Verónica Dávila: On a mission facing the cameras story in the July 2010 Issue of Explore TACA

Verónica Dávila: On a mission facing the cameras

By Celeste Rodas de Juárez

There must be something in the water in Santa Marta, Colombia, which gives rise to such talented people: singer Carlos Vives, soccer player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama and model Sofía Vergara are just a few of the natives of that town who’ve earned their place in the limelight. Journalist Verónica Dávila, correspondent for “Al Rojo Vivo” and the face of Bitácora, the in-flight channel of TACA, is a more recent and younger addition to the group. The reason for these local success stories, she says, is “that we have a lot of passion in Santa Marta. Perhaps it’s because the families are very close there; most people have a lot of love and respect, and strive to conserve the old traditions, such as family dinners with our uncles and aunts and grandparents on the weekends. It always makes us feel that we’re part of a great big family.”

From Madrid to Miami
This sense of belonging helped this Colombian native develop a special interest in communications at an early age.

“I’ve liked reading, speaking a lot and writing ever since I was little. After growing up, I decided to move to Madrid to study journalism, and I later finished up my degree at Boston’s Emerson College. That was such a great experience! I met a lot of interesting people, and don’t think anyone else enjoyed their college years as much as I did.”

From Boston, she moved to Arizona, where she worked at a Univisión affiliate as a weatherperson, as well as doing stories for the news show “¡Que Carambas!”. But Verónica felt a twinge of nostalgia for Spain, and when given the chance to go back there, she took a job with the national channel Localia.

“That’s where I began my relationship with Telemundo, covering stories for [“Al Rojo Vivo” anchor/producer] María Celeste Arrarás, until finally one day she said: ‘Listen girl, why don’t you come over here?’. That’s when I decided to become part of the “Al Rojo Vivo” family. I’ve learned a lot after a year and a half with this show because I work with a woman who’s extremely passionate about her work. So working with her is a daily challenge. María Celeste demands excellence. That’s good for me, because it not only motivates me to do my best, but also goes hand in hand with what I want to achieve: making my mark [in the industry].”

Her mission
“Besides being a job, I consider my work to be a mission. Although I cover entertainment, my reports go a little deeper: I only do special stories—in other words, those that offer a unique challenge, the kind that change people’s lives or are heartwarming. My desire is to inspire anyone that I meet along the way, either through my work or my words. Recently we did a story on a painter who has no hands and creates his works of art with his feet. Through the generosity of “Al Rojo Vivo” viewers, we were able to get him prostheses. It was incredible! Calls poured in from people who wanted to help. Today this man has arms, and a lot of people feel better about themselves for having helped him. And there’s nothing more beautiful than the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve been the vehicle of such a powerful outpouring of compassion.”

Along came Bitácora
While Verónica was still in Spain, she responded to an audition to anchor televised programming on TACA flights. She says that it wasn’t easy. “Auditioning didn’t make me nervous, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up: the competition was tough! There were a lot of beautiful and talented girls there. I had to struggle to contain my excitement (I like to dream a little) because I’d already flown on TACA prior to the audition and loved the service and the polite crewmembers. I really wanted to be a part of this family—above all, because I felt, and still feel, that we have a common goal: offering a good service to people and helping to unite families that are apart, striving for daily excellence in the process.”

She got the job, and today is the face of Bitácora. “Did you know that this airline is the only one that has its very own television station?,” she proudly asks.

“There are other things that also make me proud of my relationship with this company. TACA is the official airline of the Pope when he comes to the region, and most of all, the airline is involved in many charitable events. Through TACA, I’ve been able to participate in many cultural and charitable events, as well as getting to visit some beautiful countries. Before this, I’d only heard about El Salvador, so I was surprised to find that a country that some consider to be geographically small has such a healthy business sector, as well as many natural and human resources. It’s a marvelous contradiction! And what can I say about Costa Rica? Since I’m a nature fanatic, I fell in love with its jungles and beaches. Well, all of the Americas are really a paradise,” she adds.

Living by the sea
In spite of only living a short while in Miami, she’s been able to save enough to buy a bayside home on one of the most exclusive islands of Miami Beach. There, amidst breathtaking mansions, she gets up early every day to welcome the sunrise.

“My house was really a great deal,” she explains. “It’s much smaller than the rest around there—it probably served as someone’s little weekend hideaway. But I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. I needed to be near the ocean because I find it so peaceful. I greet each new day there amidst nature and meditate. I believe we all need to take time to meditate and thank God for all the beautiful things he gives us: the light of each day, our families—for everything.”

As far as her love life, she shares her world and her dreams with someone she describes as “a marvelous person”.

“He supports my career 100 percent because he also works in the industry, but not in front of the cameras. We’re both in search of the same thing: to encourage each other to soar.”

Verónica was married before, divorcing about three years ago. “You learn from your past mistakes. At that time, I had to choose between my career and a relationship in which neither one of us was happy. We conserved our friendship enough so that we had dinner together the week after the divorce was finalized. We still stay in touch and communicate frequently because we’re still good friends. I believe that that’s the way we need to look at our past relationships: instead of looking at the differences, we should focus on what we still have in common.”

Following the footsteps of Oprah
For the time being, though, Verónica’s main focus is on her journalism career, what she refers to as her “mission”. Five years from now, when she looks back on her achievements, she wants to say that she was able to help many people through her stories.

“I’d also like to have started a family by then. A family is very important in order for us to feel fulfilled as humans. I hope that my relationship with TACA continues to grow, and I’d also like to have my own TV show.”

When asked what type of show she’d like to have, she doesn’t hesitate in responding: “I’d like something similar to what Oprah’s had during the last few years, in which a lot of cultural and charitable causes are helped, and where people can see their dreams come true. I’d like to become sort of a Hispanic Oprah. And with God’s help, I believe I’ll be able to do it.”

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