Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Gonzales
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Five years ago, I started covering people’s stories in the community using short form video interviews. In helping to tell those stories, I made connections throughout the city and met amazing people that I would’ve never met otherwise. I started out with the premise of wanting to support local businesses and people within our community And have done just that along with my family. I began working with La Prensa Texas newspaper as a digital journalist in early 2020 and earned the title of Digital Director for the newspaper. Over those five years I’ve been given awards such as The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for my work as a Covid Crisis Response Nurse, President elect of several organizations within my time as a doctoral student as well as recognized and invited to speak or attend special events throughout the city. Within the last few years, I worked to achieve my doctorate degree in nursing and I am currently a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I’m also working out of a local clinic where we provide regenerative medicine, weight loss, Botox and fillers. In 2023, I was crowned Queen of the River Walk after raising thousands of dollars for local scholarships in which I worked to protect, preserve and promote the city’s River Walk until February of 2024. Well, I’m still very active in the community, I’m also very active in reducing the stigma of mental health and helping people achieve their goals, both mentally and physically.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Life has thrown curve balls at me and I’ve done my best to get through those times thanks to friends and family, COVID was a big hurdle personally as I believe it was for many others. I’ve made friends, lost friends, lost loved ones and have hit bumps in personal goals due to circumstances beyond my control.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have 2 podcasts that have helped to turn my short for interviews into long form thus creating a space for my guests to really delve into their lives and work. Overall, I’d say I specialize in supporting all things local. From creators to chefs to shops. I’m proud that I’m known for that. People reach out to me often to help a business or person because they know that’s what I’m known for. What sets me apart is my heart. My ability to truly listen and understand people with compassion and empathy.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the last 5 years, I’ve seen how much social media alone has shifted and the attention span of people and what they’re looking for now. Having to adjust while also continuing to be me and true to my goals is a necessity. I foresee social media and consumption of news returning back to a slower pace for some. Regarding my career, I’ve notice an uptick in people being open and honest about their mental health and having more discussions about it which I think is beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @officialnorteno210
- Facebook: @norteno210
- Youtube: Norteno 210 podcast
