Champion Profile: Josefa SalinasDecember 14, 2009 |
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 Josefa Salinas has been very successful in her career as an on-air radio personality, talent manager and accomplished author and journalist. But what has been most rewarding is her work as a relentless advocate for underserved communities in Los Angeles County. Including being the celebrity spokeswoman for First 5 LA's "Read Early, Read Aloud" literacy campaign,. Because of this work, she has been recognized by the First 5 LA Commission as a Champion for Children. "I truly love fighting for those who cannot, or just don't know how to fight for themselves," said Josefa, noting she always felt a need to be involved in a profession that would allow her to effect a lasting change in people's lives. For Josefa, that profession was radio. After undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, she worked at various radio stations in San Francisco and Los Angeles as a talk show host, DJ and promotions director. She also became a manager where she shaped the career of many artists and producers, including Grammy award winner Coolio.In 2001, she joined HOT 92.3, where she currently works as the weekday morning news anchor, community affairs director and host/writer/producer of "The Community Review," a one-hour talk show from 7-8 a.m. every Sunday. "Hosting shows on HOT 92 provided me with the opportunity to tackle the topics that affect our neighborhood, our streets and our world," Josefa says. "It is my responsibility to be the voice of those who cannot be heard, to represent the listeners' opinions, their voices and concerns." Her 20-plus years in radio led her to write "101 Things To Know Before You Date My Daughter, My Best Friend or Me!," a book based on listeners' phone calls soliciting advice on relationships. Proceeds are donated to causes close to Salinas' heart -- organizations supporting single mothers, community health, education and breast cancer awareness. She is currently working on two new projects. A "G.I.R.L.'s" (growth, independence, responsibility, leadership) summer camp aimed at helping 7th-12th grade girls become "confident, strong and hopeful so they make the right choices." The other is a Web site that stems from her passion for reading called checkoutthisbook.com (still in development), where visitors will be able to read about various book titles and listen to interviews with authors. A single mother with a son, Melan, 13, Josefa is the director of Heritage Begins Within, a foundation that assists and empowers minorities through such activities as computer giveaways and food and clothing drives, and is involved with other charitable organizations. What drives you? |
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