Meet Patricia Vila | President of Patty Vila Media

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia Vila and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Embarking on the journey of working for myself, steering my own ship and wanting to be my own boss is the reason why I started my own business. The allure of having independence, creative control, also, an open opportunity. to work in many different areas of business. I am motivated by the idea of creating something from the ground up. Starting my business allowed me to have independence and the control that I wanted in my work with my clients. One of the main reasons I started my own business was it allows me to pursue the several opportunities that I am most passionate about. I also was driven by the desire to take control of my destiny and determine my own paycheck.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey began with the intoxicating scent of fresh newsprint and the kaleidoscope of stories that unfolded each day. The daily arrival of the Miami Herald was an event of anticipation, and the rustle of pages became a symphony in my childhood home.

As a young girl, my imagination was sparked by the shifting world captured in those crisp black-and-white pages. A defining moment arrived as the news broadcast images of a nation going to war—a stark interruption of my youthful innocence. This was not just another story. This was a call to action for me that ignited a profound desire to be part of the journalism world.

However, my entry into the world of journalism was anything but linear. Initially, as I entered college and explored my options, my interest meandered around teaching and psychology, only to return to my roots and find an anchor in journalism.

A Foot in the Door
Upon graduation, my start in this field was modest. I started as a secretary, an opportunity I seized not as a setback but as a stepping stone into this industry that energized and fascinated me. It was a calculated risk, met with skepticism from my peers, but one that I believed would set me on the path to pursuing my wildest dreams.

My years as a journalist were a whirlwind of experiences. Some tested me, while others fed my determination to achieve my goals. One of those challenging times was a month spent in Islamabad during the outbreak of the war with Afghanistan. I was prepared to embed with troops in Afghanistan and braced for the harsh conditions, only to be pulled back due to the complexities of being the only woman in a group of 19 men.

Early in my career, I had the privilege of building my foundation at networks such as CNN and NBC News with Tom Brokaw. I thrived in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of breaking news, finding my calling in the middle of the action as stories unfolded.

Opportunity of a Lifetime
While in my mid-twenties, I was given an incredible opportunity to be part of the pioneering team that set up CNN’s Havana, Cuba Bureau in 1997. This adrenaline-charged period of my career saw me covering significant events such as the Cuba Rafter Crisis in 1994, the Peruvian hostage situation in 1996, and making multiple trips to Haiti.

In retrospect, I realize that my passion lay not just in breaking news but in the art of storytelling itself and conveying the truth in a way that resonates with the audience. This passion still burns brightly within me, albeit channeled differently.

Today, as the founder of my own public relations and marketing company, I find myself looking back at those times with a sense of gratitude. I was  part of journalism in its golden era when networks invested time and resources to bring the news to the people—before it was reduced to an exchange among talking heads.

I take great pride in my journey, the road less traveled, that has led me to where I am today. It serves as a constant reminder of my resolve and the path I carved to navigate through an industry that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Overcoming Death Threats
While working at CNN’s Miami Bureau, I harbored an audacious dream—to open up CNN’s Havana Bureau. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy feat, considering the historical and political backdrop. Undeterred by the magnitude of the challenge, I was determined. The road to realizing this dream was far from smooth; it was strewn with obstacles, and I even received death threats, a chilling reminder of the tension and hostility that lay beneath the surface.

CNN itself was another battlefield where I found myself on the front lines. Hispanic representation in the company was dishearteningly low, just 6-7% of a 10,000-strong workforce. The Miami Bureau was no exception: out of 18 employees, only two of us were Hispanic. It was a challenge, but I saw it as an opportunity.

Miami’s geographical proximity to Central and South America offered a unique advantage. I leveraged my Spanish language skills to establish my importance on the team. This eventually led to my success in Havana, making CNN the first American news agency to have a presence in Cuba since 1969. It was an immensely fulfilling journey, a testament to the power of ambition, resilience, and the art of turning challenges into opportunities.

The Next Chapter
I was at the assignment desk at NBC 6 when Todd Templin, one of my mentors, offered me a job at Boardroom Communications. During my three years there, I learned the nuances of public relations—writing press releases, pitching stories, managing client accounts, and building vital relationships. I was then given the opportunity to serve as director of marketing for Chapman Partnership, a homeless shelter.

