Natalia Cruz

Natalia Cruz
Natalia Cruz on Univision
Born	Natalia Andrea Rodriguez Carrillo August 18, 1976 Barranquilla, Colombia
Residence	Miami, Florida
Other names	Natalia Rodriguez
Ethnicity	Hispanic
Education	Universidad del Norte
Occupation	Television journalist
Years active	1993 – Present
Employer	Univision
Known for	Primer Impacto WNJU
Spouse(s)	Jairo Cruz
Children	Daniel A. Cruz Alexandro X. Cruz Christiana I. Cruz Romana D. Cruz
Awards	3 Emmy Award ACE Award NY Latin Award

Natalia Cruz (born August 18, 1976 in Barranquilla, Colombia) is a Colombian journalist and news anchor in the United States, three time Emmy Award winner, affiliated to Univision Network, and the show Primer Impacto.

Biography

Born to journalist parents, Cruz always had a passion for written works. In her youth she competed in writing contests. She won speech and poetry competitions as well as literature prizes.^[1]

Cruz attended Universidad del Norte, in Barranquilla, Colombia where she majored in social communications and journalism. While studying, she worked in news radio on "Emisora Atlantico", Cruz began her broadcasting career at 17 as news anchor for the newscast "CV Noticias" on the regional television station Telecaribe.

Manuel Teodoro gave Cruz her first exposure on national Colombian TV, as news anchor and reporter on the TV Magazine "Extra" on Caracol Television.^[2]

In early 2000, Cruz moved to New York and worked for Spanish language Public TV on HITN (Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network), where she also produced the shows "Corriente Cultural" and "NotiCultura".^[3]

Later that year, she started as the New York reporter for the daily morning show "Despierta America", on Univision,^[4] and did live shots for the longest-running variety TV show in the world, "Sabado Gigante".

In 2001, Cruz was hired by the New York Telemundo affiliate WNJU as a reporter for Noticiero 47.^[5][6] With only one month on the job, she covered the WTC terrorist attacks, being one of the first reporters on the scene at Ground Zero.^[7][8][9] Her work was noted in the book, "Running Toward Danger: Stories Behind the Breaking News of September 11",^[10] and she was featured on the 9/11 Tenth year exhibit on the Newseum on Washington D.C.

After just 18 months working as a morning reporter, Cruz became news anchor on WNJU, now part of NBC, and received the 2004 Emmy Award as Best News Anchor for Tri-State area (NY, NJ, and CT).^[11][12][13]

She was nominated the following year for five awards, winning another Emmy Award, this time for Best Newscast in 2005.^[14] Additionally, Cruz won the ACE Award as Best News Anchor in 2005.^[15] 2006 saw Cruz win her third Emmy Award for Best Series of Social Interest.^[16]

Cruz then started as New York correspondent for "En Vivo y Directo", on TeleFutura.^[17] Only two months later, she was brought to "Primer Impacto" on Univision Network.^[18] She won the NY Latin Award for Best National Correspondent in 2008.^[19][20]

Cruz transferred to Miami in 2010 and has continued as a correspondent.^[21] Cruz often sits in as news anchor for shows at Univision, such as "Primer Impacto", "Despierta América", "Al Punto" and "Desayuno Alegre". She also briefs on "Noticiero Univision". and "Noticias Al Minuto" on TeleFutura.^[22]

In July 2011, Cruz was promoted to Anchor for Primer Impacto Extra,^[23] broadcast on the weekends at 5pm / 4pm center;^[24][25] replacing Weekend Anchor Satcha Pretto who left the program to become the new News Anchor for Despierta America instead of Neida Sandoval.

In 2012, Cruz hosted "Es el momento"^[26] Special "Primeros pasos hacia el éxito", Highlighting the Importance of Early Childhood Education; recorded at The White House featured artist Shakira and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan among other experts.^[27] In March 2013 she conducted from the studios, Univision's first time ever live broadcast of Easter Mass from Vatican City celebrated by Pope Francis.^[28]

Career

Television^[29]

Year	Program	Station	City	Title
2011–Present	Primer Impacto Extra	Univision	Miami, FL (USA)	News Anchor - Weekends
2010–2011	Primer Impacto	Univision	Miami, FL (USA)	Staff Correspondent
2006–2010	Primer Impacto	Univision	New York, NY (USA)	New York Correspondent
2006	En Vivo y Directo	Telefutura	New York, NY (USA)	New York Correspondent
2002–2005	Noticiero 47	Telemundo	Fort Lee, NJ (USA)	News Anchor - 6pm and 11pm
2001–2002	Noticiero 47	Telemundo	Teterboro, NJ (USA)	News Reporter - 5am to 7am
2000–2001	Despierta América	Univision	New York, NY (USA)	New York Reporter
2000–2001	Sabado Gigante	Univision	New York, NY (USA)	New York Reporter
2000	Corriente Cultural	HITN-TV	New York, NY (USA)	Host and Producer
1999–2000	Extra	Caracol	Bogotá (Col)	News Anchor and News Reporter
1997–1999	En Línea	Telecaribe	Barranquilla (Col)	Co-Host
1994–1996	CV Noticias	Telecaribe	Barranquilla (Col)	News Anchor - 8:30pm

