Interviewed/written by Darren Smith
Name: Amanda Rodrigues Smith
Industry: Entertainment/Media/ Public Service
Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Hometown) by way of many places
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
I am "Keeping Up" because I am a cultural ambassador and aspiring journalist.
What I actually do is use associations in entertainment media
I look up to Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, Inc. He uses technology and communication to inspire, and makes complex inventions simple and palatable that everyone can use and potentially access. That's the essence of an effective communicator - creating a product or concept that everyone gets! The signal is equally as important as the message. Innovation thrives because when applied it is both resourceful and practical. I enjoy this synergism. It's magical to see him and what he inspires in action.
My first job was actually an internship. I was a Market Research intern at BET Networks in Washington, DC under my mentor who's now the Senior Vice President of the department. At 16 years old I became their first ever and only high school intern. I did everything from ratings analysis to producing on-air segments for BET News.
My first job out of college I was cast in the show Model Latina Miami, which is an original series of SiTV Network that airs nationally on Sundays at 9PM, and now I represent SiTV as a Network Ambassador and convey the importance of the American Latino demographic to media consumers, sponsors and advertisers alike. Culture is a very important dynamic of the Network and my involvement in the show, so I get to elaborate my Brazilian and Jamaican heritage while also highlighting my personal achievement and that of my community. I am one of the only American-Brazilians to appear on the show, and the only Afro-Latina cast member. In addition to national exposure and the opportunity to work with and for major brands like Herbal Essences and Verizon Wireless, on-air spots and modeling, I've also been very active on the public service forefront, making a difference and stressing the importance of a diverse media. I recently attended the Pathways Out of Poverty Summit during Congressional Black Caucus Week and also showed support for the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund during Congressional Hispanic Caucus Week. I'm off to Chicago next for Latino Fashion Week, but I take my responsibility as a role model and public figure very seriously, which starts at being aware and involved in all areas of public interest, not solely entertainment.
The biggest thing that brought me to this point in my career …is a combination of my talent, humility and earnestness. Growing up, each of my role models were journalists, Peter Jennings, Bryant Gumbel, Ed Bradley, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw. I always aspired to join the ranks of elite journalists who mastered their craft by staying true to their conviction and commitment to truth. The day that I entered the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina, I knew that regardless of where I'd been, where I was raised or what others thought--I was qualified and had an equal opportunity to make a difference through my writing. And it wouldn't have been possible without a quality education. My college education was my biggest career move! I value education and hardwork and can't see a future as rewarding as the one I have now without both. As president of the Carolina Association of Black Journalists for two terms, I kept that legacy of diligence and excellence in mind and believe that my greatest contribution (to date) - my biggest career move was using that opportunity to encourage and engage young writers from disadvantaged communities to find their voice in journalism.
My Best quality is my ambition and historical reverence. I love history, and I know mine!
My Worst quality is not being able to say no. If it's for a good cause, I'll do it.
People might be surprised to know that I am a classically trained violist and that I sang with the hip-hop a capella group, Harmonyx! I can also dance ridiculously well, Samba, Salsa, Hip-Hop!
I hate that people think that I'm reserved. I'm serious when it comes to work but outside of that I am very social, down to earth and have a pretty free-spirit approach to life.
Latest reads: Choosing Civility, The Alchemist, Eat, Pray, Love; Intro to Conversational Italian
Blogs/websites I follow NPR, The Root, Bossip, NYTimes.com, BBC, TMZ, Globo, Concreteloop
Magazines I read Harper's Bazzar, Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Ebony, Essence,Arise, Nylon, Vogue, Fader, Rolling Stone, Times, Latina, Vibe, Giant, iD
The best thing about I do is that my ideas and passions matter, and I make a difference in the world.
Quote I live by… here's two that I'll combine.. "Thinking is a form of action." "Just Do It!"
What advice do you have for people trying to "Keep Up" in your industry: Finding a career is destination, not a journey. Don't underestimate the importance of life experiences and knowledge, regardless of your industry, because that will ultimately make you better at what you do. Being able to communicate with people about different topics of interest and in different languages is an important skill to have also. I speak three languages, Portuguese, English and Spanish. Being able to express yourself and articulate your thoughts is an asset that will open you to many worlds and opportunities.
Amanda Rodrigues Smith is Young and Keeping Up!
Contact:
www.sitv.com/modelaltina, twitter: jadoreamanda
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