Brenda Durazo: Heating up the Valley with Latino sounds

By Taylor Pineda

Photos by: Francisco Ramos

Brenda Durazo -still fresh from covering the recent Latin Grammys show – chatted with ArizonaLatinos.com about her life and career. One of Valley Spanish-language radio’s bright stars, from Monday through Friday this lively 34-year-old hosts the 10 a.m.-3 p.m. shift on 95.1 FM “Latino Vibe.”

Originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Brenda is a single mother to a beautiful 15-year-old daughter with whom she shares a close relationship. Her daughter admires her and at times says she wants to follow her mother’s footsteps and do what Brenda does when she is older. Brenda is very active in her daughter’s life, which includes her daughter playing softball for a club team, and soon to be on her high school team as well.

Q: How long have you lived in Arizona?

A: I have lived in Arizona since 1988.

Q: What led you to be where you are now, and into this career?

A: I attempted to attend college but after becoming pregnant and having a child, life led me in a different direction. Opportunities and networking opened many doors for me. I have been with 95.1  for three years now. It was a coincidence that I even got the job with them. I had come in to the studio to do a spot, a one-time thing.  They really liked it called me back and the rest is history. Prior to working with them I have done work with Telemundo and Azteca. I love to entertain, making people laugh and smile!

Q: How does it feel to know you have such an impact on the community? Not many people get the opportunity to be the voice heard by so many people.

A: Serial! To this day I cannot believe it, it still feels new to me.

Q: You are very fortunate for that. And extremely humble about your success. I’m sure in your career you have had numerous opportunities to meet celebrities. Do you have a memorable moment that you would like to share?

A: I recently got back from the Latin Grammys. I was there for media coverage but while at the Grammys I ran into Pitbull. I’ve had opportunities to meet him. He is a great guy. With such stardom it’s not what you would expect but he said hello to everyone and is truly a genuine humble guy! A lot of times when people come from little and obtain great success they let it go to their heads, but not at all in this case.

Q: I never would have thought that, but that makes me respect him even more as an artist.

 So I have to ask – what did you wear?

A: I wore a simple dress. I was there just for media so I didn’t have to worry about walking down the red carpet. It was a gold, shiny Vegasy dress. My sister actually got it for me as a gift.

Q: I love gold; it’s very In this season.

 Latin Grammys.  What’s next? Where do you see yourself in the future? Aspirations?

A: You never know where life will take you. I love what I do now and am very interested in television as well. In addition to working at the station, I host the video of the week segment on Cox.

Q: Do you see yourself more on the acting end or hosting?

A: Hosting; I have more experience, as well as enjoy it more.

Q: What makes you have  such great outlook in life?

A: As a single mother things have been hard but not impossible; things may just take more time! I think that just knowing that things aren’t as bad as they may seem is my reassurance.