We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Bastidas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, how do you think about risk?
I believe that if you do not take risks, you can not reach your maximum potential. Coming to this country at age 22 was the first risk I took to advance in my life. I came from my native Venezuela with only my Bachelor in Social Communication and my suitcase looking for an opportunity in this country.

Without money, or documents to work here, the doors were closed to me. But taking the risk, knocking on doors and always persevering on my dreams, allowed me to create my journey.

It’s been 20 years, since I started as a freelance reporter in a local newspaper. Today I am the VP of Digital Content at MundoHispanico. In my personal life, risks were also present.

When I decided to become a mother, I knew I would have to be a working mom, because journalism is my passion and I was not going to let my career on the side. Today I am a proud mom of 3 amazing children, still working for my company and always involved in new projects. So if you can envision it, you can do it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am very proud to lead the transformation of a local newspaper into the 3rd Largest Spanish News Site in the US, MundoHispanico.com. Today with the amazing team of reporters, editors, videographers, producers, we have become a multimedia and award winning newsroom (10 Emmy Awards) we continue informing, educating and empowering our community, Of course the road has not been easy, but in ever changing digital world you need to fail and learn fast and come back the next day and try something new. Every day is a new challenge. That is why for us, being open minded, and flexible to adapt to the new trends and platforms is essential. We need to meet our audience where they are: on social media and in their phones.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Avalon, Forum Atlantic Station, and the Blue Ridge Mountains if they come with family. We love camping with our kids up in the Blueridge Mountains.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mentor, the AJC editor, Kevin Riley, once told me: “Maria never feel embarrassed for having an accent, it’s your accent and your latina charisma that makes you different from any other women on this building…

Be proud of who you are, speak spanish, don’t be afraid to be different because you are unique”.

These words are still in my mind because they gave me the courage to speak up and be proud of myself as I developed my career in Corporate America.

Website: mundohispanico.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmariaalejandrabastidas/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaalejandrabastidas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmariaalejandrabastidas/

Image Credits
Luis Contreras, Kaptura El Momento

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