By Charles Crespo
“Live in 5…4…3…2…”
For alumna Pamela Silva Conde ’03, MBA ’12, a member of the FIU Business Hall of Fame, this countdown is a daily signal that her job as a news anchor is about to begin. For a small group of students, however, the countdown was a glimpse into a possible career in broadcasting.
On April 14, Conde provided a group of FIU students with the opportunity to visit Univision Network’s television studio, where she is co-anchor of the station’s afternoon news magazine show, “Primer Impacto.”
The students in attendance were Pamela Silva Conde Scholars and members of the Honors College’s upTech program, which also included students who are enrolled in Project Panther LIFE. Founded in the summer of 2016, the Honors College’s upTech program was developed by a Project PantherLife alumnus and current program supervisor, Jonathan Viera. Through upTech, students with disabilities learn about business, technology, filmmaking and communications.
“I am very grateful to Mrs. Conde for this experience,” said upTech student Vittoria Lovechio. “I have developed more self-confidence from this opportunity, knowing that TV production is possible for students with different abilities.”
The students received a personal meet and greet with Conde; a guided tour from Univision associate producer and alumnus Luis Rodriguez ’12; and a chance to watch Conde live on-set. It was the first time that many of the visitors had the chance to see how a daily news program is produced.
“I want our students to experience technology from several different disciplines, like video production. This tour was exciting for them because they were able to see advanced production technology in action and meet with everyone behind and in front of the camera,” Viera said. “My hope is that they strive for careers in technology-driven fields because of these opportunities.”
Established with a gift from Conde, the Pamela Silva Conde Scholarship was created to provide first-generation, low-income, business or journalism majors with the financial support they need to further their education. In addition to the scholarship award, students engage with and receive mentorship from Conde throughout the year.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities I had while attending FIU, and I am proud to represent my Panther Pride every day,” Conde said. “That’s why it is so important to me that I give back to current students so that they are able to live out their dreams and be a part of experiences that encourage and support their endeavors.”
For more information on the Pamela Silva Conde Scholarship, visit https://honors.fiu.edu/pscs/home.php.
