Elvia Díaz is a columnist and editorial board member at the Arizona Republic, and general manager of La Voz, the company’s Spanish-language publication. Elvia was born and raised in Michoacán, México. She and her family settled in northern California, where she began her journalism career as a Spanish-language radio newscaster. Like many immigrants, Elvia didn’t know a word of English when she joined her siblings who had been working in the California vineyards. She considers herself lucky to have parents brave enough to leave their violent-ridden hometown, smart enough to teach by example and resilient enough to face adversity. She considers herself a successful woman but only by her parents’ definition – someone who isn’t afraid to face an uncertain destiny, recognizes opportunity and is grateful with the people who helped along the way.