Let it be known that whether you’re a Working Mom, Stay at Home Mom, or Work at Home Mom — all Moms work. We value the sacrifice that all Moms make as we serve others in our spheres of influence and those most dear to us in our own homes.
The Working Moms Spotlight Series was launched in 2019 to specifically shine a light on women who are balancing the demands of motherhood alongside the responsibilities associated with work outside the home.
As we enter 2020 we are excited to team up with Samantha Murphy, Owner of 305 Hive, to continue to showcase women who are making an impact in the workforce. Each month our Working Moms Spotlight will be featured on Miami Moms Blog and showcased in the 305 Hive Newsletter.
Without further ado, we are excited to introduce you to our first Working Moms Spotlight of 2020: Co-Host of NBC 6 in the Mix, Jen Herrera.
Jen, we are excited to feature you as this month’s Working Mom Spotlight. I know many moms are familiar with what you do but for those who may not know you, can you tell us a little more about your role at NBC and what inspired you to enter this career?
Alongside my friend and colleague Johanna Gomez, we co-host a live entertainment and lifestyle show Monday-Friday called NBC 6 in the Mix.
When I was still in elementary school I decided I wanted to be a journalist. It all stemmed from a love for reading and writing. I was always involved in the newspaper clubs and yearbook clubs at school. Initially I wanted to be a newspaper writer, eventually I chose broadcast journalism at a teacher’s recommendation.
It’s always encouraging to see how our childhood experiences and strengths can influence our career choices. Do you have any mentors who have helped you along the way?
I was fortunate enough to train among some of the best in the business right here in South Florida! I did my internships at WPLG Local 10. It was a reporter named Gail Bright who really took me under her wing. I continue to have a realtionship with her today. Also, Dwight Lauderdale and Diane Magnum took the time to teach me a lot! I remember the first time I actually co-anchored an evening newscast with Dwight years later, I was so nervous!
Your role you must have many opportunities to meet really interesting people. I recently saw your interview with Ben Affleck here in Miami. Tell us, what interview or project you are most proud of and why?
I am most proud of the work I did in 2012 when I was one of two South Florida anchors who was permitted to travel to Cuba to cover Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the island. The access to the island was much different then. We did a lot of really good work on that trip, and it was personal for me since my father left Cuba when he was only 3.
More recently I became a published author. Writing a book was something I’ve always wanted to do. I wrote “Are Your Fake Boobs Making You Sick?” after struggling with my own health for years and eventually making the choice to remove my breast implants. I’m so proud that I decided to tell my story and help other women as a result.
Here at Miami Moms Blog we are passionate about encouraging and equipping women to share their stories to help empower others. It’s wonderful to hear how you have used your own story and experiences.
I assume your work requires a lot of creativity. Where do you draw inspiration and ideas?
My sources of inspiration have changed over the years. Now, as a veteran in this business it’s less about finding the scoop on stories and so much more about seeing how our community is affected by what’s happening.
In my personal life my family is a constant source of inspiration. I’m always trying to figure out how can I give my kids the best life possible, while still fulfilling my own goals.
As Moms, we can all identify with the desire to give our kids the best life possible. Speaking of fulfilling our own goals, what advice would you give a Mom who is considering stepping back into the workforce or starting her own business?
Go for it! If you think there’s not enough time to get it all done, wake up earlier! Stay up later! As a woman and a mom when you feel fulfilled your family will benefit.
How has being a mother influenced your role in business?
I think it’s a combination of being a mother and growing older. Becoming mom makes you realize it’s not just about you anymore. Every choice you make, every contract you sign, every job you take or turn down has an affect on your kids. Therefore, when you’re making those big decisions you weigh your options differently.
Motherhood and age have made me bolder. I’m not afraid to ask for what I want.
We know that motherhood alone has it’s challenges, what specific challenges or obstacles have you faced as a working Mom?
Being a working mom is hard, and being a stay at home mom is hard too. I would never say that one is tougher than another. I’ve done both. I stayed home for about 4 years. Realizing that it was not selfish to want to go back to work was a huge challenge. I felt guilty. But as a woman and a professional I needed it. Thank God I have a husband who saw I needed that too.
When I became a mom to my two girls I quickly realized that I couldn’t give 100% to my job and my children at the same time. There are days when I was great at what I did on the air, but I was exhausted or had no patience by the time I got home, or vice versa. I used to beat myself up about that. Once I realized it was o.k. not to be perfect at everything, all the time, it made things so much easier!
And all the Mamas said, “Amen!” Social media can easily feed us the lie that everyone can “do it all” perfectly, without any help. It’s a good reminder to give ourselves grace!
Ok, to round out our time we’d love to ask you some fun, get-to-know you questions… First up, what words of wisdom does Jen Herrera live by?
Give 100% to EVERYTHING you do. I have really been focusing on this lately. How you do one thing is how you do everything…so you better give it your all!
What’s your favorite go-to spot for “me-time” in Miami?
I spend my “me-time” on my Peloton or reading.
What are 3 things that make you smile, life’s simple joys?
Wine, a great pair of jeans, and 90’s hip hop.
So a glass of wine in a great pair of jeans while dancing to 90’s hip hop would be the ultimate joy, right?
Jen, thank you for your time and for keeping Moms all over South Florida informed (and laughing) alongside Johanna on NBC 6 in the Mix.
Check out Jen Herrera on NBC 6 in the Mix weekdays at 11:30AM.
Follow Jen on Instagram and find her book on Amazon.
Read previous Working Moms Spotlights by clicking the links below.
September 2018 Spotlight: Melissa Medina
October 2018 Spotlight: Camila Canabal
November 2018 Spotlight: Carolyn Mara
January 2019 Spotlight: Elizabeth Simonton and Nichole Aldrich
February 2019 Spotlight: Meredith Kallaher
March 2019 Spotlight: The Mom Economy
April 2019 Spotlight: Natalia Zea
May 2019 Spotlight: Jamie Jones
June 2019 Spotlight: Alexandra Valentin
September 2019 Spotlight: Rachael Russel Saiger & Isabela Grutman
November 2019 Spotlight: Rachel Mandelman
December 2019 Spotlight: Lilly Jimenez
