Welcome to the latest episode of Smart Living! Today, I’m thrilled to have Catherine Anaya with us. If you’ve been in the Valley for the past 30 years, you might remember Catharine from her time as a news anchor. She worked at Channel 5 and Channel 12 and is now hosting Horizonte with Arizona PBS. Let’s dive into her incredible journey and the smart decisions she made along the way.
The Beginning of a Promising Career
Catherine’s love for writing sparked her interest in journalism. She started her career as a print journalist while studying at USC, writing for the Daily Trojan. A suggestion from her editor nudged her towards broadcast journalism, a field she hadn’t considered before. Intrigued, she began to explore it, leading her to internships and eventually a career in television.
Catherine shared the challenges of breaking into TV, emphasizing the importance of hustle and determination. She recounted her journey from interning at Los Angeles stations to landing her first on-camera job. Her perseverance and willingness to learn from every opportunity set the foundation for her future success.
Climbing the Ranks
Catherine’s career took her from Texas to Indiana and finally to Phoenix, Arizona. Each move was a significant step up, with Phoenix being a major milestone. She initially worked at Channel 12 for six years, a period she described as a major learning experience and a key part of her career.
Catherine spoke about the importance of believing in oneself and recognizing the right opportunities. She shared an anecdote about being turned down for a job in Los Angeles, only to realize later that it was a blessing in disguise. This rejection led her to Phoenix, where she found both professional success and personal fulfillment.
A Shift in Priorities
In 2015, Catherine made the bold decision to step away from traditional news. The passing of her ex-husband prompted her to prioritize her family, especially her children. She wanted to be present for them during a crucial time in their lives. This decision, she said, was the best she ever made.
Catherine later took on a part-time hosting role at AZ TV, which allowed her to balance work and family life. She emphasized the importance of being intentional about one’s commitments and ensuring that family always comes first.
Hosting Horizonte with Arizona PBS
Today, Catherine hosts Horizonte, a show that has been part of the Valley for over 20 years. The show went off the air during COVID-19 but has since returned with Catherine as the host. She values the opportunity to have deep, meaningful conversations about issues relevant to the Latino community in Arizona. The community’s positive feedback has been a testament to her impact and dedication.
Conclusion
Catherine Anaya’s journey from news anchor to community advocate is truly inspirational. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of prioritizing family, and the value of community engagement. For more about Catherine and her work, visit AZPBS.org/Horizonte.
If you want to follow Catherine on Social Media her handle is @CatherineAnaya
