Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Viviana Paez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Viviana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most impactful stories I’ve covered in my career as a journalist was a program I dedicated to the urgent need for COVID-19 testing mobile clinics in the agricultural fields of Northern California during the pandemic. It was a time of stark irony—the very farmworkers who were deemed essential were being utterly neglected. Their health was compromised, yet they continued to toil, day in and day out, whether healthy or sick, to ensure food was on their families’ tables.

I spent a day in the fields, speaking with these workers, immersing myself in their reality. I interviewed several individuals who simply didn’t have the means to travel to testing sites in the cities. I’ll never forget the conversation I had with a mother who was deeply anxious about whether she had contracted COVID-19. She was the primary breadwinner for her family, and the weight of that responsibility hung heavy on her shoulders.

The common thread throughout those interviews was a deep sense of worry—not just about the virus itself but about the glaring lack of resources available to them during a global health crisis. I took this issue straight to the mayor, showing him the footage and highlighting the dire need of these essential workers.

But I didn’t stop there. I questioned the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento, pressing them on why so many of these farmworkers—who were predominantly Mexican—were being overlooked during such a critical time. Our reporting shined a light on the vulnerabilities these workers were facing, and it sparked real change. The mayor and the consulate responded by providing multiple mobile testing clinics directly in the fields. I even witnessed one of these clinics arrive at the very field where I had spent that day interviewing the workers.

This story remains one of the most significant pieces of work I’ve done because it exemplifies the power of journalism to give a voice to the voiceless. Through our efforts, we were able to bring attention and resources to a community that desperately needed it. Their voices were heard, and real change followed.

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?

My journey into the world of broadcast journalism is rooted in my personal motto, “Atrévete con miedo,” which means “dare with fear.” I’m originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, and I moved to the United States when I was just 18 years old. My passion for storytelling led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. It was there that I first realized the power of media to influence and inform. Afterward, I went on to earn a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, which truly set the stage for my career in the TV industry.

My path wasn’t a straightforward one—it was filled with challenges that required a lot of courage. While I was completing my master’s degree, I interned at Univision, where I had at least three internships before getting my first on-air opportunity. The break came in a moment of serendipity and determination. A meteorologist was auditioning for an on-air weather anchor position, but nerves got the better of her. Despite my own fears, my vibrant Colombian spirit pushed me to approach the news director directly. I told her that I believed I could be the station’s future weather anchor and asked for the chance to train with the meteorologist and do the casting myself. I’ll never forget the surprised look on her face, but she agreed.

I trained for countless hours without pay, driven by my dream of delivering Spanish news in the U.S. When I finally did the casting, I got feedback, refined my performance, and did it again—this time landing the job! That moment marked the beginning of my career at Univision Miami, where I started as a weather anchor and then transitioned into reporting. My journey took me across the country—from being a co-anchor at a Univision station in New Mexico to now becoming the Executive Producer and News Anchor, at Univision Sacramento KUVS.

What sets me apart is not just my commitment to journalism but my deep connection to the stories I tell, especially those that impact the Hispanic community. My work has earned me 18 Emmy awards, but what I’m most proud of is the ability to use my platform to bring attention to critical issues and inspire others. I’m a Hispanic woman and a mother who lives her passion daily, and I hope to continue inspiring my daughter and future generations to dare with fear, just as I did, to achieve their dreams. Dreams do come true, and I’m living proof of that.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a passionate journalist, my mission is deeply personal and profoundly impactful. My goal is to inspire women to embrace the mantra “Atrévete con miedo”—dare with fear. I want to show that you can be a mom, daughter, spouse, friend, and sister without sidelining your passion. We, as women, have the incredible capacity to achieve great things through hard work, focus, and persistence.

In my creative journey, I strive to be more than just a storyteller; I aim to be the voice for those who are often unheard. Every day, my work is driven by the desire to make a difference, even if it’s just in one life. Whether it’s shedding light on overlooked issues or pushing for change that will create a better future for families and communities, my goal is to use journalism as a powerful tool for transformation.

The most gratifying part of my work is knowing that I can inspire others and provoke meaningful change. It’s about more than just reporting the news—it’s about making sure that stories are told, voices are heard, and that through my efforts, I can contribute to a world where positive change is not only possible but inevitable.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

When I was promoted to the position of Executive Producer, I embarked on a new journey in management that required not just passion, but a deep understanding of leadership. I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about the skills and tools you bring to the role. To ensure my success in this new chapter, I’ve invested time in leadership training, including programs at Poynter and various online resources that have broadened my perspective.

Simon Sinek’s insights on leadership, particularly his focus on the importance of “why,” have been a significant influence on my management philosophy. His ideas remind me that a true leader inspires others by connecting to a deeper purpose. In addition, books like ‘Dare to Lead’ by Brené Brown, which emphasizes the power of vulnerability in leadership, and ‘When Women Lead’ by Julia Boorstin, which highlights the unique strengths women bring to the table, have been helpful in shaping my approach.

These experiences and resources have reinforced my belief that effective leadership is about empathy, authenticity, resilience, and the ability to inspire others to dare with fear.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @VivianaPaezTV
• Facebook: Viviana Paez Univision
• Linkedin: Viviana Páez
• Twitter: @VivianaPaezTV
• Other: TikTok: @Atreveteconmiedo