This role not only offered a substantial pay raise but also enriched me with invaluable life experiences during the six years I spent there. Most people would be surprised at how little I earned while working at CNN and NBC, but sometimes life experience is more important and rewarding than money, and I think the younger generation needs to understand that.

Then there are times when you take a job you don’t want, but you need. A new chairman at the homeless shelter after I had been there for six years and I was let go, so I was separating from my husband while sending out resumes and interviewing.

There had been no offers, so I took it when one came, even though it would mean a $30,000 pay cut. It was not a good experience working aat a small pr firm in Coral Gables. My father was in the hospital, dying, and I was using my sick days to be there. My boss was the most insensitive woman I have ever encountered.

My blessing came when Tenet Healthcare called me out of the blue. I got the job and had to laugh when I saw that my pay would increase by $30,000. My dream today is to build a successful business and become the first Latina to travel to all 194 countries worldwide and hold the Guiness Book of World Records.

A Bit of Advice
I have interviewed five world leaders. I am also a woman who builds relationships as a key part of my business strategy. I am an observer of people and see trends.

My advice to those just starting their professional journey might seem harsh, but I want to be direct. And that is: get off your phone, see people in person, and communicate eye-to-eye. It will make a lifetime of difference for you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wynwood Walls

The Wynwood Walls were created in 2009 by the late Tony Goldman, who decided to transform the area into a giant open-air art gallery as a way of revitalising it. Needless to say, it worked! They’ve expanded to include the Wynwood Doors and Garden, with top international graffiti and street artists being invited to create new works for the area. While it’s a feast for the eyes,

Miami Design District

Another photogenic area of the city is Miami Design District. It’s a mix of shopping, design and architecture, with a few restaurants established there too. I love the Fly’s Eye Dome – a weird and wonderful dome-like structure in the centre of the shopping plaza, and the funky swings on the upper floor.

Art Deco Buildings

Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is made up of over 800 buildings built between 1923 and 1943. While you might think of art deco buildings as being predominantly white, the Miami Beach area shows off a style called Tropical Deco. Pastel pinks sit next to pale greens and baby blues. It’s super cute and the kind of place it’s lovely to wander around taking pictures.

Lifeguard Huts on South Beach

There are lots of lifeguard huts located on Miami Beach from South Pointe onwards. After Hurricane Andrew destroyed the previous huts in 1992, a decision was made to create these. They’ve been designed by many different people, from architects and designers to artists, and range from stars and stripes to a lighthouse. Perfect for the instagrammable moment.

My favorite place to eat – La Dona Seafood and Grill

La Doña is a tribute by celebrity chef James Tahhan to the iconic female figure behind Mexican gastronomy; I love all the dishes they have. They are all delicious and the menu and cocktails are amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this Shoutout to my great grandmother, grandmother, mother and all the Hispanic Women that are working hard to make the magic happen everyday.

My great grandmother, grandmother and mother are my biggest role models and they have had enormous impact on my life. The three of them are strong, independent and caring woman who will do anything for the family, friend or stranger. The three of them have been there for several milestones that I have accomplished in my life. My great grandmother and grandmother have both passed on. This was definitely hard on the family. My mother is about to turn 79 and she is the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. She does not hesitate to put her children and grandchildren’s wants and needs before her own. I have looked to her for help at every difficult moment in my life and on many occasions, asked myself what she would do if she was in the same situation.

Mom taught what being a woman really meant. Not because she told me, but because she showed me. Mom is smart, funny, caring and strong. From the age of 14 years old she always would remind me almost on a daily basis that I needed to have my house mortgage free as well as get that college degree. Mom is one of the greatest women I have ever had the honor of knowing, and having her in my life has made such a huge impact. I am thankful for this now more than ever because throughout life I have met women that did not have that positive female role model and I realize now what a difference it can make in one’s life.

My family came from Cuba in 1959 when Fidel took power. My family was middle class. My great grandmother Alicia had three maids who she would teach to cook as well as perfect the housekeeping skills. My family lived in Camaguey in the country side and Alicia would do this so that these employees she had could go to Havana and make better wages as well as have more opportunity. My grandmother came to this country and had to work at a factory. Leaving it all behind was very difficult, I would hear the stories as a child. What these three leading ladies in my family have taught me is the importance of working hard, getting an education and being true to your dreams and goals.

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Patty Vila