Radio ^[30]

Year	Program	Dial	Station	City	Title
1994–1999	Jazz Vespertino	103.1 FM	Uninorte FM Stereo	Barranquilla (Col)	Host
1997–1998	La Vallenata	90.1 FM	Caracol Radio	Barranquilla (Col)	News Reader
1997–1998	Corazón Stereo	97.6 FM	Caracol Radio	Barranquilla (Col)	Programming Director
1993–1994	Atlántico en Noticias	1070 AM	Emisora Atlántico	Barranquilla (Col)	News Reader

Awards

• Award "Congo de Oro" by Carnaval de Barranquilla Internacional to Best Report 2015, given at Calle 8 Festival in Miami on March 13th, 2016.
• "National Godmother" at the Colombian Parade of New York on July 2015.
• "Premio Colombia 2013" The Maximum award for Colombians abroad, because of their personal values and services to the international community. Miami (Nov 23rd, 2013)
• "Guest of honor" at the Bicentennial of Barranquilla by the Major Office of Barranquilla City. 2013
• One of the 13 "Top Real Women in Fashion 2012"
• One of the 19 "Most fashionable people of 2011" in Miami
• Featured on the 9/11 Tenth year exhibit on the Newseum on Washington D.C. 2011
• New York Latin Award 2008 as best national TV reporter.
• Emmy Award 2006 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, for her special investigation “Lead on Kids Jewelry” on the category series of social interest.
• ACE Award 2005 from the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics as best TV Host.
• Emmy Award winner for Best Newscast in 2005.
• 5 Nominations to Emmy Award 2005 including one as second consecutive year as best News Anchor/Host, Best Political Segment, Best Special Coverage, and two for best Newscast.
• Emmy Award 2004 from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as best News Anchor/Host.
• Emmy Award nominee for Best Newscast in 2004.
• "Nemqueteba" Prize 2004 by Colombians Breaking Barriers, on the Symposium “Promoting the development of the Latin Community” in recognition for her work on favor of the improvement of the Hispanic community in United States of America.
• Honor of Merit 2004 by Colombian Civic Center, in recognition for her dedication and support to the Hispanic community.
• Latino Community Leadership Award 2004 by Bergen Community College.
• Nomination to ACE Award 2003 by Association of Latin Entertainment Critics as best News Anchor / Host.
• Nomination to ACE Award 2002 by Association of Latin Entertainment Critics as best News Reporter.
• Honor of Merit 2001 by NJ Hispanic-American Parade for her covering on September 11 attacks.
• Volunteer promoter of ONG's campaigns such as Red Cross, World Vision and Children International.
• Several times Godmother of Latin festivals, including: NY Colombian Independence Festival, NY Colombian Parade, Hispanic Parade of New York, Hispanic Parade of New Jersey, Hispanic Parade of Bayonne, NY Puerto Rican Parade, NY Dominican Parade, Cali Fair of Elizabeth.
• Master of ceremonies for events and community forums in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Washington DC

