Maria Elena is the Social Media Editor for The World.
She is a multimedia journalist with a dedication to channeling storytelling through social media. She likes reaching and engaging with new audiences and taking chances to experiment.
Maria Elena worked in international development before switching careers to journalism over a decade ago.
Prior to joining The World, Maria Elena covered Latin America as a TV producer for Al Jazeera English, working on breaking news, feature stories and documentaries in most countries in Latin America and all Brazilian states.
She also worked as a senior planning producer for Al Jazeera America in New York. Besides English, she is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
In addition to her social media work, Maria Elena was the project manager for the 'Every 30 Seconds' multi-media project — a collaboration between The World and public radio stations across the US, following the stories of young Latino voters ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
Music is part of The World’s DNA and, as it turns out, it is something many of the show’s staff appreciate. This playlist with their recommendations will take you on a journey around the globe.
Hatian band Lakou Mizik’s “Leave the Bones,” in collaboration with DJ and producer Joseph Ray of Nero, mixes traditional sounds with electronic beats.
Seattle-based artist Dakota Camacho went on a quest to understand the complexities of their ancestors’ history, the Chamorro people. In the process, Camacho developed a unique hip-hop style inspired by their ancestors.
We asked The World’s listeners to share what Eid al-Fitr means to them and their families. Here’s what they told us.
The stories of these women, who remain vulnerable, can now be heard on an album called "I've forgotten now who I used to be."
Fioti’s revised version of "Bum Bum Tam Tam" keeps the original melody but the lyrics are not all about the booty. Instead, the remix champions COVID-19 vaccination and the Butantan Institute.
What started as a series of idealistic revolutions turned into dashed dreams of democracy and revival of authoritarian governance. The decade since has seen yet more instability and violence.
Music from artists featured on The World, suggestions from our team and anthems of 2020 — all on our end-of-year playlist.
How are grassroots organizations mobilizing Latinos to go to the polls? What was the impact of Latino voters in the 2020 election in Texas and Arizona?
His latest work, titled “If you don't mask - you don't get,” is set in London's Underground and features spray-painted rats sneezing, wearing masks and using hand sanitizer.
The album "Inner World" has been in the making for five years. It contains mantras and Buddhist teachings from the Dalai Lama set to soothing music.