I live and breathe news.
I am a freelance reporter, but after more than four decades in journalism, I aim now to help save our profession. With the downsizing or closing of newsrooms, many passionate journalists have been left with little hope and wonder what they do next.
Well, you don’t give up.
I believe we can create our own opportunities and must always be prepared for the unexpected.
Long before I was unfairly fired from a Dallas TV station after 14 years and a few Emmy awards under my belt (another story), I knew that nothing is forever and being fired or laid off does not mean you are a failure.
Losing a job means FREEDOM to do something else, be your boss, and create or find satisfying opportunities and experiences.
It is possible. Take it from me.
You lose ONE JOB, but keep going because you still have talent, passion, a network of contacts, and the drive. Take a negative and use it to become stronger leaders.
Not only did I continue as a journalist, but I also got my Master’s in Journalism, was inducted into the 2022 Hall of Fame of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and became the FIRST Latina and woman of color to be elected president of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Thank God I was fired because I was free to do more outside that TV newsroom.
Did anyone even care that I had been fired or laid off in my career? No. What they wanted was someone who had passion and drive in journalism. And I still have that deep in my soul.
Not only am I a freelance reporter, but I now have other titles to my name: news consultant, success coach, DEI and media watchdog, and public speaker today. I founded Latinas in Journalism, Wise Latinas Linked, and the #CallingAllJournalists Initiative.
Please check out my dropdown menu and learn more about my work in:
*Freelance
*Social Media
*Leadership in Journalism
*Success Coach
*Public Speaking
Remember, we succeed together!
Until next time,
Rebecca
Rebecca Aguilar 
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