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5 min read
Maritza Félix began her career as a journalist in Mexico before moving to the U.S. and working in print and broadcast media. In 2020 she formed a WhatsApp group, Conecta Arizona, to share pandemic news in Spanish with people living along the Arizona/Mexico border. As the group grew to thousands of members, Conecta Arizona expanded into other formats including web, newsletters, radio and a podcast series that recently surpassed 1 million listeners. In 2022 Maritza was named Innovator of the Year by the Local Media Association for her work as Conecta Arizona’s founder and publisher.
Maritza shares what has surprised her most in her career, how her organization engages her community and advice for those launching careers in local news.
How did you choose your career?
I originally wanted to become an attorney. But after a Mexican presidential candidate from my hometown in northern Mexico was killed, I remember seeing all the reporters coming to my town asking questions about it. They really got my attention. By the time I went to university, I realized I wanted to tell stories and write.
Why did you start Conecta Arizona?
I live in Arizona but have family in Mexico. When the pandemic began, I realized that people living in border communities needed access to news in Spanish. WhatsApp was something everyone in those communities used every day. We launched in May 2020 and grew from there.
Anything about the industry that’s surprised you?
As I launched Conecta Arizona, I realized I didn’t see women who looked like me in leadership roles. I thought that if we wanted to see change in the industry, we needed more Latinas and people from different cultural backgrounds not just in leadership positions, but also as reporters covering their own communities.
Can you share an innovative program that has helped your company grow?
We have a daily WhatsApp broadcast called La Hora del Cafecito (Coffee Time) where we present a new topic and often invite guests like attorneys, doctors and politicians to answer questions from community members. We’re not just sharing news, but we’re initiating a two-way conversation that engages people. We also started a podcast that’s easy to download even for those who live in rural areas who might not have the best internet connection. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible and make it easy for them to take part in these conversations.
What excites you about your career?
By reporting on issues that affect our own communities, we are reclaiming the border narrative. Reporters who aren’t from here don’t have a deep understanding of the community like we do. There are a lot of people still building walls – physical walls, digital walls, paywalls – and we’re building bridges between people and communities.
What word describes your organization?
Diálogo.
We are engaging people in a dialogue about topics that affect their daily lives. We want to share news and information, but we also want to start conversations about issues important to our members.
What in your career are you most proud of?
For a long time, I had to fight for my place at the table. I’m the first Latina in many new spaces, and I’m trying to open doors for others coming after me. I’m proud that I have built my own table, and now I’m inviting others to join me.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your field?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help to get your project funded and off the ground. Also, quit asking questions like, “Do I deserve to be here? Am I enough? Should I be more grateful?” Shake the imposter syndrome.
Where do you see the industry in 10 years?
I hope we see more investment in small communities and innovative media projects that reflect the people they serve. If we can achieve that, we will strengthen democracy and our communities.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like reading in Spanish, traveling, taking walks and spending time with my nine-year-old twins. They’re in a stage where they’re a lot of fun.
What goal would you like to achieve in 2024?
We have two important elections next year in the U.S. and Mexico. One of our goals is to fight polarization. Another is to launch a platform that allows community members to share their own stories. I’m also trying to make Conecta Arizona more sustainable by securing grants and sponsors and diversifying our revenue streams. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur; I’m trying to change that mindset.
