Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Vazquez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hola. This is Francisco Vazquez, anchor and executive producer for Univision 32 Utah In Salt Lake City. I was born in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico in 1987 but only born there, I grew up half of my life in Mexicali Baja California which is the city I consider home after Salt Lake. I moved to SLC back in 2002 so I’m pretty much a Utahn by now. I went to Granite High School and after graduating, I transferred to Salt Lake Community College to do my general courses. My time at SLCC was endless, I ended up going very slowly with classes since my family and I couldn’t afford to pay many credits plus I had to work full time in order to pay for it and all living expenses. I finally graduated with a Bachelors degree in Science in Communications with emphasis in journalism back in 2015 after four amazing semesters at my Alma Mater. I was able to graduate thanks to the help of my family that really helped me from Mexico with my expenses. Now in 2024 I am happily married to my wife Jessica and have a 2 year old boy and one little girl on the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say immigration is most of the time the main challenge and obstacles in the Latino community, at least for immigrants of my generation. Things were not easy back the day and never are. Money wasn’t there but things were not as expensive as they are right now. I always say that dreams and hard work always pay off. No matter if you have a status or not, if you have good health you can break any obstacles that appear impossible on your way. I thank god, my family, my wife and all those good friends and people who contributed in my life to be where I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the anchor and executive producer at Univision 32 Utah, a local Spanish news stations that prioritizes coverage for Hispanics that reside in Utah. I started working at Univision in November of 2016 the same day where the presidential elections took place so I will never forget what happened that day. I started working as a sports journalist which is one of my deepest passions. I covered all local sports as a freelancer where I did a little bit of everything like editing, doing camera, produce shows, work on news stories and be an on air talent. While doing all these jobs, I also was the official Spanish color commentator for the Utah Jazz radio broadcast at Alpha Media 106.3FM plus, I also had a job working in a hotel where I was on call whenever I was needed. It’s been almost 8 years since I started working in Univision, it is truly a dream job since I can inform our community about all relevant things that are happening in our community, especially, those that can make a difference in their daily lifestyle or create a change that they need to be aware of. I can proudly say that I have been promoted at work several times. I can also proudly say that I am a 3 time Emmy winner. an Emmy is an award that recognizes excellence in television and media overall. One of those stories that was awarded, helped an undocumented mom to leave her shelter inside a local church where she had to live there for several years in order to avoid deportation, something that my team and I are very proud of.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It is crucial in life to find the right mentors that can make a difference in your life. For me, My family, Mom and dad (may he rest in peace) made everything possible in their life to lead me in the best possible way. They both were professionals in Mexico and they met while going to the University so that made me want to follow their steps. My dad was my hero and biggest advisor, I was truly honored to have had him as my dad and all my professional accomplishments are dedicated to him and my mom. Having a partner like my wife Jessica also makes me want to improve myself every single way. She is a Family Medicine Doctor and with emphasis in Obesity Medicine. I am very proud of her and her accomplishments inspire me in order to become a better professional and also a better person.
Also, professionals like Francisco VIllalobos, who is a well experimented journalist in Texas that has worked in Televisa, Univision and other networks, helped me and taught how real life is in this industry. It is not easy, the hardest part is to get a door opened. Opportunities don’t come and knock on your door. You have to go find them. We all have the no as an answer guaranteed, what we do in order to get the yes is what life is all about. I was and am truly confident in my skills and knowledge. I invite everyone that is reading this, especially young kids that will attend school, to get prepared in best possible aspect, learn a second language especially if you are latino! Make the effort to learn the language that represents your family and especially, teach your kids a second language, that will make a huge difference in your lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/@franvamotv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franvamotv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franvamo
- Twitter: https://x.com/franvamo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@franvamotv
