Fernanda Alvarez Piñeiro

I’m originally Mexican but grew up in the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi. I graduated with a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where I specialized in modern Latin American history, with particular interest in how the PRI maintained its political hegemony in Mexico throughout the 20th Century and how it subsequently fractured. Throughout my studies, I completed a research assistantship with the LSE US Phelan Centre, seeking to understand how Latinx communities in the Inland Empire utilize media and community groups to advocate for their civil rights. In addition, I also completed an internship at LatinNews and was a contributor for the Latin America Bureau, which drew me closer to journalism.

After completing my degree, I trained as a journalist, completing a qualification in Multimedia Journalism from the UK's National Council of Training for Journalists. I then began working as a broadcast journalist for CNN International’s flagship program, Amanpour, and its evening prime-time show, Isa Soares Tonight. During my time there, I produced in-depth interviews with key contemporary political figures, including the Venezuelan leader of the opposition, Maria Corina Machado, and former Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos. I also contributed to the network’s coverage of the Mexican election. This experience fortified my interest in analyzing how western media portrays Latin America and how certain counter-productive narratives of the region are upheld. 

Currently, I’m an MSc student at St. Anthony’s College, where I hope to explore how media and politics interact in Latin America. I’m particularly interested in how indigenous groups have leveraged digital, print, and radio media to counter mainstream reductive narratives that limit their agency and autonomy within national discourses. Outside of my studies, you’ll likely find me listening to trova, going on runs, cooking, or trying to learn salsa caleña.