How NAHJ helped shape Penelope’s ABC News career
Meet Penelope, a Multimedia Journalist at ABC’s North Carolina affiliate station, WTVD. As a proud first-generation Latina with family roots in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, she’s built a journalism career shaped by curiosity and community. Through the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), she found professional development, lasting connections and an opportunity that helped lead her to the next chapter of her ABC News career.
Starting a career with ABC News
Penelope began her ABC career as an intern in New York City with WABC’s 7 On Your Side team. When that internship ended, she transitioned to a new internship with Nightline and 20/20. With two internships under her belt, she went on to land a role as a Booking Producer for ABC News Live Prime.
“That team played a big role in shaping me as a journalist,” she says. “I booked politicians, celebrities, astronauts, influencers; you name it, I was making the call.”
Now as a bureau reporter and multimedia journalist for WTVD, Penelope covers general assignment stories for the station.
“Each day, I start with a pitch meeting, then gather materials, conduct interviews, write scripts, edit and go live on air,” she explains. “If I have extra time, I work on developing new story ideas.”
Discovering new opportunities through NAHJ
Penelope first connected with NAHJ during her time as a Booking Producer, but it wasn’t until 2025 that she took the leap and attended her first NAHJ conference.
“My colleagues always talked about the conference and the opportunities it offered, and I knew I wanted to go,” she says. “Two years later, as I was finishing my first reporter contract, I remembered how helpful NAHJ had been for others. I applied right away and booked a flight to Chicago.”
Penelope arrived at the conference expecting to learn new skills, network and get feedback from journalism experts. NAHJ became more than a professional development experience when it helped connect her to the next step in her ABC career: her current role at WTVD.
But beyond the new role, Penelope found the conference gave her resources and connections that she still uses today.
“Experts reviewed my reel and gave me helpful tips. The workshops, like Intro to Data and Finding Sources, were game changers,” she says. “I still look back at my notes whenever I need new ways to tell a story. I also still speak with the friends I met at the conference. I’m very grateful for their friendships and for NAHJ for bringing us together.”
The power of mentorship
When asked to give advice to aspiring journalists, Penelope cited finding internships, saying yes to opportunities and always doing your best work. But her biggest piece of advice? Find a mentor.
“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentorship,” she explains. “My mentor Victoria is a true leader in media. We met during a Nightline shoot, and she’s supported me ever since, even after I left the company for a small stint.
“If there were Latina godmothers in news, she’d be at the top. I believe it’s so important to have guidance from people who understand what it’s like to be first-generation, new to the industry, or just starting out. Victoria is constantly seeking new talent and telling me I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, even when I have doubts.”
Feeling seen through representation
ABC News proudly supports and attends NAHJ’s national conference annually, and the impact is felt both by prospective candidates in journalism and current employees like Penelope.
“Seeing companies like Disney and ABC lead at these conferences shows they want newsrooms to reflect our diverse world,” she says.
“During the Chicago conference in 2025, I was invited to a Cafecito to connect with ABC, where I met Marilu, the General Manager of WABC. We were both in power suits; she wore all pink, and I wore all green. I remember walking up to her and saying, ‘So we are just rocking power suits today, huh?’ She immediately laughed and said, ‘Tell me about yourself.’ She wore her curly hair proudly, and in that moment, I felt truly seen.”
ABC News recruiters and employees will be at the NAHJ Conference & Expo in New Orleans July 22-25. Stop by our booth to learn more about careers at ABC and visit DisneyCareers.com to explore current openings.
