Keyris Manzanares, VPM News multimedia reporter, was recently named a ‘2024 Rising Star in Public Media’ by Current (a nonprofit news organization covering public media) and a ‘2024 Persona de Poder’ by Radio Poder 1380 (WPTK, Richmond’s Spanish radio station).
“It’s an honor to be recognized by these prestigious organizations,” said Manzanares. “I came to public media with the desire and drive to connect with the community on a deeper level through reporting, and I’m grateful to be able to tell stories that matter most to Virginians.”
The second annual list of Current’s ‘Rising Stars in Public Media’ was compiled with the goal of highlighting younger professionals (age 35 and under) who embrace, reflect and deliver on the unique mission of public media. There were 171 nominations of early-to mid-career professionals, with 35 being selected for the spotlight. Manzanares was selected for her profound commitment to representing and amplifying voices that are often marginalized in local news coverage.
A ‘persona de poder’ is defined as a ‘person of will and power.’ WPTK is honoring individuals who have contributed to the development and advancement of Virginia’s immigrant and Latino communities through example, word and action. WPTK will celebrate this year’s honorees on Oct. 12 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture from 2 to 6 p.m. as part of their Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.
It’s been a banner year for Manzanares and the VPM News team. She was named a finalist for a 2024 Ñ Award from National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). Manzanares also earned the ‘Outstanding News Series’ award from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) for her story on mobile homes in Louisa County, which also received a Capital Emmy nomination. She was part of the VPM News team that won a Capital Emmy Award for their episode titled ‘Survivors’ on VPM News Focal Point.
Back in May, Manzanares served as the keynote speaker for the Latine Cultural Achievement Ceremony at her alma mater, VCU. The annual ceremony celebrates the achievements of Hispanic/Latine and Caribbean undergraduate, graduate and doctoral candidates. You can watch her speech on YouTube (she is introduced at the 32:53 mark).
Manzanares joined VPM in November 2021. She graduated from VCU in 2018 with a degree in mass communications and a concentration in broadcast journalism.
