By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver & Latin Life America Media

To say this young Latina sports announcer is up and coming would be an understatement.  Andrea Ocampo has arrived. At just 36 she already has nine years of broadcast experience having worked in the NFL, NHL and WWE as well as many other  broadcast venues . She is experienced in a variety of genres, but still has tons of ambition going forward.

Ocampo is in town this weekend as Arena Host to announce at this weekends Amsoil Arena Motor Cross competition, her latest gig.  She met with Latin Life Denver Media to talk about her career, sports, motivational advice for those pursuing their own dreams and where she sees her life going forward.

Ocampo is currently a bilingual sports, entertainment, and lifestyle television host as well as an accomplished speaker, blogger, producer as well as a fashion model and actress.  she’s currently trailblazing the sports broadcasting industry leaving a lasting impression on fans everywhere. Her footprint made her a fan favorite at the NHL’s Florida Panthers hockey team, FAU Football, and ESPN’s Marmot Boca Raton Bowl.

She has been featured on ESPN and Fox Sports talking about the latest sports news as both an anchor and a sideline reporter. She also served as the public address announcer for the 2015 NHL Draft and was the first Spanish speaking female public address announcer in the NHL. Most recently she was hired by the WWE/NXT as host/ring announcer, an opportunity that has catapulted her to international notoriety. She also served as media host for Hispanicize, the largest Latino media conference in the U.S. for four years. And if that wasn’t enough she has just launched her own brand and motivational speaking company called “With Guts & Grace”.

The vivacious Ocampo is from Colombia and studied communications at Florida International University & Arts Institute in Ft. Lauderdale. “I always knew this is what I wanted to do. I started as a cheer leader for the Miami Dolphins believing that by being attached to a sports team it would open doors to the field of sports broadcasting and it did.  Little by little the work came. First as a lifestyle television host, then as a hockey announcer. Then one day the Miami Dolphins called. This time they wanted me back not as a cheerleader but as a broadcaster and that really launched my career in this field. From there I traveled the world covering wrestling with WWE, then with Disney World for a travel campaign they did and also with  the Travel Channel. I am currently working with TLC (The Learning Channel)  as a national correspondent on a show called Young Americans” said Ocampo.

“As a bilingual Latina in a male dominated profession I have been able to open doors to our Hispanic community and introduce them to sporting events and careers that they otherwise may have thought was not for them”.

As for young Latinx who want to get into broadcasting or any field I would encourage them to pursue their ambitions no matter what. Be hard working and very persistent about it. ” Ocampo continued saying They should never allow anyone to deter them from their dream and never allow a No to stop them. She said adding, “Believe me I have gotten a lot of No’s but it just takes one Yes to change the game. As for challenges, she said “There are always going to be people who don’t understand your vision and what you bring to the table. You have to be relentless and not let a door that shuts in your face to stop you at all. You have to believe in yourself. Actually, I get even more fired up when someone says No”.  For those who may have family or are single parents Ocampo said, “There are always be sacrifices that have to be made but if its your passion definitely go for it”.

Asked about her new business “With Guts & Grace” Ocampo said she chose that name because “In this world of broadcasting, while it may be wonderful, it takes a lot of guts to be able to stand in front of all these crowds and a lot of grace to be able to maneuver it all without losing your mind” she said laughingly. “That’s in part why I have gotten into motivational speaking to encourage others to be confident and reach their dreams in whatever it is they want to do.”

As for what’s next for Andrea Ocampo, she said she will continue to work hard in her chosen profession and to work to break down barriers for women to let them know they do belong in the sports industry. As for her own business venture she has formed a panel of motivational speakers that will tour colleges and universities around the country.

Andrea said she hopes to meet as many fans as possible at this weekends Arena Motor Cross competition taking place at the Denver Coliseum Saturday and Sunday March 17th & 18th.  She said people can also connect with her on her social media sites at Instagram: OfficialAndreaOcampoTV, on Twitter: @AndreaOcompaTV, Facebook: AndreaOcampoTalent or on her website: AndreaOcompo.com. and at her new business brand  http://withgutsandgrace.tv/