We recently connected with Daniela Leon and have shared our conversation below.

Daniela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I wanted to be diversify my career and continue to challenge myself. I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Colorado Springs and work as a tv reporter at FOX21 News. I moved to a new city without knowing anyone and worked as a weekend anchor and on-air reporter, I originally signed a two year contract, but ended up living there for nearly four years. I learned a lot about myself and the team helped me cultivate my craft and become better. I grew close with some of my colleagues who are now life-long friends. Every day was a new adventure and I would spend my time picking up new hobbies, checking out hikes, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I became independent, self-sufficient, and proved to myself, I can make it no matter where I go. I recommend always taking a leap of faith. Because sometimes that risk will lead you to become your most authentic self.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a reporter for KSHB-TV in Kansas City. but before reporting on Kansas City’s biggest news stories, I was born in Mexico and raised in Kansas.

All of my life, I was told I had a curious eye and could spark up a conversation with virtually everyone. It annoyed my parents and my Sunday school priest, but those skills are part of my professional arsenal.

It takes a lot of confidence, dedication and hard work to be in my career. There have been several people I’ve crossed paths who told me I didn’t have what it takes to make it in this industry. However, I never let them get in the way of me and my career goals.

Getting in front of a camera isn’t easy, but to me my biggest concern is making sure my facts and information are accurate. We are in a moment in our lives where misinformation can easily spread and a journalist credibility is what sets them apart from the rest.

While some people may think my career is glamorous, it’s not always what it appears to be. There are days where breaking news happens and I won’t be able to make it home for a break. There’s also a lot of people who simply are dismissive of the press and it’s made it harder to be out in the field. However, what fills my cup is knowing that I have an important job and my goal is to highlight my community and get people to think outside the box.

I am most proud of all of my recognitions. I have won a broadcast award at every single tv station I’ve worked in since college. I have worked in several states, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and those awards mean so much more than an award of merit. They represent the connection I was able to build and the trust I was able to gain within those communities.

I want people to understand, it takes a lot of grind to be in my shoes. I’m not lucky, I just put in the grind and lots of work.

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

For me it’s all about getting to meet new people and getting them excited to tell me their story. It’s all about being able to highlight their voice and show case their passion on a social event, mission, or organization. People have the power to continue to inspire others to make the difference and that’s why I like to get out and meet new people every day.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I want to push for diversity within broadcast journalism. Growing up I didn’t see any hispanic reporters on my tv screen and that directly impacts what stories make it on air. We need diversity in news to be able to tell and be representative of an inclusive city.   

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @LEONDANIELATV
• Twitter: @DANIELALEONTV