Valeria Aponte Feliciano: The Puerto Rican Journalist Building Bridges Between Communities

When Valeria Aponte Feliciano walks into a room with her camera crew, she’s not just chasing a story—she’s chasing truth. The bilingual anchor and political reporter has built her career on a simple but powerful principle: journalism is a public service, not just a profession. From investigating consumer fraud to covering election campaigns, Valeria has become a trusted voice for Philadelphia’s diverse communities since joining Telemundo62 in 2022.

But her journey to one of America’s major media markets wasn’t overnight. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and a Puerto Rican woman determined to amplify voices that too often go unheard.

From Island Roots to Mainland Dreams

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Valeria grew up surrounded by the vibrant sounds of Spanish, the rhythm of Caribbean culture, and a strong sense of community. While specific details about her birthdate remain private—a choice many journalists make to maintain boundaries in an increasingly public-facing profession—her upbringing on the island shaped her worldview in profound ways.

Puerto Rico’s complex relationship with the United States, its bilingual reality, and its unique cultural identity gave Valeria a dual perspective that would become her greatest professional asset. She understood instinctively what it meant to navigate between two languages, two cultures, and two ways of seeing the world.

Her family instilled in her the value of education and the importance of telling stories that matter. Though she keeps details about her parents and siblings largely private—a testament to her professionalism and respect for their privacy—their influence is evident in her work ethic and community-focused journalism.

Academic Excellence: The Syracuse Years

Valeria’s path led her to Syracuse University’s prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, consistently ranked among the top journalism programs in the nation. There, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Fine Arts—a combination that reveals her understanding of journalism as both craft and art form.

The Newhouse School is known for its rigorous training and hands-on approach. Students don’t just learn theory; they produce real content, manage newsrooms, and develop the thick skin necessary for a career in media. For Valeria, this meant mastering everything from camera operation to editorial decision-making.

Her double major in Fine Arts wasn’t just an academic curiosity. It reflects a deeper truth about great journalism: the best storytellers understand visual composition, narrative arc, and emotional resonance. They know that facts without context are just data, but facts woven into compelling narratives change minds and move hearts.

Building a Foundation: Early Career Hustle

Fresh out of Syracuse, Valeria did what all ambitious young journalists must: she paid her dues. Her first role as an executive producer and anchor for CitrusTV Noticias gave her a taste of leadership early on. Managing a newscast requires not just reporting skills but the ability to make split-second decisions, manage personalities, and understand how stories fit together into a cohesive whole.

She then moved to KGBT-TV as a video journalist—often called a “one-man band” in the industry. This role requires reporters to shoot, produce, edit, and report their own stories. It’s exhausting work, but it creates versatile journalists who understand every aspect of the storytelling process. Valeria learned to see stories not just as a reporter but as a producer, editor, and technician.

Her next stop was WZDC Telemundo, where she expanded her skill set further as a video journalist, anchor, and producer. Each role added another layer to her expertise, building the foundation for the Emmy-winning journalist she would become.

Arizona: Where Excellence Met Recognition

Valeria’s move to Arizona marked a turning point. As a political journalist for Telemundo Arizona, she found her calling in covering the stories that shape our democracy. Political journalism demands precision, fairness, and the courage to ask tough questions—skills Valeria mastered through practice and dedication.

The recognition came in 2018 when she received four Rocky Mountain Emmy awards. These prestigious honors included recognition for “Continuing Coverage” and “Journalistic Enterprise”—categories that reward sustained, impactful reporting and innovative storytelling approaches.

Emmy awards aren’t given lightly. They recognize journalists who go beyond the surface, who dig deeper when others move on, and who find creative ways to tell important stories. For a journalist still relatively early in her career, four Emmys represented validation from her peers and proof that her approach was working.

Her work with Univision’s streaming service, Noticias 24/7, as a correspondent showcased her adaptability to changing media landscapes. While traditional broadcast news remained important, she understood that audiences increasingly consumed news on digital platforms. This willingness to evolve would serve her well in her next chapter.

Philadelphia: A New Home, A New Mission

“I am beyond excited to make Philadelphia my new home,” Valeria declared when she joined Telemundo62 in June 2022. “I can’t wait to travel across Pennsylvania, as well as the neighboring states, and get to know the community.”

That enthusiasm wasn’t just PR talk. Valeria genuinely believes in journalism as community service. Philadelphia, with its rich Latino population and complex social issues, offered her the perfect platform to practice the kind of journalism she values most: work that educates, empowers, and creates change.

At Telemundo62, Valeria wears multiple hats. She’s a bilingual anchor/reporter delivering live news coverage on weekdays, keeping viewers informed about everything from local politics to breaking news. But her role as consumer investigative reporter for both Telemundo62 and NBC10 is where her passion truly shines.

Consumer investigations require a unique skill set. You’re not just reporting what happened; you’re advocating for people who’ve been wronged, navigating complex regulations, and holding businesses and institutions accountable. It’s journalism with a purpose—exactly the kind Valeria excels at.

“I am passionate about being a journalist and feel a strong responsibility to educate the community about their rights, provide them with all the information, give them answers and be transparent,” she explains. This isn’t rhetoric. It’s the mission statement that guides her daily work.

The Bilingual Advantage in Modern Media

In today’s media landscape, bilingualism isn’t just an asset—it’s essential for reaching America’s diverse communities. Valeria’s fluency in both Spanish and English allows her to serve as a bridge between worlds, ensuring that stories reach audiences who might otherwise be underserved by mainstream media.

Consider the challenges faced by Spanish-speaking communities: language barriers when dealing with government agencies, difficulty understanding legal rights, and limited access to information in their native language. Valeria addresses these gaps head-on, making sure critical information reaches everyone, regardless of their primary language.

