Ingrid Quiroz: journalism in the blood.

• Author: Shelley, Barb
• Position: People - Biography

HONORED last year as one of the top 100 Spanish-language journalists in the nation, Ingrid Quiroz, editor and publisher of La Prensa, the oldest Spanish-language newspaper in Utah, credits her talent to her bloodline. After all, her father, brothers and uncles are journalists. From Barranquilla, Colombia, Quiroz never lost her love of employing words to influence and touch lives--even when her uncle was killed by the Colombian cartel after writing an expose about drug trafficking.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

"Journalism is in my blood; it's a gift," she acknowledges. "I was trained as a social worker, but when I came to Utah, I saw a need for a Spanish-language newspaper and put my talent to work." She established La Prensa (translation: the newspaper) to appeal to all Spanish-speakers in Utah--a tall order when you consider the many nationalities and cultures her audience encompasses. "We aim to provide news for all segments, all cultures from South America to Mexico to Cuba to Central America. Our goals are to inform, create opinions, entertain and, yes, unite the readers through our content."

A huge binder brimming with accolades, awards, letters of appreciation and news clips from local Anglo newspapers, which have used her as a source about Hispanic issues, testifies to her success. Also a tribute to her success is the frequency with which consulates seek her out. Recently, she traveled to Mexico at the invitation of the Consulate of Mexico to speak at a conference of Mexican and U.S. Hispanic leaders. She was one of five Utahns invited to the conference and the only journalist.

"This is an all-consuming job," she reflects. "The job means I am married to the community. I cannot let the community down." With its clear and defined support line within the Hispanic community, it is easy to see why many consider La Prensa the premier Spanish-language publication in the state.

Often, her work acts as a bridge between cultures. For example, she wrote several in-depth stories about an issue concerning street vendors selling...