Telemundo anchor Gloria Ordaz found in Miami ‘opportunities that Cuba did not offer’

Gloria Ordaz, news anchor of Telemundo 51 in Miami, remembers one of the most valuable lessons she learned from her first job in the United States.

“I learned that in this country when you come with the desire to improve yourself, to work and get ahead, everything is possible,” said Ordaz.

Ordaz was 20 years old, had just arrived from Cuba in 1998, and knew that by helping her mother clean houses, she could help her uncles and grandparents, who brought them from Cuba. “Part of the lesson is that you should take advantage of everything you do and every moment you live because you never know what that can represent for you in the future,” she said. “Learn from each experience and keep the best of each stage.”

Ordaz, who hosts Telemundo’s noon and 5 p.m. newscasts alongside fellow Cuban journalist Arlena Amaro , spoke to El Nuevo Herald about her childhood in Cuba, the great love she left behind on the island, and the career she would have liked to study but couldn’t. She also told us how she and her husband, Cuban-American political analyst and publicist Freddy Balsera, work together to raise their children.

When did you know you would dedicate yourself to journalism? Have you ever thought about doing something else?

I always wanted to be a lawyer, but not having a good command of the language held me back, and I was also passionate about communications and journalism. Living in Miami, with several Spanish-language television channels, I saw the opportunity to, once I graduated, start a career. I started on an entertainment program on América TeVé and then moved on to the newscast. In 2023, I reached the 20th year of my career.

What was Gloria like as a child? What do you miss about Cuba?

I had a happy childhood in Cuba. I come from a very close family. I always remember my mother longing to see my grandmother again, who had left Cuba through the Mariel boatlift. My mother suffered greatly from that separation for so many years.

My adolescence was different because I began to realize that I lived under a system that kept a society disconnected from the world. I always say that the innocence of childhood made me strong and protected me against the horrible and incomprehensible realities that occur in Cuba . That is why it did not take long for me to realize that country was not for me.

From Cuba, I miss my father, who still lives there. Although I keep in constant communication with him thanks to technology and we see each other through video calls, it’s not the same. I miss that hug and being close to the people you love.

What was the hardest – and best – thing that happened to you when you arrived in the US?

I always say that one of the best things that has happened to me in life, after my children, is having emigrated to the United States. I have never felt like a foreigner in this country, which gave me the opportunities that my own did not offer me.

The best thing that has happened to me are my children, Diego Alejandro and Sebastián Mateo; my husband; being able to stay in Miami with my family without being forced to move to another city.

Miami is a wonderful city. On every corner you meet someone with a story of overcoming hardships to tell . The special thing about this city that welcomed me in July 1998 are the stories of its people.

One of your successes is ‘Encuentro virtual con Gloria Ordaz’ (‘Virtual Meeting with Gloria Ordaz’). How do you describe it?

I am deeply grateful to our news director, Helga Silva, and our general manager, Jorge Carballo, who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to host my program.

Encuentro Virtual con Gloria Orda z (Virtual Encounter with Gloria Ordaz) is a one-hour space that addresses and analyzes current issues. It features credible and high-level guests who share serious perspectives and diverse and forceful opinions on the topics of the week. We always try to cover different topics that have a direct impact on the well-being of the community and our society.

What would you like to share with someone who is starting their journey in television?

They should learn to differentiate between serious journalism and sensationalist or fake news. They should give priority to the impact that the interview or the information they are communicating can have, instead of focusing exclusively on the media content, and verifying the news.

How do you manage daily stress and routine and your role as a mother?

I love my job and have a deep respect for the audience I serve, but my priority is my children and my family. I try to maintain a balance between personal life, my role as a mother and work.

My husband Freddy is a key piece in this process. We help each other with the children’s routine.

It is a team effort. He knows that I respond to a schedule, while he manages his and he helps me a lot. Over the years, one learns to manage stress. You have to breathe deeply and get away from everything that causes you negative feelings. Block out everything that hurts you and surround yourself with what makes you happy and gives you peace.

What’s are your mantras?

I want to be a better mother every day.

I measure my success by the happiness and smiles of my children.