Meet Jacqueline
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacqueline, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My name is Jacqueline Magaña, and I’m from San Julián, Jalisco a small town in Mexico where tradition runs deep and resilience is part of our identity. I grew up surrounded by hard-working people, strong values, and the belief that your voice matters, even when the world tries to silence it. That upbringing didn’t just shape me, it fueled my purpose: to tell real stories, to stand for truth, and to open space for those who feel invisible. I watched people live with strength in their silence, and I promised myself I would use my voice to honor theirs.
Every barrier I’ve faced as a woman, as a Latina, as a communicator has only sharpened my purpose: to speak for those who’ve been muted, to bring light where there’s been shadow, and to remind others that your roots don’t hold you back they push you forward.
San Julián gave me that fire.
It gave me courage wrapped in humility, and a heart that beats for justice.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being a journalist is not just about telling stories,it’s about amplifying the voices that are often overlooked. Whether I’m in front of a camera, producing a documentary, or crafting a narrative on social media, my purpose is always the same: to make the invisible seen, and the unheard felt.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just report, I feel, I connect, and I carry people’s stories as if they were my own. Because in many ways, they are. I’m a journalist, yes, but also a daughter of a town where tradition runs deep. I was born and raised in Mexico, and in 2018, I immigrated to the United States chasing what many of us call el sueño americano—the American dream. Like many immigrants, my path hasn’t been linear. I’ve worn many hats, taken on different jobs, and faced the uncertainty that often comes with starting over in a new country.
When the pandemic hit, I found myself working with a nonprofit organization that served unrepresented and underserved communities. That experience was life-changing. It brought me closer to the realities people were living, and it reaffirmed why I chose this path in the first place: to be close to the community, to listen, to serve, and to make sure no one feels invisible. That job wasn’t about recognition or spotlight—it was about impact. It reminded me that storytelling can begin in the most unexpected places, even in the middle of a crisis.
I’m proud of many things—being nominated for the Golden Mike Awards, winning an Emmy, producing a documentary that shed light on hunger in overlooked communities, and standing on national TV as a semifinalist in Nuestra Belleza Latina. But what I’m most proud of is that I never let where I started define where I’m going.
Today, I work as a news anchor on Despierta al Día Colorado and Al Día al Mediodía Colorado. Every day, I get to connect with my community, share important stories, and bring heartfelt journalism to viewers. I get to celebrate their victories, honor their resilience, and shine a light on issues that matter. It’s more than a job—it’s a calling.
Was it easy? Absolutely not. There were moments of silence, moments of doubt, moments when I questioned if I belonged. But every “no” sharpened my mission. Every closed door made me push harder. Every challenge taught me that resilience isn’t always loud—sometimes, it’s simply choosing not to give up.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: your story is your power. You don’t have to fit anyone’s mold. You just have to be brave enough to show up as you are, every single day, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when no one’s watching.
What I want the world to know about me is this: I create with heart. I speak with purpose. And I believe, with all my soul, that storytelling can change the world, one truth at a time.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d show her the best of Denver’s energy and soul starting with a cozy brunch and a walk through the city’s beautiful parks. We’d explore colorful neighborhoods full of art and culture, taste authentic local flavors, and enjoy rooftop views of the skyline at sunset.
We’d spend a day hiking in the nearby red rock amphitheater and then escape to a charming mountain town to breathe fresh air and explore nature trails. Some days we’d slow down with relaxing spa treatments, long brunches, and peaceful park strolls. At night, we’d dance, listen to live music, and celebrate life with the warmth of the community around us.
By the end of the week, she’d feel the heartbeat of this place, its people, its stories, and the breathtaking landscapes that make it home.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, especially the women in my life, who taught me resilience not with words, but with action. Growing up in Jalisco, Mexico, I watched my mother and grandmothers carry the weight of entire households with strength, grace, and quiet determination. They showed me what it means to lead with heart, to keep going even when the world feels heavy, and to never apologize for dreaming bigger than what’s expected.
I also want to recognize the immigrant community that surrounds me, those who left everything behind to build something from nothing. Their courage inspires my voice, and their stories shape the reason I do what I do.
And finally, I want to shout out every mentor, colleague, and soul who saw something in me before I saw it in myself. Their belief, their encouragement, their truth, that’s what carried me through moments of doubt.
Because yes, this is my path…
but it’s been paved by many hands. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakymaganatv?igsh=MTltMXQzYzZ4ZmR4Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19NHBEtWPL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FezWg1xyr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Credit for the first and second picture to: Esteban Merchant
Instagram: estebanmp4
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