Milena Monrroy: From TV Producer to Podcast Host, Empowering Latinas Through Storytelling

We had the opportunity to speak with one of the most sought-after media personalities during Hispanic Heritage Month, Milena Monrroy. Through her incredible journey in the entertainment industry and her passion for empowering Latinas, Milena has become a true inspiration for many. Let’s dive into the conversation and learn more about her path, her projects, and the impact she’s making.

I studied film and television in college because I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I wasn’t exactly sure what role I wanted, but I knew this field was my passion. After graduation, I worked at a talent agency thinking I wanted to be an agent. But after a year, I realized it wasn’t for me. That’s when a friend mentioned that Entertainment Tonight was hiring, so I applied and got the job. Working there for ten years was where I really learned the ins and outs of the industry and discovered that producing was my true calling. After a decade, I moved on to producing for a talk show, and from there, other opportunities came along. I’ve since launched three different entertainment shows, and now I produce, book, and line-produce a live entertainment show on NBC.

You co-host a podcast called “Latina Life with Jen and Milena” on platforms like iHeart, Apple, and Spotify. Can you share what motivated you to start this podcast and what the experience has been like interviewing trailblazing Latinas like Daisy Fuentes, Camila Alves McConaughey, and Ana Martinez?

Latina Life with Jen and Milena

During the pandemic, I took some time to reflect on how I wanted to live with more intention and create a meaningful impact. I wanted to uplift, support, and spotlight Latinas who are making a difference in their fields and representing our community. My friend and co-host Jen Aguillon felt the same way, and that’s how our podcast, Latina Life with Jen and Milena, was born in January 2021.

Our mission is to showcase the amazing Latinas making waves across various industries—not just entertainment, but also beauty, tech, corporate sectors, sports, and more. The podcast allows us to have deep conversations with extraordinary women about their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. These women inspire us with their stories, lessons, and advice, and that’s what we want our audience to take away: support, upliftment, and inspiration from the incredible Latinas making a real difference in the world.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to come together as a community and highlight the amazing contributions of people from the Latin community. It’s important for us to see the great things happening around us. Through my platform, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by so many individuals who are doing impactful work in their communities. It also opens my eyes to new ways I can contribute or improve in my own life.

When you’re not busy creating or working on your podcast, what do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies or activities that help you unwind?

I love to travel! Whenever I get some free time, I try to book a trip. Exploring new places, tasting new foods, and meeting new people is something I’ve been fortunate enough to do all over the world. Now that my daughter is an adult, we’ve started traveling together and creating our own adventures. Whether with friends or solo, traveling has taught me so much about life.

On a fun note, what’s your go-to favorite food? Do you have any special dishes that you can’t live without?

My parents are from South America, so I grew up loving savory foods, especially salteñas, which are also known as empanadas. I’m a big fan of chimichurri sauce and French fries—two things you can pretty much find anywhere in the world! I also have a soft spot for sourdough bread, so clearly, I’m a carbs lover.

Milena Monrroy

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps and break into the media and entertainment industry?

Never let a “no” stop you. Keep trying, work hard, stay disciplined, and be true to your word. Networking is a huge part of this business, so it’s essential to put yourself out there, even if it makes you uncomfortable. No one will know what you’re looking for unless you tell them. And always be kind—you never know who might end up at the top.

Do you have any other upcoming projects you’d like to share with us?

Yes! We’ve got some exciting new interviews lined up for the podcast. We’ve spoken to some incredible women making an impact in the music, food, amusement park, and entertainment industries. The new episodes will drop next week, and we hope everyone tunes in!

How can our audience stay connected with you?

You can find me on Instagram at @latinalifepodcast or @milenaonair. I’m also on LinkedIn at Milena Monrroy.

Photo credit: Patrick Rivera