2022

Hazel Sanchez

Anchor at PIX11 Morning News

As a woman in the media, GIVE WOMEN A VOICE! I feel we need to lift each other up by spreading the word about our female leaders, movers and shakers. Female success stories are widely underrepresented. And I truly believe, if you can see it, you can be it. Women should share their stories and be willing to share the stage with others who’ve found success.

In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?

Confidence, resilience and heart.

What benefits and advantages does a company with positive gender equality have over a male dominated workplace?

A company with positive gender equality is a company destined to succeed. A male dominated workplace builds hurdles for women to overcome and could build resentment. A workplace with gender equity fosters cohesiveness, camaraderie, and a happier, healthier and productive work environment.

Is there one particular issue in your life you are passionate about?

Gender, age, and race equality. As a Filipino woman in her 50s, I feel it’s more difficult to prove my worth in my industry. Older women of color should be recognized for their intelligence, experience, and skills, and rewarded with roles they deserve for their abilities. Our careers should not end, because there are younger, less experienced versions to replace us.

.What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take toward en-powering women and gender equality? (e.g. affirmative action)? What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth and presence of women in high profile positions?

I think the number one action we as a society can take toward empowering women and gender equality is GIVE WOMEN A VOICE!
As a woman in the media, I feel we need to lift each other up by spreading the word about our female leaders, movers and shakers. Female success stories are widely underrepresented. And I truly believe, if you can see it, you can be it. Women should share their stories and be willing to share the stage with others who’ve found success.

Can you tell us a short story in which you encountered a block due to your gender?

I don’t have a story where I’ve been blocked from opportunity because I’m a woman. But often, I’ve found myself having to take a back seat in an alpha male work environment.

Do you think that asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the pay gap between women and men? Should we push for a nationwide ban?

Asking previous salary absolutely contributes to the pay gap between women and men. Studies have shown men have historically made more than women who share the same workplace role. Employers may look at a woman with a previous low salary as underqualified or less experienced. I would support a nationwide ban on salary history requirements.

Should the USA reduce its role on the world stage?

I don’t think the USA should reduce its role on the world stage. But perhaps it should take a look at nations who’ve taken much larger steps to support gender equity.

According to the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report, it will take 132 years to reach global parity. Iceland is the only economy to have closed more than 90% of its gap…but others like Finland, Rwanda and Nicaragua have closed more than 80% of their gaps. The U.S. is ranked 27thout of 146 countries, and while women in the country have seen improvements in perceived wage equality, we still have a long way to go, and could learn from other nations who are bridging the gap more quickly.

Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?

The defining moment in my life was when my father told me I couldn’t take a small on-air/producing job after graduating college and should instead stay home a go to law school.

My mother, on the other hand, said “go”! She said if it was something I really wanted to do, then I should just pack my bags and not look back. Thank goodness I listened to her. I’m where I am today because of her. And now she AND my dad are my biggest supporters.

Have you seen changes in the political landscape for women over the past few years? If so, what are they?

The political landscape for woman has become less mountainous and more of an open plain. More and more women are taking change-making roles in politics.

Their impact so deep, they’re known simply by single names, Kamala, Hillary and AOC. Watching women of all races and religions, like Vice President Harris, historically joining the ranks is inspiring. It gives me hope that our voices can and will be heard.

Is “Education, education and education” one of the top three responsibilities of a civilized society? If not why not? If so why is it prohibitively expensive? Also who should decide on the curriculum?

I believe education is one of the top three responsibilities of a civilized society. Who we are today is dependent on a stable foundation. Much of that foundation is built on education. A quality education provides us with the opportunity to learn the skills needed to grow and thrive, skills that go beyond learning how to read, write and add 2 + 2. We also learn socialization, tolerance, and problem solving that will help us recognize what’s right and wrong, our challenges and our strengths, and what we can do to better our lives and the lives in our community.
Unfortunately accessibility differs between wealthy and poor neighborhoods, which can in many ways prevent lower income individuals from getting lucrative and sustainable employment. The curriculum should be decided by both parents and educators, based on the needs of their community.

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?

I’d love to be a Broadway actress/performer for a day. As a working mother of two young girls, I take my responsibility of being a positive role model seriously. Sometimes the weight of that responsibility can be overwhelming and exhausting. So I would love a day to sing and dance on a Broadway stage. The performing arts have always been a huge part of my life since childhood. When I can express myself through music and movement, I feel free and happy.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

If you’re going to speak up, make sure you LISTEN too.

What is your favorite book (fiction or non-fiction)?

Oh, the places you’ll go! By Dr. Seuss

What do you most value in your friends?

I value their honesty, loyalty, support and love.

Which trait do you most uncomfortable in yourself? In others?

The trait I have that I’m most uncomfortable with, is perhaps my selflessness.
In others? Selfishness

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

It depends. I think patience is an important virtue in personal relationships. I exercise patience with my children and husband EVERY day.

But I believe patience is an overrated virtue when it comes to career goals. You shouldn’t wait for good things to happen to you, you need to go for your goal it NOW!