Almost every professional goes through the transition of a career at some point in their careers. Transitioning from a successful career as a television host and author to becoming a breast cancer activist signifies a massive shift in focus and purpose. This transition may involve a period of introspection and self-discovery as individuals steer their motivations for engaging in activism and identify the effective ways to contribute to the cause. It may also require stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, challenging preconceived notions, and embracing the responsibilities of being a voice for change.

Transitioning from a career in entertainment to becoming a breast cancer activist represents a profound journey of personal growth, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. One of the recent examples of such an individual is Mayte Prida, a renowned television host, author, and breast cancer activist who has dedicated her life to making a difference in media and healthcare advocacy. Born on March 28, 1962, in Mexico City, Mexico, Mayte’s journey from a young television reporter to a prominent figure in the Hispanic media landscape is inspiring.

Early Life and Education

Mayte Prida was born to Ricardo Prida Barrio and Maria Teresa Osorio de Prida. Raised among her siblings in Mexico City, she pursued her passion for media communications by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in Texas in 1985. Additionally, she attended Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico City, further honing her skills in the field.

Journey from Local Reporting to International Recognition

Prida’s career in the media industry began with beginnings as a local reporter at KWEX-TV. Her talent and dedication soon propelled her to become an anchor for the evening news. Her journey continued as she joined KMEX-TV, where she became the network’s first young female anchor.

In the 1990s and mid-2000s, Mayte’s career reached new heights as she became associated with SIN Network (later Univision). At Univision, she produced and co-hosted various shows, including “America” and “Salud para Todos”. She also ventured into children’s television, producing and hosting shows like “The World of Mayte” for Fox TV and “Futbol con Mayte” for The International Futbol Channel.

Her versatility as a media personality teleported her into Latin rap, releasing several records and earning hits on the Latin charts in the United States. In 2007, she joined Telemundo, hosting “Entre Amigas,” a television show focused on women-oriented topics.

Prida was not only limited to television; she also stepped into radio hosting. She started hosting “Arriba con Mayte” on W Radio 690 AM in 2011 and later moved to Radio Centro 1030 AM in 2017.

As of 2024, Prida remains actively involved in media and publishing, associated with companies like Kemociooon Productions, Un Camino de Luz, and reVOLVER Podcasts. She hosts programs, writes articles and books through these platforms, and works on breast cancer awareness and women’s health campaigns.

From Breast Cancer Survivor to Advocate for Health Awareness

Prida’s journey took a poignant turn when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2001, a period marked by the absence of health insurance. This challenging experience ignited within her a fervent determination to support Hispanic women facing similar health struggles. Subsequently, she also confronted battles with lung and cervical cancer, further reinforcing her commitment to health advocacy within her community.

Determined to turn her adversity into advocacy, she became involved in breast cancer awareness campaigns and initiatives. Her battle with cancer fueled her commitment to raise awareness, support survivors, and promote early detection and access to resources. In addition to her advocacy for breast cancer awareness, Prida has been a vocal supporter of various health and women-related initiatives. She has served as a spokesperson for organizations and pharmaceutical companies, contributing to launching patient assistance programs and advocating for health disparities bills.

In 2004, Mayte founded The Mayte Prida Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring individuals affected by breast cancer. Through her foundation, she has provided support to thousands of individuals affected by breast cancer, offering resources, education, and hope. Notably, the foundation does not fund research but focuses on empowering individuals through education and inspiration.

Publications

Mayte Prida is also an author, having penned several books on topics ranging from personal journeys to self-help and motivation. Some of her notable works include “A Difficult Journey: My Battle With Cancer,” “Con Fe,” “Cuando Un Ser Querido Se Va,” and “Los 365 De Mayte”.

Awards and Honors

Mayte Prida’s media, literature, and activism contributions have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the True Champion Award from Yoplait, Siempre Mujer (2008), the Eagle Fly Free Award from the Institute for Advancement and Multicultural Medicine (2007), and the National Award for Mexican Women from the National Chamber of Mexican Women (2019), among others. In 2015, she was included in the list of Powerful Women by People en Español and recognized as an Admirable Mexican Professional Woman by CARAS Magazine in 2016. She also received an honorary doctorate from the Mexican Institute of Leaders of Excellence in 2017.

Published by: Holy Minoza