Karina Ramirez
(She/Her)
Texas
As seen in:
De Los,
PNAS,
Al Día Dallas,
The Dallas Morning News,
Washington Times,
BioRxiv,
KXAS-TV (Fort Worth, TX),
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer,
Dialnet - Universidad de La Rioja,
Denton Record-Chronicle
and
Covers:
Latino community news, business, North Texas
Ecuatoriana living in Dallas, Writer by day, mother to an amazing 18-year-old, and fan of the Planet.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a business writer first. I went to a new business which turned out to be a Latino restaurant.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
A-S-D-F-J-K-L-; my fingers used to hurt after typing that for hours.
How is social media changing news?
I feel social media is connecting more people. It allows us to be able to tell more stories and find people faster.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#MisHeardLyrics. My first language is Spanish, so I can relate.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email first, then a phone call if possible.
Who do you wish followed you?
The Dalai Lama
Why did you become a journalist?
Since I couldn't change the world through a position in politics, I figure I could at least write and explain what is happening around us.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did work for my high school newspaper. I was a general reporter.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A story about the growth of the Puerto Rican community in our area. It started with Census numbers and then I went to a chinchorreo.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Your recorder is your best friend.
When's the best time to pitch you?
in the morning before 9 a.m.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Anything that involves, "you can get an exclusive". I care about getting the story right, not first.
What's your favorite drink?
A margarita on the rocks, with salt.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Watching something on TV. I used to dance, but not as much these days.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I have three: The Washington Post, Forbes and BBC Mundo.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I have many beats. Common misperception – that I can work 24 hours a day.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.