A Testament to Dreams

Photo by Annabella Mireles

Every story has its own unique beginning, but ours has four. Women in Media, more lovingly known as WIM, was initially born from the want to create a journalism space that was kinder than the ones we were brought up in. However, as the organization has grown, so have we. This story could never be told from one point of view, though, when the minds of four hopeful women are what brought this dream together. Hear about the beautiful mesh of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets from our four founders below.

Meagan Garcia

Believe it or not, when I first started my journey in the journalism industry, it was not because I had a particularly strong connection to the field. I am actually a mechanical engineering major, curious at heart and hoping to change the world for the better through my studies. 

However, I love writing, I have always loved writing. There was nothing more fun to me than coming up with stories in my head and being able to bring them to life on paper. I lived in books, got lost in the fantasy worlds and the lives of beloved characters. I wanted to create that for other kids like me. 

When I first got to college, it was hard to find a balance between my academic career and my passions. I got involved and eventually became a leader in the Creative Writing Society at UTEP, but the community I garnered there only made me want to expand that. Then I met my three lovely co-founders. 

I found immense inspiration in my companions’ talents and work drive. Annabella completely reshaped the way I viewed photography as an art form. Fatima opened my eyes to new creative opportunities. Itzel fed my passion for making a change with my words. Coming together to make this was the breath of fresh air that we needed in a field that did not always feel welcoming to young women. 

Our goal is to cultivate a safe environment that encourages women to use their voices and tell stories through any medium of media that they would like. Above all, I want little girls to see my work and know that no matter who you are, you can do anything you set your mind to.  

Annabella Mireles

Photography was a passion of mine that started in high school and blossomed into a freelancing career that I am currently learning to grow. Ever since I had initially picked up a camera for yearbook in high school, I felt an instant connection and knew that my future was going to change. 

From always wanting to be a teacher, to wanting to become a photographer in a matter of a year, I had no idea where to start. I had joined different organizations, but none of them had felt right. I knew I needed a space to learn, grow and feel accepted. 

Wanting to break into the media field is a hard feat, especially if you are a woman and a minority. One of the few factors that kept me going was the friendships I created in the field with these three amazing women. Together we wanted to create a safe space for women wanting to succeed in the field of media by hosting workshops, social events and providing a mentorship that we did not experience when we started. 

With WIM, we hope to introduce women who are at different stages of their career to one another while teaching them everything we know. Personally, I hope to inspire up and coming photographers and show them what being in a community is like rather than seeing others as competition. We have worked tirelessly to put together an organization we wish we had when we started. We cannot wait to grow this organization, and induct new WIMsies! 

Fatima Alvarado 

Coming into college, I was filled with uncertainty that I would ever be able to enjoy the future in journalism I had been working towards since high school. So, I did what any other student would do. I changed my major to my biggest passion, graphic design. 

My love for journalism began when I joined yearbook in high school as a small helper, where I was able to watch others do what they did best and ended up growing fond of the busy environment. Throughout the years I had always been most connected with making creative and colorful pages that others would be able to enjoy. Since graduating high school, creating has always been my biggest passion. When I decided to change my major from communications to graphic design, I realized how sure I was of my future. 

Thankfully I had amazing friends and family who supported all my endeavors, including my three honorary sisters, Meagan, Annabella and Itzel, whom I have been able to share my journey with towards a successful future. Now I am working towards a career in print design, where I hope to continue being in the journalism field. 

When creating the idea of Women in Media, we all knew it was to support women in the field, and be able to share our knowledge and experience with other students. Going through this semester as a junior, I am more than certain that what we have created will be able to live on after graduating. I cannot wait to see the growth of our members and organization, and am beyond grateful to be able to do this. 

Itzel Giron

For so many people, finding their passion in life isn’t easy. Some struggle for months and sometimes even years to find their calling; luckily for me, I knew mine since I was six. Rather than worrying about the cartoon lineup after school, I eagerly awaited for it to be 5 p.m. every day in order to watch my favorite news channel, KVIA. 

It was there, watching all of those journalists, that inspired me to become the journalist I’m flourishing into. While working in different types of newsrooms and being in different roles, the best part of those experiences was finding women who help other women become the best that they can be. When finding my three new honorary sisters as Fatima mentioned, it felt like I had surrounded myself with the best support system any woman could have. I know so many people dream of finding something like this and I’m so honored to have found something so unique.

When creating Women in Media our goal was to create a safe space for women just like the one we found amongst ourselves. WIM has now become our token to the world to not only showcase the talents of other women, but also act as an opportunity to inspire anyone who has felt less than in any work environment. We stand together to remind you, our readers, that feeling less than in any workplace is not right and sometimes those heartbreaking moments can end up leading you to your soulmate of a workplace even if it is a student organization. We cannot wait to see all of your WIMsical selves! 

The point of this piece is not only to introduce ourselves and our organization. We want people to understand that even when life feels stifling, you have to dream and find the people you can share them with. WIM is a testament to our dreams. When there is not a seat at the table for you, do not just pull up a chair, make your own table. Be loud, be brave, and dream big.

About Us

The founders of Women In Media may be reached at thewomeninmedia@gmail.com