Born to a migrant farm family, Miriam “Mimi” Madrid grew up in a rich tradition of storytelling.
That skill has won her the top scholarship from the Denver Press Club.
“The most important reporter in my life was my grandmother, Dolores Puga,” Madrid explained. “She didn’t even know how to read or write. She practiced the tradition of oral storytelling under the stars in our El Paso, Texas, neighborhood when I was a child. That is when I knew I wanted to be a storyteller.”
She will be honored along with six other student journalists at the Press Club’s annual Damon Runyon ceremonies on Friday, April 27, at the Denver Athletic Club.
They are Jackson Barnett, University of Colorado; Will Costello, University of Northern Colorado; Nevin Fowler, Colorado State University at Fort Collins; Laura Huwa, Colorado Mesa University; Ashley Schaerfl, Colorado State University, Pueblo; and Leah Swander, University of Denver.
Madrid did not take the traditional route from high school to college to a career in media. After graduating from high school, she went to work. She spent the next 10 years in non-profit organizations, becoming executive director of one before she was able to follow her college dream. Much of her work centered on sexuality education.
She will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in convergent journalism from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May. She has been active on the student newspaper and currently serves as features editor.
Madrid was raised by a single mother. They moved from El Paso to Denver when she was in the fourth grade. She attended numerous Denver schools, graduating from Career Education Center, Middle College of Denver.
She is currently living in the Swansea neighborhood of north Denver.
“The essence of journalism is listening,” Madrid explained. “We have to know and use all forms of communications, including print, photojournalism and videography. My goal is to illustrate the human condition, to partner with global storytellers like my grandmother to change the world one story at a time.”
Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron will receive the Press Club’s 24th annual Damon Runyon Award during the same ceremonies. The event is sold out.
For more information or help call Jerome Ryden at 303-337-5054 or home@ryden.com.
