Now a Washington DC-based national political reporter for CNN, Camila started out convinced she belonged behind the camera. She built her path by pitching unassigned stories as a newsroom newbie, writing scripts, and following the question that still guides her work: Why should people care? When she began documenting her written stories in short videos for social media as a side hobby, she connected with a growing audience who value conversation and accessibility. And that put her at the forefront of today’s changing media landscape.
In Episode 4 of NewsBreak’s Behind the Byline podcast:
- How to build a journalism career without connections — by creating your own network, going beyond the job description, and letting curiosity lead the way.
- Why today’s reporters must be flexible, multimedia storytellers who meet audiences where they are — especially on social platforms.
- What it really takes to cover Capitol Hill — from fact-checking lawmakers in real time to juggling broadcasting, writing, and the realities of working-mom life.
During the 43-day government shutdown of 2025, Camila filmed daily updates before clocking in to work – amid the morning chaos of life with a youngster and a dog. She even kept the schedule during a vacation to visit family in Puerto Rico. Why? Because she felt a journalistic obligation to counter online misinformation and report on what was really happening. The result was content that kept thousands sane during a time of disruption and revealed just how deeply audiences connected with her honest, human approach.
If you’re interested in the new media landscape or what it takes to build a platform that connects with audiences over time, listen to Behind the Byline.
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