We were lucky to catch up with Raquel Reichard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Raquel, appreciate you joining us today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

There are many problems plaguing journalism. Among them is that we have the same voices — cis, straight, white men, and increasingly women — primarily reporting and sharing our stories. This is especially true in Latine media, where white Latines are often given the jobs and use their editorial privilege to cover folks who look like them and come from a handful of Latine/Latine American backgrounds, mainly Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and, increasingly, Dominican Republic. At Somos, Refinery29’s channel by and for Latines, I’m working to create a platform and community that finally represents and serves all members of our diverse communities. As Deputy Director, I have prioritized hiring, contracting, and collaborating with people and groups that have historically been erased from Latine media. At Somos, the content we produce is created by emerging and seasoned journalists with roots in Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. More over, their varying positionality (race, gender, sexuality, immigration status, class, abilities, and more) and expertise (culture, entertainment, politics, beauty, fashion, identity, sports, etc.) allows us to create works that are nuanced and help our readers feel seen, learn, heal, grow, and laugh.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a journalist and editor. Throughout my career, my writing has centered body politics, Latine culture and music, and various Puerto Rican social struggles. I’m also an editor. I started as the politics & culture editor at Latina magazine, then an editor at mitú, then a culture editor at Remezcla, and now as deputy director of Refinery29 Somos. In this role, I work to uplift nuanced storytelling of Latine/Latin American communities that aim to educate, entertain, and empower.

I also have a small business where I provide editorial and media support to different brands. Currently, I’m working on an episode for a podcast through WNYC, an anthology for NYU, and do content marketing for a Latina-led sexual wellness brand.

Additionally, I have an arts and culture nonprofit, Borilando, that serves the Puerto Rican community in Central Florida and am leading a cultural criticism program called Escribe, Mi Gente.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

It often amazes a lot of people that I’ve been able to hold the positions I’ve had while working remotely in Orlando (long before the pandemic). In news media, you often have to live in cities like New York, Washington, DC, Los Angeles or Miami to lead teams. But I think my personal body of work, what I’ve been able to accomplish with different outlets, and my respect and support from the communities I serve have helped me build a reputation that I have what it takes to build a team that can move the culture forward from wherever I’m at. I have genuine compassion for the communities I serve. I listen respectfully and enthusiastically. I take the extra time to ensure that I have the right hands working on a project. I have no problem taking a loss, not posting something, or not working with a lucrative partner if I don’t think the project reflects our folks wholly.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Creating works that educate and heal, which leads to our communities’ growth and, ultimately, pushes the culture forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raquelreichard.com
• Instagram: @raquelreichard
• Twitter: @raquelreichard

Image Credits
Angelica Alvarez