Myrka Dellanos
| Myrka Dellanos | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Myrka Bárbara Dellanos May 27, 1968 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Television journalist |
Myrka Bárbara Dellanos (born May 27, 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a Cuban American journalist, author, and television & radio show host.
Education and career
Dellanos graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism in 1986.
She got her first break in 1992 when she co-hosted the popular Univision news program Primer Impacto (First Impact). At the end of her initial contract with the television network, she remained with Univision, even though she had multiple offers from other English-speaking television networks. Dellanos would continue to serve as co-host of Primer Impacto until 2004.
In 2004, Myrka was chosen as the 'Star of the Year' by readers of the magazine "People en Español". Also, she served as the host of the celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month at the White House in Washington D.C.. She was appointed by U.S. President George W. Bush as a member of the Freedom Corps, a group consisting of 25 people who work together to promote charitable giving.
Of late, Dellanos has turned towards social service and other humanitarian causes, such as providing help for orphaned children and for victims of domestic abuse. In 2013, she was named spokesperson for "I Am Second", a movement meant to provide spiritual inspiration and hope to individuals dealing with various life issues, such as abortion, divorce, and child abuse.[1]
Myrka has also won many accolades, including the Hispanic Leadership Award by the Hispanic Heritage Council. In 2003, she was named as 'Person of the Year' by the Organization of Ibero-American Journalists.
In 2001. she was named as the Hispanic of the Year by Direct Marketing Association of America. Myrka was also chosen as a Goodwill Ambassador for the International Rescue Committee, which is part of the United Nations and helps rescuing refugees.
After an 8-year absence from broadcast journalism, in 2013, Dellanos returned to television as host and contributor for American-based Hispanic network Estrella TV and its news-magazine En la Mira con Enrique Gratas.[2]
Dellanos is also an accomplished piano player and ballet dancer. She has authored notable books, including Succeed and Be Happy: Things I Learned Thanks to God, My Mom, and Life.
Personal life
In 1991, Dellanos married Dr. Alejandro Loynáz, and in December 1993, she would give birth to the couple's only daughter, Alexa Carolina. Dellanos and Loynáz were divorced in 1998.
In 2000, she married David Matthews, but the couple were divorced in 2002.
In February 2004, she began a highly publicized 2-year relationship with Mexican singer Luis Miguel. The couple were soon engaged, but later broke off their engagement and privately ended their relationship.[3]
On April 8, 2008, Dellanos married Cuban-born pharmaceutical representative Ulyses Daniel Alonso at a private ceremony in Coral Gables, Florida. The couple later appeared on the July 2, 2008 cover of People en Español. On August 25, 2008, Alonso was arrested and charged with domestic battery. The following day, a police report was released, detailing the events leading to his arrest. On August 29, 2008, the Coral Gables police department released audio of the 9-1-1 call made by Dellanos. On March 18, 2009, Dellanos and Alonso filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.[4]