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About Me.

I was in High School when a photographer friend of mine first introduced me to photography in the 1980s. It was love at first sight! Photos are great storytelling tools and I've always used them to share stories about my friends and family and to document events I'd cover during my 30 years as a political journalist.

 

I worked for major international news networks, including EFE, Univision, and Telemundo, mainly covering Congress, the White House, and all other federal agencies, always focused on issues impacting the Hispanic community. I interviewed American and foreign presidents, politicians of all stripes, celebrities, and everyday Americans pursuing their dreams. My career took me to exciting places where I always learned something new and met amazing people, from immigrant shelters at the U.S.-Mexico border, to the streets of Havana, to the Dead Sea and the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Always high stress- high rewards environments! 

But I'm on a different professional journey, promoting the Library of Congress, its collections, programs, events, and services. And what an amazing place it is! As I like to tell people, with over 178 million items to see and admire, you never lose your sense of wonder within its walls on Capitol Hill. 

 

Now, also as a thriving photographer, I want to use my skills, creativity, and imagination to turn your family moments or business milestones into lifelong treasures. Whether you're interested in family portraits or using images to promote your products or services, I will be happy to help you!  

Image of MariaPeña
Image by Annie Spratt

Education                                         Work History

Cornell University

Certificate Program in Digital Photography 

April - August 2024 

The Johns Hopkins University

Master's in Communications and Public Relations

August 2021 - May 2023

The American University

Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism

Minor in French 

August 1986 - May 1990 

Library of Congress

Public Affairs Specialist

2020 - present

NBC Universal/Telemundo

Washington Digital Reporter

2018 - 2020

La Opinion/Impremedia

Washington Correspondent

2013 - 2018 

EFE News Services

Washington Correspondent

1998 - 2013 

United Press International

Radio producer and news writer

1993 - 1998

NBC/Canal de Noticias

Tape producer and news writer

1993

Univision Network

Field producer 

1990 - 1993

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Business Name © 2025

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