References

1. ColArte (2006). "Natalia Cruz Presentadora" (web). Retrieved March 31, 2011.
2. El Tiempo (Colombia) (August 18, 2004). DIEGO LEON GIRALDO S. Subeditor de Televisión, ed. "Con Pantalla Extranjera" (web). Natalia Cruz. Es barranquillera, estuvo en Telecaribe, presentó el periodístico Extra (in Spanish). Retrieved March 31, 2011.
3. El Tiempo (Colombia) (August 29, 2004). Cultura y entretenimiento, ed. "Periodistas de Exportación" (web). Natalia Cruz Presentadora de Telemundo en Nueva York Lleva año y medio en la Gran Manzana y ya se ganó un Emmy como mejor presentadora de la ciudad en la que vive. Barranquillera, de 27 años, fue conductora de CB Noticias, de Telecaribe y del desaparecido Extra, que dirigía Manuel Teodoro. A E.U. llegó siguiendo a su esposo que fue nombrado ingeniero en un pequeño canal de TV de Nueva York. Fue corresponsal de Despierta América, de Univisión y luego saltó a Telemundo, donde logró su premio. Una de sus pruebas de fuego fue transmitir desde las inmediaciones de las Torres Gemelas, durante los atentados y cuando todavía estaban en pie. (in Spanish). Retrieved April 6, 2011.
4. Noticiero Hispano (April 7, 2004). Noticiero Hispano Colombiano, ed. "La colombiana Natalia Cruz ganó premio Emmy" (web and press) (in Spanish). Archivo / Comunidad. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
5. Telemundo (February 10, 2004). Noticiero 47, ed. "Natalia Cruz : noticias de Nueva York" (web) (in Spanish). Noticiero 47. Retrieved April 28, 2011.
6. TV y Novelas (June 7, 2005). Tomado de Revista TV y Novelas, ed. "Las Caras de las Noticias" (web) (in Spanish). Historia de la television en Colombia. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
7. BBC News (September 5, 2002). Iscar Blanco, ed. "Especial 9/11 : Ellos Cubrieron la Historia" (web). BBC News (in Spanish) (Special 9/11). Retrieved June 3, 2011.
8. El Heraldo (Colombia) (September 11, 2011). International, ed. "Reportando el Terror" (web & press) (in Spanish). Special 9/11. Retrieved October 8, 2011.
9. Univision; Natalia Cruz (September 11, 2011). 9/11 Diez años después, ed. "Nunca nadie me preparó para esto!" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved October 8, 2011.
10. Trost, Cahy; Alicia C. Shepard (2002). Running toward danger: stories behind the breaking news of 9/11. Newseum. p. 133,208,209,212. ISBN 0-7425-2316-0.
11. Variety (March 29, 2004). Pamela McClintock, ed. "N.Y. Emmys favor WPIX" (web). EMMYS. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
12. Daily News (New York) (March 30, 2004). RICHARD HUFF, DAILY NEWS TV EDITOR, ed. "Emmys Bittersweet News For Ch. 2 Anchors" (web & press). Entertainment / Television. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
13. El Tiempo (Colombia) (April 2, 2004). MARTHA LUZ MONROY G. Redactor of EL TIEMPO, ed. "Otro EMMY para Colombia" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved April 6, 2011.
14. Daily News (New York) (February 26, 2005). By RICHARD HUFF, DAILY NEWS TV EDITOR, ed. "Wnbc Gets Most Local Emmy Nods" (web & press). Entertainment / Television. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
15. El Tiempo (Colombia) (May 7, 2005). Cultura y entretenimiento, ed. "Locutora Televisiva del Año" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved April 6, 2011.
16. Los Granos (March 16, 2006). losgranos.com, ed. "One of our own an Emmy winner" (web). Television. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
17. Univision (January 10, 2006). En Vivo y Directo, ed. "Noticias En Vivo y Directo Desde TeleFutura" (web) (in Spanish). En Vivo y Directo. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
18. La Ola Caribe (September 14, 2009). Revista La Ola Caribe, ed. "Natalia Cruz" (web & magazine) (in Spanish). Mas alla del Caribe. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
19. Univision (October 16, 2009). Primer Impacto, ed. "Natalia Cruz reporta para Primer Impacto desde New York" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved April 6, 2011.
20. El Heraldo (Colombia) (February 20, 2010). Revista Gente Caribe, ed. "Natalia Cruz periodista de Impacto" (web & press) (in Spanish). cover & central article. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
21. El Periódico (April 14, 2011). El Periódico de los Colombianos, ed. "Crece la representación colombiana en la TV de USA" (web and press) (in Spanish). Retrieved May 20, 2011.
22. A Magazine (May 1, 2011). Albornoz Group, ed. "Natalia Cruz: UNA MUJER IMPACTANTE" (web & magazine) (in Spanish). Profile. pp. 25–31. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
23. Univision (July 5, 2011). Primer Impacto, ed. "Natalia Cruz, nueva conductora de Primer Impacto Fin de Semana" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved July 8, 2011.
24. LosEspectaculos.TV (July 5, 2011). Los Espectaculos.TV, ed. "Natalia Cruz, nueva conductora de Primer Impacto" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved August 11, 2011.
25. ColombiaNewYork.com (July 6, 2011). Ibernet Media & Consultants, ed. "La barranquillera Natalia Rodríguez presentará el programa Impacto Fin de Semana de Univisión" (web) (in Spanish). Retrieved August 17, 2011.
27. Univision (September 17, 2012). Univision PR, ed. "Univision Presents Es el momento Special "Primeros Pasos Hacia el Éxito"" (web) (in English and Spanish). Retrieved November 1, 2012.
28. El Heraldo (Colombia) (May 11, 2013). Revista Gente Caribe, ed. "Natalia Cruz: la cara latina de las noticias en EU" (web & press) (in Spanish). cover & central article. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
29. Internet Movie Database (March 2011). www.imdb.me/nataliacruz, ed. "Resume of Natalia Cruz in IMDb" (web). =IMDb.com. Retrieved 6 June 2011.
30. Periódico Gente Norte (April 12, 2013). Nidia Medina Dávila, ed. "Natalia Cruz, orgullo barranquillero en Univisión" (web & press) (in Spanish). www.gentenorte.com. Retrieved May 6, 2013.

External links

• Official website
• Spanish Wikipedia Article: Natalia Cruz