The MEXICO Report Featured on Hispanic PR Blog

by YENIRET PROKESCH on MARCH 4, 2010 in HISPANIC BLOG PROFILES

This week’s Hispanic PR Blog interview is with Hispanic PR Pro and blogger Susie Albin-Najera who through  her blog The Mexico Report focuses on the histories of  unsung heroes, community stories, hot travel spots, eco-friendly hotels, organic products and Mexican entrepreneurs.

HPRB: Tell us about your self, any relevant journalism experience you have and why you started your blog?

I am a freelance writer and a public relations, marketing and communications consultant specializing in the U.S. Hispanic market. I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic clients during the past 12 years and when my husband’s show went to Broadway, I was able to serve as Hispanic Press Rep. As a freelance writer, I was first published nearly 10 years ago in a Mexico travel magazine that catered to affluent travelers. Since I have traveled to Mexico extensively, it was a great fit for my writing.  Since then, I’ve been published consistently in several different publications promoting Latino culture, lifestyle and Mexico travel and tourism.

HPRB: How did you become so in love with Mexico?

When I was very young, we used to spend every summer in San Diego and my aunt would take us to Tijuana all the time to eat, grocery shop or just visit. The border was a bit more porous at that time. My aunt had traveled extensively throughout Mexico, learned to speak Spanish conversationally and always spoke very highly of the country.  I started learning Spanish and went with my mom to Puerto Vallarta after high school. (My parents spent their honeymoon there in 1964.) After that trip, I was hooked. I made several trips every year subsequent and after college, traveled extensively through Oaxaca and Chiapas and back up again to Jalisco. (My degree at San Jose State University was in Communications/Mexican-American studies and was accepted into the Masters program in Latin American studies.) I then moved to San Diego to be closer to Mexico and became very involved in the Hispanic community. I have always had an affinity for Mexico and my whole life has been dedicated and devoted to Mexico and its culture.


HPRB: Who is the target audience of your blog and what data can you provide us about the size of your audience? Definitely suited to all markets and ethnicities (English-dominant or bilingual, mainly age 25-60); culture seekers, technology-driven, social media savvy professionals, consumers, those with an affinity for travel and adventure.


HPRB: What makes your blog unique and when did you first start blogging? My blog is unique in that focuses on Mexico everywhere, not just in Mexico.  I find the ‘Mexico’ in everything, for example, one of my upcoming articles is a true Mexican-American success story based in Napa, CA on braceros who worked hard, saw the opportunity and built an empire. My blog appeals to both sides of the spectrum: those who love Mexico and those who just want to know more. It also incorporates people, places and things all related to Mexico. The majority of my material is evergreen so someone can visit the blog two years from now and still see why they should volunteer or study Spanish in Mexico.

I first started blogging only eight months ago. I jumped on Blogger, then switched to WordPress.  I asked questions, listened to others and taught myself. There are so many stories to tell and blogging was the perfect platform to showcase my material in a way that was professional and experienced yet told with a real voice.

Rick and Susie Najera on CNN's Latino in America

HPRB: In addition to your blog, you are the mother of three kids, you’re married to a successful Latin playwright /actor/comedian Rick Najera and you do PR.  How do you make it all happen?

Rick and I work 24/7 and wear numerous hats. Since we don’t have family in LA, it’s hard to juggle it all but we do it.  We have babysitters and we also take time to enjoy our kids, play with them and do a lot of day trips on the weekends. We also travel to Mexico with our kids.  But there is never a dull moment in our house.  I’m an entrepreneur at heart so I always want to create more and more.


HPRB: Do you have any accompanying Twitter, Facebook or other social media contact information you would like to share?

The MEXICO Report on Facebook

The MEXICO Report on Twitter

How often do you update your posts?  Since the blog is article based, I update it between two and five times a month.

HPRB: What topics are of special interest to your blog and which ones are definitely not?

I’m interested in reporting on unsung heroes, community stories, hot travel spots, eco friendly hotels, organic products, Mexican entrepreneurs, those living and working in Mexico and those who are good representatives of Mexico. I won’t go political because it divides people too much and I’m about uniting.


HPRB: What are the best days and hours to reach you and/or your staff with a specific type of story or interview?  What are the worst days/times?

I can be reached 24/7 on email. And if you email me at 3am, I will probably email you back.

HPRB: What are your policies in terms of accepting press kits, photos and/or multimedia video files?

I can accept an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), high-resolution photos and multimedia video files upon request.

HPRB: Is there anything you would like to add about your blog or about working with you?

My goal is to be one of the most valuable and trusted online resources available for positive reports on Mexico; if someone wants to read or research positive reports about Mexico, they know they can go to The MEXICO Report. I would love to incorporate contributors, an editor, more technology, videos but I need funding first and that’s where sponsors (or donors) would come in very handy. I love the idea of blog sponsors. It would also be great for other sites to carry my RSS feed. I love what I’m doing so it’s full speed ahead!

For more information on Hispanic PR Blog, or to take part in the Hispanic PR Census, go to http://www.hispanicprblog.com.

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Susie Albin-Najera
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com

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