MARILYN PONCE: 2022 Top Lideres Award; SWFL

What is your Hispanic Heritage: I am originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Latin Times Magazine: What area of Florida do you live in?

Marilyn Ponce: Fort Myers area

Latin Times Magazine: What is your profession?

Marilyn Ponce: Journalist

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it

Marilyn Ponce: I work in Telemundo as host and producer for the show Acceso Total for Southwest Florida.  I started working for Telemundo, in 2016, as a news reporter. Two years later, I was assigned to host and produce Acceso Total, from scratch for Southwest Florida.

This is a local entertainment franchise created by the Telemundo Station Group to introduce Spanish-speaking viewers to national and local celebrities, entertainers and people who are making positive strides in the areas of entertainment, music, culture, culinary arts, and digital/social networks. 

Latin Times Magazine: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition

Marilyn Ponce:  I have had the opportunity to live in different places like Honduras, Puerto Rico,  Spain, Chile and the United States. This exposure to other cultures has helped me to be a very open-minded person, respect other points of view and constantly learn how to approach challenges using different perspectives. I am someone that is constantly learning new things about the world that surrounds us.  

Latin Times Magazine: Why do you feel you were nominated

Marilyn Ponce:  Because the person that nominated me, valued that I came to the US in 1999 without speaking English, and that was not a hurdle to accomplish my dreams of becoming the professional I am today.   

Latin Times Magazine: During Covid-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it

Marilyn Ponce:  I faced two considerable challenges during this time. The first one was to continue producing the show daily from home keeping the same quality. To overcome that situation, we put together a system with my team that enabled to continue with the show. That system required a lot of coordination and permanent communication between us.  

The second and most difficult test was the death of my father due to Covid-19. After that terrible experience, the support of my family, friends and professional guidance through a therapist was key to continue.     

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about your biggest achievement, and how you achieved it

Marilyn Ponce:  My biggest achievement was to become a journalist that works in tv. I achieved it by making the right choices at the right time, working very hard and having the support from different people. When I was pursuing this dream, sometimes, I felt that I did not have what was needed to succeed,  but there was a little voice inside me telling me that I could not quit and that I must continue with it.  

Latin Times Magazine: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?

Marilyn Ponce:  At this point, I cannot tell you the details, but I am currently working on a project that will help communities in Latin America. Stay tuned for further information.

Latin Times Magazine: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?  

Marilyn Ponce:  I think it is a great responsibility and opportunity at the same time. I believe that we must give back to the community and always give a hand whenever is possible. This is a place where hard work and good choices are key for a successful life.    

Latin Times Magazine: What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation? And what role do you see Marilyn Ponce:  Hispanics/Latinos playing in the future of our nation.

I think we live challenging times but at the same time, we live in a moment of history where many opportunities appear every day and numerous rights have been conquered. It is difficult to think of a better period of human history to be alive. Of course, there are issues that we need to take care of such as inequity, poverty, the degradation of the environment and conflicts around the globe.

Latinos have today a more prominent role in our nation. We now have a place in this society; however, I think that we are still far from the potential we can achieve as a human group. We need to become more visible and influential.  

Latin Times Magazine: What words of encouragement can you offer?

Marilyn Ponce:  Never surrender, try to look for opportunities, learn something every day. Do not let other people to dictate what your potential is. Think very carefully about the decisions you make and what and who you choose to be surrounded by.

Latin Times Magazine: Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to share?

Marilyn Ponce:  Always educate yourself, investigate and live a healthy life. Invest in you, it is the best decision.

Latin Times Magazine: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?

Marilyn Ponce:  Ecuadorian and Peruvian food, I cannot choose which one is the best!