We had the good fortune of connecting with Carina Dominguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carina, how do you think about risk?
It’s important to take calculated risks. For as long as I can remember I’ve been cautious but I’ve learned that taking risks is necessary sometimes. It can be hard because it’s scary, there’s a lot of unknowns, a lot of doubts and that can cause fear. But don’t let fear into your your heart, don’t let it take over. Respect yours boundaries. Don’t be afraid to start over. The better you know your roots, the better you know yourself and the easier it is to navigate any barrier that comes your way. I had always dreamed of having the job I have now but it didn’t exist back then. But I knew in my heart that I had a role in this industry. And I knew when it was time to leave a comfortable situation that was no longer serving me. I didn’t know what was on the other side of that comfort but I knew it was something better and more aligned with my purpose. I knew it would be hard and uncomfortable at first but it would pay off in the long run. You have to weigh the risks with the rewards and do the work to tilt the odds in your favor.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a journalist is what I was meant to do. When I was about 5 or 6 years old I remember interviewing my cousins while we were playing. In elementary school I was eager to join the school’s “newscast” and in high school I wrote for my school’s paper, The Cactus Chronicle, and was the editor of the sports page before graduating. It’s been something I’ve enjoyed, so in a way, yes it did feel easy. But when I had to make a living out of it, that’s when it became more difficult. The challenges became more apparent when I was in college and many colleagues had the resources and support that I lacked. What helped me overcome the many challenges I faced was staying true to myself. I never pretended. My unique experiences make me stand out as a storyteller. I told the stories that I knew mattered, even when I initially got push back. Being my authentic self helped me make it through but most importantly it was finding my voice and learning to speak up for myself and now – even more so – for my daughter. Never be afraid to ask questions and to speak up against injustice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in Tucson are plentiful. For hiking: Tanque Verde Falls, Seven Falls or Sabino Canyon. For food: Tacos Apson, Sonoran Delights Raspasdos, El Charro, Mi Nidito. For fun: R Bar, Congress, Casino Del Sol. For scenic routs: A drive through Gates Pass is always necessary for newcomers, especially at sunset because the views are unmatched. Also a drive up A mountain with raspados for nice city views. Or a drive up to Mount Lemmon to cool down (or play in the snow depending on the season). U of A games are always fun for the sports fanatics.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Talia, my daughter, deserves the biggest shoutout from me because she is the driving force behind all my inspiration. Being a storyteller has always been my purpose but she made that responsibility so much more meaningful. Making sure she understands and appreciates our Yaqui culture is so important to me because nothing is more important than living in balance with the world. I want my body of work to reflect those values so she can understand them at a young age. Passing on love and compassion to my daughter helps me stay accountable to the better version of myself that I want to be.

Website: https://carinad7.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carinareporting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-dominguez-93a6a340/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/carinareports

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carinad7

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarinaD7

Image Credits
The two photos in central park, where I’m wearing the black blazer, were taken by Madison Peace. The interview photo was taken by Joseph Lee. The red carpet photo was taken by Meghan Sullivan. The rest I took myself.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.