Isabel Rosales: The Cuban-Born Journalist Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
When it comes to authentic, passionate reporting, Isabel Rosales is a name that stands out. From her early days as a curious immigrant child in Louisville, Kentucky, to becoming a CNN correspondent covering stories of national importance, Rosales’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a deep commitment to the truth.
Born in Cuba and raised in the United States, Rosales has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. She doesn’t just report the news — she connects with the people behind the headlines.
From Cuba to Kentucky: The Roots of a Storyteller
Rosales’s story begins in Cuba, where her family won a visa lottery often referred to as “la lotería.” Leaving behind their careers as civil engineers, her parents moved to the United States with a singular goal: to give their daughter a better life. But the road wasn’t easy.
“To say we were poor is an understatement,” Rosales shared. Her family’s first apartment came furnished by donations from the Catholic church. They scavenged furniture from dumpsters, including her parents’ first mattress and microwave, which her dad repaired. Despite these challenges, her family persevered.
Rosales’s understanding of hardship didn’t just shape her perspective; it fueled her passion for journalism. “The life of an immigrant is a relentless fight to survive,” she said. Watching her parents’ resilience inspired her to amplify the voices of those enduring similar struggles.
A Defining Moment for Isabel Rosales: The Power of Free Press
Rosales’s first encounter with journalism came shortly after her arrival in Louisville. A local reporter from The Courier-Journal wrote about her family’s immigration journey and how quickly she learned English. That story, now framed in her home, left a profound impression on her.
As she grew older, Rosales began to understand the role of the press in a democracy. “The free press is typically the first to go when an authoritarian regime takes hold,” she reflected, comparing her childhood in Cuba with the freedoms she discovered in the United States.
Her decision to become a journalist wasn’t just about telling stories; it was about holding power accountable. “I decided to become a journalist because of my love for my adopted country, which embraced my family,” Rosales explained.
Championing Marginalized Communities
As a Latino beat reporter in Tampa, Rosales focused on underrepresented communities. She gave a platform to stories that were often overlooked, like undocumented immigrants.
“Through my name, face, and speaking Spanish, they recognized me as one of their own,” she said. This connection allowed her to gain trust and tell stories that might have otherwise gone unheard.
One of her most memorable stories involved undocumented migrants who hesitated to report crimes due to fears of deportation. Rosales became a bridge between these communities and the broader public, shining a light on their challenges and resilience.
Isabel Rosales: Breaking Barriers as a Latina Journalist
According to a 2022 report, Latinos make up 19% of the U.S. population but only 12% of the media workforce. For Rosales, this disparity underscores the importance of representation in newsrooms.
“Latinos are absent in newsrooms, yet out in the real world, there’s a growing number of us shaping America,” she emphasized. She believes accurate portrayals of Latinos in the media are essential to combating stereotypes and fostering understanding.
Her reporting has had far-reaching impacts, from uncovering law enforcement accountability issues to breaking the international story of Carla Stefaniak, a Florida woman murdered while on vacation in Costa Rica. Each story reflects her commitment to the truth and her belief in the power of journalism to create change.
Navigating the Challenges of Journalism
Rosales doesn’t shy away from addressing the financial instability in the media industry. For young Latinas dreaming of a journalism career, she offers candid advice: “The news industry is going through fundamental changes. Some would even call it an existential crisis.”
She recommends pairing journalism studies with business or finance courses for added stability. But above all, she emphasizes the importance of persistence. “Journalism isn’t a job but a calling. And our voices are needed more than ever to provide nuance and challenge disinformation.”
A Call for Change in the Industry
For Isabel Rosales, the ultimate goal is to shift the narrative around Latino communities. “Latinos are not a monolithic group. Our stories are complex, multifaceted, and rich with resilience,” she said.
Her hope is to see more women of color in leadership roles, shaping the stories that are told and how they’re presented. “We’re not here to just survive; we’re here to thrive,” she declared.
Isabel Rosales: A Journalist for the People
Rosales’s work embodies the essence of journalism: giving a voice to the voiceless and holding power accountable. Whether she’s covering Hurricane Milton or reporting on systemic inequities, her commitment to telling the stories that matter remains steadfast.
For aspiring journalists and readers alike, Isabel Rosales’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, resilience, and staying true to one’s mission. She is not just a journalist; she’s a force for change.
