Glenda Umaña is an anchor for CNN en Español. She anchors several newscasts Monday through Friday, handling live coverage of everything from the war in Iraq to the recent election of Pope Benedict XVI. Umaña, who has a degree in journalism from the University of Costa Rica and is fluent in English and Spanish, works out of CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta. Her newscasts are seen all over Latin America, as well as in the United States via cable and satellite.
CW: What is a typical day like?
Umaña: The first thing I do after a little prayer as soon as I wake up is try to work out in our little home gym while I am watching the news. Then, while still at home, I stop briefly at the computer to check the news and emails.
I started having breakfast every day recently, something I was not doing on a regular basis, and I already have seen positive results.
I get ready and travel twenty-eight miles south to downtown Atlanta.
In the car, I sometimes speak with my producer and have CNN en Español and CNN on the radio, so all the way I am catching up on what’s going on.
As soon as I get to the building, I get together with the producers and we discuss topics and headlines.
Next, transformation time. I go into the make up room, which is the best part of the day since I have a chance to relax while the others work “the miracle.”
My first show is at 11 a.m. Sometimes the whole script we have ready changes in seconds when breaking news comes up.
Through the earpiece and the computer on the set, I am in constant communication with the line producer, the director, and supervisor while I tell the twenty-three million people on the other side of the screen what is going on.
CW: How did you get where you are?
Umaña: It was my dream. I felt very strong in my heart the wish to join an international network.
