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Alvaro Ortiz

Communicating in English and Spanish

Starting a new and exciting phase in my career

Posted by Alvaro Ortiz

I am currently looking for new professional challenges in the fields of journalism, communications and media relations. Still based in Houston (TX) and as I line up some fascinating projects, I am also freelancing as a news correspondent for several Spanish-language media outlets, mostly covering American politics, particularly the crucial 2012 Presidential election. Never a dull moment for me...


Biography

firefoxI was born in Madrid (Spain) in 1971 and studied Journalism at the Universidad Complutense, where I graduated in June 1996. After working in several Spanish media outlets, I won the coveted Fulbright scholarship in 2001 and moved to the United States to pursue a Master's Degree at the prestigious School of Journalism of the University of Missouri-Columbia.
After two and a half years working as a reporter and anchor at the Columbia (Missouri) NBC affiliate station (KOMU-TV Channel 8), as well as collaborating with Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), I graduated in May 2003.
In November of that same year, I joined the News Division of Azteca America, the U.S. operation of Mexico's renowned TV Azteca. I first worked in the Washington DC headquarters and I was sent to Houston (Texas) in the summer of 2004 to spearhead the Texas News Bureau for the network. In 2009, I moved to the field of media relations and started working as Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman Al Green.
I describe myself as an 'all-terrain communicator' who can effectively report as an inquisitive journalist and also successfully convey an institutional and/or corporate message as a spokesperson.
I am proud to say I have travelled all around the world, visiting countries in Europe and Africa, as well as in North and South America.

Alvaro's Favorite Quote

Nobody likes the man who brings bad news.

- Sophocle

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Contact Information

E-mail:
alvaro@alvaro-ortiz.com

Phone: (832) 606 5869

- Alvaro Ortiz

My Column: Another new era in my 'American adventure'

In this summer of 2012, I realize it’s already been 11 years since I arrived in the United States as a thrilled Fulbright scholar who was about to embark in the great adventure of undertaking a Master’s Degree at the School of Journalism of the prestigious and ultra-competitive University of Missouri-Columbia.

The outcome of that personal enterprise was the best possible, for I proudly graduated in May 2003 with a 4.0 GPA. Right after graduating, I made a crucial decision by, instead of going back to my home country of Spain, staying in America to pursue my dream of being a TV journalist. That personal enterprise also had an extremely positive outcome because I had the privilege of working as a reporter for a renowned Spanish-broadcasting TV network for more than five years.

In the summer of 2009 I made a 180 and transitioned to the field of media relations by working as Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman Al Green.

And now, the summer of 2012, not only means that my ‘American adventure’ has already surpassed a decade, but also gives me another chance to pursue new challenges in the field I am passionate about: Communicating. Of one thing I am certain: I plan to keep working hard and to enjoy every second of this personal odyssey in the land of opportunity.