grounded in global context, the other challenges how stories are framed and told.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That covering immigration is just about numbers or policy. It’s not. It’s about real people, families, trauma, and resilience—far beyond the talking points.
