750 N Ocean Blvd., #605
Pompano Beach, Florida (United States)
Phone: 6517477282
Email: simonecazares@gmail.com
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Reporter, Producer
Objective
Hola!
I'm Simone Cazares, a proudly queer, multiracial and latine journalist based in South Florida.
I’ve had years of experience telling stories about BIPOC communities as a reporter and producer. I work hard to build meaningful connections with sources, tell stories that reflect their rich cultural traditions and bring attention to issues that impact their communities.
In my most recent role, I was community engagement reporter for MPR News in Minnesota, producing spot news, longer packages and feature articles. I was also a producer for the statewide news show Minnesota Now, where I researched and booked segments, edited pre-interviews and prepared guests for live interviews. What matters most to me in my work is making sure our communities are seen and the issues that affect them heard by listeners. I want to continue making a difference for BIPOC communities for years to come.
I'm looking for jobs based in the South Florida area or roles that are fully (or mostly) remote. Looking for a new member of your newsroom? I would love it if you reached out and am looking forward to meeting you at the NAHJ convention.
Pa'lante!
Simone Cazares
(They/Them/Theirs)
Twitter: @SimoneCazares
Phone: 651-747-7282
Email: simonecazares@gmail.com
Education:
Professional Writing
Bachelor’s Degree
General Studies
Associate Degree
Work Experience:
MPR News |
As the Community Engagement Reporter for MPR News I covered good news from BIPOC communities. Each week I filed several spots and web stories on cultural celebrations, traditions and community champions. I also produced longer feature packages each month and a weekly newsletter highlighting diverse community organizations from across the state.
MPR News |
I was a producer for the state-wide news show Minnesota Now, hosted by longtime MPR Morning Edition host, Cathy Wurzer. As an associate producer, I researched, booked and produced five segments per week. I also produced and edited several pre-interviews. While the show was live I connected guests to our studio and prepared them for their interview as well as cut and edited audio to turn into podcast episodes and web posts. I also ran Minnesota Now’s song of the day program working with several community radio hosts from across the state to get their favorite songs and community updates on the air.
WUWM Milwaukee’s NPR |
I reported local stories about the pandemic, race and culture and the LGBTQ+ community for our daily newscast. I learned how to report breaking news spots under tight deadlines. After six months, the station promoted me to a full-time reporter. As a reporter for WUWM, I focused on breaking news, police reform and local politics. I covered the Kyle Rittenhouse trial in Kenosha and a mass Christmas parade tragedy in Waukesha. I also pitched and produced spots on Wisconsin news for NPR.
Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current |
I worked with The Current’s digital music team to report on Minnesota music news. I covered everything from news stories to longer features and profiles on local musicians. I worked diligently to build connections in diverse communities to broaden The Current’s coverage to include more musical styles and bring new voices to the website. I also worked with new writers on the team. I taught them how to report on and write about local musicians for the Local Current Blog; and helped edit their stories. I researched, transcribed interviews and uploaded events for the music calendar. I also helped piece together features for The Current’s in-studio sessions and Music News podcast.
MPR News |
I wrote, recorded and produced four-minute news feature packages, and produced newscast spots. I also filed digital stories for the MPR News website.
Total Years Experience:
6 yearsSkills:
Reporting and Writing - Radio and Web
Audio Production - News and Talk Shows, Spots and Longform Stories
Digital Production - Web, Newsletters and Social Media
Mixing
Interviewing
Voicing
Field Recording
Audio Editing Software - Adobe Audition and Dalet
CMS - Belka and NPR’s Grove
AP Style
News Gathering