Laura Madrid is the General Manager for la Radio 1190AM/107.5 FM the largest independent Spanish language radio station in Arizona. A career in broadcasting was never in her plans, Madrid wanted to be a fashion buyer. This year, the little girl who came to the US when she was seven years old, will celebrate 20 years in what she calls a very rewarding career.
Who has influenced your life the most?
I’ve had many people impact my life in different ways. Aside from my Grandmother, there was my mother, and my Tia Lupe, and my grade school teachers.
I was fortunate to have had great teachers that believed in me and took the time to guide me, and help with my confidence. It started with my 3rd grade teacher, her name was Ms. Steen. She really helped me with my self-esteem, it was hard during that period of my life.
I went on to have other amazing teachers who taught me that I determined my own future and where I came from didn’t define me. I will always be grateful to all of them. I have great respect for ALL teachers, especially the passionate ones.
What are your proudest achievements?
My current position has allowed me to help in different ways, either by informing our community or creating positions and organizing events to help our Spanish population, or by mentoring.
But what I’m most proud is the work I did, while I was in AmeriCorp right out of high school. I had the opportunity to work directly with small children, ages 6-8, with really grown up problems, along with being the Team leader of 26 other AmeriCorp members.
At the time I was 19 years old, and the members where older than me, and I had to learn to manage, but mostly learn to be a leader. It was during this time that I learned that leadership is about listening and having compassion for those who you work with. That has been the hardest job I’ve ever held, but it’s been the most rewarding experience because of what together we were able to accomplish.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by many, maybe no one famous to you, but to me they are the most admirable women I’ve known. My mother, because it took courage for her to leave everything behind, to seek out better opportunities for her and her daughters. And as hard as it was to leave her two babies in the care of her older sister, it was the best thing for my sister and me. We are who we are because of her choices. I was inspired by my Tia Lupe, as she was calm and patient even after caring for children that were not her own. She treated my sister and me as we were. Tia Lupe took care of us for 5 years until we moved to the US. I was seven years old.
My younger sister Angelina. As a child she struggled in school, academically but still managed to graduate from Northern Arizona University with a bachelors degree in Art, and now has her ceramic business and is pursuing her passion.
My two older sisters raised daughters on their own. Being a single mom is hard work and they alone raised their young ladies to be independent, hardworking, with self-worth, and good hearts. I have the most respect for them, as I do for all single parents.
What advice do you have for those pursuing a career in broadcasting?
If someone told me they wanted to pursue a career in media, I would say do it, because it will be their own experience. I would also say that it’s a competitive and challenging career because it’s an industry that’s changing and that attitude does impact the outcome. One thing for sure is that it won’t be a boring day in the office.
Tell us five things no one knows about you?
- My first job was working early on the weekends at the Yuma Swap-meet. I helped the vendors’ set-up, but mostly I worked with a guy named Juan, he sold, fanny packs, wallets, belts, caps, things like that. I got paid $25 a day.
- I was a band nerd for 9 years, I played the clarinet, the bass, alto sax, and trumpet. I was never a First Chair, but I did it mostly for the trips.
- I am a news junkie, I read the news, I watch the news, I listen to the news, mostly politics, it’s my favorite past time. I don’t like digital books, I must touch the pages and smell the newspaper.
- I am afraid of heights, driving on high & long bridges, and flying, so I challenge myself by doing crazy adventures, such as zip lines, climbing, and going up to the tallest floors in a building, but praying the entire way. Before I get on a plane I must touch it and bless it and then I pray for everyone on board. It’s crazy since I love to travel and mostly to faraway places, but I pray the entire time.
- I married the boy that was my chambelán for my Quinceañera, we’ve been friends since 1989, and have been married for 17 years this April, we are blessed with 2 cool kids.
Until next time,
Sandra