Her work exemplifies the broader shift in American journalism toward serving multicultural audiences authentically. She’s not just translating stories; she’s reporting with cultural competence, understanding nuance, and building trust within communities that have historically been marginalized or misrepresented by media.

Beyond the Newsroom: The Human Side

When the cameras stop rolling and the microphones are packed away, Valeria reveals interests that make her relatable and three-dimensional. She’s a huge fan of The Beatles—those timeless musicians whose songs transcend generations and cultures. She’s also devoted to the Star Wars universe, proving that even serious journalists appreciate epic storytelling and mythic narratives.

Her love of travel and experiencing different cultures isn’t just a hobby; it’s an extension of her journalistic curiosity. Every new place, every new cuisine, every conversation with someone from a different background adds to her understanding of the human experience. This openness to the world makes her a better reporter.

And then there’s Mia, her dog. Valeria loves hiking and spending time at parks with her four-legged companion—a reminder that even the most dedicated professionals need balance and joy outside of work. These moments of peace and play likely provide the energy and perspective needed for her demanding career.

She’s also passionate about cooking and baking, creative pursuits that, like journalism, require precision, creativity, and the ability to combine ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts.

Professional Recognition and Community Commitment

Valeria’s membership in the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) reflects her commitment to excellence and representation in media. NAHJ is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States, advocating for fair representation and providing professional development opportunities.

Through NAHJ, Valeria connects with peers who share similar experiences and challenges. The organization’s mission—to increase diversity in newsrooms and improve coverage of Latino communities—aligns perfectly with Valeria’s own values and work.

Career Insights and Industry Impact

Valeria represents a new generation of journalists who understand that credibility comes from transparency, engagement comes from authenticity, and impact comes from consistency. In an era when trust in media is challenged, her approach—centered on education, empowerment, and accountability—offers a model for rebuilding that trust.

Her career trajectory—from local stations to major market networks, from general assignment reporting to specialized investigative work—demonstrates the importance of developing diverse skills and staying adaptable. The media industry continues to evolve rapidly, with digital platforms, social media, and changing audience expectations reshaping how journalism is practiced.

Height, Age, and Vital Stats

Fans often search for the specifics of Valeria’s “stats.” While she maintains a professional focus, here is what we know:

• Age: Valeria celebrates her birthday on January 17, making her a Capricorn. Capricorns are known for their discipline and ambition—traits Valeria has in spades. (Estimated age: Mid-30s).

• Height: She stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.

• Nationality: Proudly American (Puerto Rican).

• Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latina.

Personal Life: Privacy in the Public Eye

When the cameras turn off, Valeria swaps her blazer for hiking boots. She is an avid explorer who finds peace in nature, often accompanied by her beloved dog, Mia.

She is a self-proclaimed “foodie” who loves baking and cooking, often sharing her culinary adventures with fans. Interestingly, this hard-hitting reporter has a fun, nerdy side: she is a massive fan of The Beatles and Star Wars. If you see a “May the 4th” reference on her social media, you’ll know why!

Net Worth and Salary Considerations

While exact figures for Valeria’s net worth and salary aren’t publicly available, industry standards provide context. Anchors and reporters at major market stations like Telemundo62/NBC10 in Philadelphia typically earn competitive salaries reflecting their experience and market size.

With her Emmy awards, specialized skills in investigative reporting, and bilingual capabilities, Valeria likely commands compensation that reflects her value to the organization. However, for most journalists, the work itself—the impact, the stories, the service to community—matters more than the paycheck.

The Road Ahead: Future Possibilities

Where does Valeria go from here? The possibilities are endless for a journalist with her talent and track record. She could continue building her investigative reporting portfolio, perhaps taking on even more complex, long-form projects. She might expand into documentary work, where her storytelling skills and cultural competence could shine on a larger canvas.

Some journalists at her level eventually transition into leadership roles—news directors, executive producers, or journalism educators passing on their knowledge to the next generation. Others leverage their on-camera experience into national network positions or specialized reporting beats.

Whatever path Valeria chooses, her commitment to serving communities and holding power accountable will likely remain central to her work. That’s the mark of a true journalist—someone who sees the profession as a calling, not just a career.

Summary: Valeria Aponte Feliciano at a Glance

Working Alongside Excellence: Her Colleagues at Telemundo62

Valeria works within a team of dedicated journalists at Telemundo62 and NBC10 Philadelphia, all committed to serving the region’s diverse communities. While specific colleague names and roles change over time, the stations are known for strong bilingual coverage and investigative journalism teams that hold institutions accountable.

The collaborative environment allows reporters like Valeria to pursue complex stories that require multiple perspectives and resources, ensuring that Philadelphia’s Latino community—and all residents—receive comprehensive, fair, and impactful news coverage.

Share your thoughts: Have you watched Valeria’s reporting? What stories have resonated with you? Join the conversation in the comments below and share this profile with others who appreciate quality journalism.

Sources and Further Reading

• Telemundo62 Official Website – Staff biographies and station information

• NBCUniversal Press Releases – Announcements about Valeria’s hiring and career moves

• Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications – Alumni profiles

• Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards Database – 2018 award recipients

• National Association of Hispanic Journalists – Member directory and mission

• Univision Noticias 24/7 – Platform information and correspondent history

• Telemundo Arizona Archives – Political coverage and reporting samples

• KGBT-TV Station Records – Staff history and local market information

• Industry publications such as Broadcasting & Cable and TVNewsCheck

• LinkedIn professional profiles and career timeline verification

• Social media platforms for professional updates and community engagement

• Philadelphia media market analysis reports

• Hispanic media industry trend reports