Conversations with Kristen Aguirre

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Aguirre

Hi Kristen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was an on-air tv journalist for 15 years focusing on community based stories, shinning a light on underserved communities. My first Emmy nomination came from a piece I did in Flint and how the water crisis impacted the Spanish-speaking and undocumented community. My career was on the rise when I took an anchor/reporter job in Denver, Co, a top 20 market. I was the happy and the healthiest I had ever been until one Sunday I didn’t show up for work. My coworkers knew something was up and they called my boyfriend, Darren at the time to go check on me. When he got to my apartment I was still napping but was jolted awake from his banging on the door. I quickly sat up and when i tried to stand up I immediately felt hitting my head off the dresser. The next thing I remember is waking up on the floor to Darren still yelling at me to open the door. This time when i tried to sit up I couldn’t, This time I knew something was wrong so I yelled for help. Darren called 911. When the paramedics arrived they performed the usual vitals and said I was presenting signs of stroke but as a young 30-year-old woman they couldn’t believe it so, they suggested perhaps it was a complex migraine which can often mimic stroke signs. At this point my mind was racing, what could possibly be wrong with me? Why couldn’t I move my left side? I was rushed to the ICU where they later confirmed I did survive an ischemic stroke. My parents flew in from Chicago and after a week in the ICU I was transferred to Craig Hospital. Doctor’s initially told me I would never walk again and I would mostly likely need a wheelchair the rest of my life. For the next four months my team and I threw every therapy we could at my injury. Eventually on my discharge date cheered on by my family and best friends I walked out of the hospital on my own. It was a true miracle from God. On my journey, for me this was the easy part. I was desperate to get back to storytelling and into the newsroom.

I left the hospital at the end of June and attempted to get back into the newsroom in the fall. My station though initially supportive of my recovery and return eventually lacked that enthusiasm when I actually needed the help to get back into the swing of things. My news director at the time would put road block up after road block but still I would tackle each one hitting deadline. Right before the anniversary of my stroke in March I was officially fired.

I knew I needed to regroup so, I decided to leave Denver and move back home to Chicago with my parents. That next year and a half I focused on my health, specifically my mental health. My agent eventually lined up an interview for an anchor/reporter position in Asheville, NC. I officially took the job and moved there in April 2021. I loved my boss and being behind the desk again but something was missing. That something walked into my life in October. My husband and I eventually got engaged and decided it was time to move back Midwest.

Luckily, a morning anchor position opened up in Kalamazoo. We took the job and moved back to the mitten in August 2022. I love storytelling but my life changed in November when I found out I was pregnant. I knew I needed a better schedule for my little girl and growing family. I anchored my last newscast in January 2024. I then took a position with Disability Network Southwest Michigan as the PR manger. Now part of the disability community, I wanted to continue to fuel my passion for supporting the community through storytelling. Shinning a light on the work my agency does has been such an special time in my writing career.

I’m now using my communications skills to consult with local nonprofits to expand their brands and messaging. We’re also working on launching our own nonprofit called Still Here. It aims at supporting female brain injury survivors on their roads to recovery.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, plenty! I had to overcome paralysis, unemployment and ableism. I’ve seen first-hand how ableism impacts the disability community. When I was trying to get back on air in Denver my managers at the time would scrutinize my every mistake. They would often reference my stroke if I stumbled and would criticize the way I would look into the camera, calling it “a weird stare” As a disabled person in my field I need to work harder to prove I’m up to par and can do the job as well as anyone else. I’ve really had to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome, reminding myself I am good enough. My disability is simply part of my diversity. It makes me no more or less of a person.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With 15-years of broadcast journalism and two Emmy nominations under my belt, I use my communications/media expert skills to help brands expand their reach and audience through social media and digital campaigns. I am proud of both my Emmy nominations, most recently the West Michigan Warriors series where we focused on people in the community overcoming obstacles in their lives. Right now I’m getting ready to launch the #DWord campaign which aims at taking back the word Disability after decades of society trying to shame disabled people with lighter terms like “special needs.”

What sets me apart from others is my passion and storytelling. I genuinely care about the agencies I partner with and with my storytelling expertise I can push their missions forward.

I am also a keynote speaker and host. I’ve worked with brands like Google, The American Heart Association and The American Brain Foundation to inspire their audience and host fundraising events.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I found dating with a disability to be harder than anything! Do I tell them about my disability right off the bat? There’s a lot of nuances when it comes to dating but throw in a disability and it’s a whole other level. Surprisingly, I met my husband after a few horror dating stories, and he redeemed my faith in men. I wanted to test him, and word vomited my entire stroke story on our first date. I wanted to see his reaction but instead of getting up and leaving, he leaned in and wanted to learn more. So, to those reading this, there is hope.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristenaguirre.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenaguirre/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristenAguirreTV
• Twitter: https://x.com/KristenAguirre
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kristenaguirre7345/featured